As with everything else in a home, countertops require proper care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, your countertops are an investment, and in order to protect your investment and preserve the life of your countertops for years to come, it is important to care for them properly. Proper care = long life for your kitchen or bathroom countertops!
Lexmar USA is committed to providing only the highest quality countertop materials, but, like anything else in your home, they do require some care. Your countertops are made to be used, and by following just a few simple guidelines, they can continue their usage and maintain their beauty for years. The care and maintenance of your kitchen and bathroom countertops depends on which specific materials they are made of.
![granite countertop in pittsburgh kitchen](https://www.lexmarusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/solid-brown-counter.jpg)
Kitchen and Bath Countertop Maintenance
- Solid Surface Countertops – Most Solid Surface Countertops can be cleaned with simple soap and water. Solid Surface Countertops are known for their durability and ease of care. Like any countertops in a busy kitchen, you may encounter a particularly stubborn stain. For more tips on caring for your Solid Surface Countertops, click here.
- Quartz Countertops – Quartz surfaces, or engineered stone surfaces, are very easy to clean and maintain. Because quartz is a naturally powerful mineral, is it resistant to staining, etching and damage. However, there are some tips to help ensure that your Quartz Countertops continue to maintain their beauty and look like new. Click here to learn more details about the care of Quartz Countertops.
- Granite Countertops – Granite Countertops that are properly polished will not lose their shine nor will they scratch from everyday wear-and-tear. There are a few simple steps that you can take to preserve the polished luster of your Granite Countertops and keep them looking as great as the day that they were installed. Click here to learn more about the caring for your Granite Countertops.
Sink Maintenance
- Stainless Steel Sinks – Stainless Steel Sinks are easy to keep stain-free with a few simple tips. Rinse your sink after each use, and clean weekly with an abrasive cleaner to prevent build-up. Unlike other sinks, Stainless Steel Sinks hold up well with most abrasive cleaners. If you’re looking for that extra “sparkle,” apply dry flour, rub the flour in with a soft cloth, then simply rinse and dry.
- Porcelain Sinks – Porcelain Sinks are best cleaned using hot, sudsy water, using your regular dishwashing liquid. Avoid any abrasive cleaners, as they may cause minute scratches. Porcelain sinks can also be cleaned using regular household non-abrasive kitchen cleaning products. Be sure to avoid any products that contain heavy bleaches.
- Granite Composite Sinks – Be sure to clean your Granite Composite Sink with water and a non-abrasive or mildly abrasive cleaner such as baking soda. Refrain from using any heavy-duty scouring pads, steel wool or abrasive cleaners on your Granite Composite Sink, as they can cause scratches that promote stains and discoloration. Avoid any ammonia products or acidic cleansers, which can etch the surface of the sink. After cleaning your Granite Composite Sink, rinse it well and wipe it dry using a soft, clean cloth, which helps to avoid water spots and soap scum.
- Copper or Bronze Sinks – Copper and Bronze Sinks are relatively easy to care for, requiring only a gentler soap or cleanser and wiping it with a soft dry cloth. If you desire a shiny, new copper look, use non-abrasive copper cleaners and follow the directions stated on the product. However, there are a few things NOT to do in caring for a Copper or Bronze Sink: NEVER use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, chlorine bleach or cleansers, concentrated vinegar, abrasive cleaners, or other harsh chemicals, or leave acidic foods such as oranges or lemons, tomatoes, tea, etc. on your sink. If you experience spotting, simply clean your Copper or Bronze Sink with soap and water.
- Specialty Glass Sink – A Specialty Glass Sink depends on the type of glass that is used. Be sure to contact Lexmar, who can give you more details on the care and maintenance of your Specialty Glass Sink.
For more information on our superior line of Granite, Quartz & Solid Surface Countertops, Countertop Remnants, Sinks, or Shower Surrounds and Pans, contact Lexmar USA today or talk to your home contractor about using a Lexmar product in your home renovation.