If you are anything like us, once you invest in your countertops, you want to get the most out of them. Your countertops’ longevity is directly correlated with your maintenance and upkeep. Since not all countertops are created equal, no “one” remedy handles everything, but knowing how to clean each type of countertop will help you get the most out of your investment. To help, we explored different countertops and various remedies to help you keep them clean and lasting as long as possible. Let’s take a look!

Laminate

Laminate is a great, affordable countertop solution used in many homes today. The surface is nonporous which makes it easy to clean. It will not need to be sealed or refinished like some countertops. A simple way to clean laminate is with a homogenous blend of water and vinegar. You can use this to get the shine to come back. To remove dirt, simply wipe with a rag to remove debris.

Granite

Granite is a durable, gorgeous countertop option. If you have granite, cleaning it is essential. Try to avoid glass cleaners regularly because this can dull the shine in the counter. You should consider having your countertop sealed annually. Depending on the countertops’ use, you may need to have frequent sealings. Granite is a natural element, and it can be stained. Try to remove spills immediately to prevent penetration into the countertop.

Quartz

Like granite, quartz countertops are very durable; however, they are more flexible. This is an added benefit making the surfaces hard to chip or crack. Because quartz is non-porous, you do not have to seal them. Quartz is a very low-maintenance countertop solution, and it should be noted that direct sunlight can cause discoloring. If you have the opportunity to block UV rays with blinds or shades, remember to do so.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are coming back into the market for their natural aesthetic appeal. Butcher block is typically oiled. To clean, remove dirt from your countertops. Pick a food-safe oil but avoid walnut and culinary oils because these can oxidize and build of the surface. If you have a coating on your surface, this should be sanded off before application. Apply a mineral oil and allow it to absorb. You can then add a conditioner as well to prevent cracking to the wood.

All countertops have pros and cons, but you should be able to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider the maintenance requirements to sustain your countertops for longer. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.