 Cleaning and maintenance of engineered (man made) stone
countertops Engineered stone countertops are made of 99.9% solid
material, leaving very little space for harmful bacteria and other
microorganisms to live and develop. They are resistant to heat, cracks,
chipping, stains, and harmful chemicals. They generally require low
maintenance, and do not require a lot of cleaning time. These features make
engineered stone countertops appealing to most kitchen designers and
homeowners. Because they are made of nonporous materials, engineered
stone countertops do not require regular sealing to prevent staining, unlike
other countertops made of natural stone. Compared to granite countertops,
engineered stone countertops are almost indestructible. They are not easily
stained by fruit juices, wine, cooking oil, coffee, tea, nail polish and
remover, lotions, and other common household liquids. Engineered stone
countertops are also hygienic because they do not affect the taste of food or
compromise its safety when it is prepared on their surface. Follow these simple guidelines on how to clean and maintain
your engineered stone countertop properly so that it lasts a very long time: Engineered stone countertops only require a simple cleaning
routine to maintain their attractive look. Regular cleaning using a damp cloth
and a mild soap detergent is already enough. Because they are highly resistant
to stains, they cannot be affected by coffee, tea, wine, soda, fruit juice, and
vinegar spills. You can simply blot the spills, and your engineered stone
countertop can look good as new again. Although engineered stone countertops are made to resist
moderate temperatures, it is still advisable to use a dish towel or a trivet
before you place a hot pan on your countertop. Do not place hot plates directly
on the surface because prolonged exposure to high heat can damage your
engineered stone countertop. Avoid using very strong chemicals and other solutions with
unidentified ingredients to clean your engineered stone countertop. Make sure
your cleaning agent is recommended by your manufacturer. Read the label of your
cleaning agent before using it to identify its components. Stay away from floor
strippers and oven cleaners because they have very strong chemicals that can
damage your countertop surface. For engineered stone countertops with high gloss and
polished surfaces, use mild household cleaners such as Windex, Fantastik, and
Formula 409 in addition to the soap and water solution. For engineered stone countertops with honed surfaces or
those with a smooth and matte look, using the soap and water solution is enough
to clean and polish the surface. In removing finger prints, metal marks, and other surface
signs, use Soft Scrub. For tough stains, use a Scotch Brite pad. For very stubborn dried spills, using multipurpose cleaners
and detergents applied to green scouring pads is recommended. This cleaning
technique transfers the dirt from the surface to the pad. Do not worry about
abrasions because the rough pad would not damage your countertop surface. |
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