QUARTZ

 Congratulations on the using durable Quartz for your project! 

Quartz is a beautiful, durable and resilient countertop surface that will provide you with many years of trouble free performance. Maintaining your quartz is simple and easy.

• For every day cleaning use a soft sponge or dishcloth with warm water.
• For stubborn or greasy clean-ups use a PH neutral liquid cleaner such as Mr. Clean, 409, Simple Green, Fantastic etc. or ordinary dish washing detergent e.g. Palmolive with warm water applied with a soft sponge or dishcloth.
• For any persistent staining issues, Bon Ami, Barkeepers friend of Soft Scrub products without bleach can be applied first to a wetted sponge or dishcloth, and then applied to the countertop surface. Please note that an aggressive use of more abrasive non-chemical cleaners can result in the dulling of the quartz surface.
• To sanitize a quartz surface, a 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol solution can be used or a Lysol Disinfectant spray.
• Avoid using sponges that contain aluminum oxide (the same abrasive in sand paper) as it may dull finish.
• Though most common household cleaners have no effect on quartz, never allow your quartz countertop to come in contact with drain cleaners, paint strippers, acetone or products containing Hydrofluoric acid, Ammonia, Methylene chloride, Trichloroethylene or any product with a very high or very low PH. These types of chemicals may etch or discolor the surface of Quartz.
• There is no need to seal your quartz countertop. Unlike natural stone products which have porous surfaces, quartz is non-porous, meaning that any sealer applied will not penetrate beyond the surface of the material. Eventually the sealer may start to wear off unevenly in high use areas causing the polish to appear inconsistent.
• Quartz is scorch resistant and under normal conditions is not affected. Always use a trivet or hot pad between quartz and any heat generating device including but not limited to crock pots, deep fryers, hot pots and pans or electric skillets. Sudden or rapid change of temperature or sustained heating, especially near edges and cut outs, may create enough thermal expansion energy to cause your countertop to crack. Damage caused by thermal expansion is not covered under the  warranty.
• Brushed, honed or concrete finishes by nature of their textured surface may require daily cleaning in order to maintain a pristine appearance. These alternate finishes have an increased surface texture and as a result may show more surface markings as a result of normal day to day activities. Markings caused as a result of normal use of the countertop will be only on the surface and should be easily removable by use of any the approved cleaners or cleaner types mentioned above. Over the lifetime of your brushed, honed or concrete finish surface, constant daily use may result in the development of a patina which will be unique to each installation. 

   Congratulations on the using dependable granite for your project! 

               There's a reason granite is popular countertop material. It's beautiful, strong, and gives your kitchen a much-needed update. However, it takes a little work to keep them beautiful.

•  Never use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool on granite. It can scratch the finish and make your countertops look dull. It's best to use a soft microfiber towel or a wrung-out sponge.
• While you shouldn't use acidic or ammonia-based cleaning products, commercial granite does not react to common acids. This includes products like Windex, vinegar, bleach, or lemon juice. While these cleaners are great for streak-free windows or stubborn bathroom stains, they don't properly clean your granite countertops and shouldn't be used. Like all other food prep surfaces, commercial granite should be properly cared for. 
• For best options for cleaning, seek professional granite cleaners. Since these products are specifically made to care for natural stone, you'll get even better results. Unless you have a stain, that's really all you need to do to keep your countertops looking beautiful.
• The sealant on your granite will keep out most bacteria. Wiping down your countertops with proper cleaners will be enough to protect you from harmful bacteria.
• There are some situations when you want a little more sanitization. For example, if you've just had raw chicken on the counter, you need more than just soap & hot water. In that case, you can use a specially formulated product like GranQuartz 111M Kitchen and Counter cleaner. It's safe to use, has a pleasant scent, and won't leave residue behind.
• When you have a granite countertop installed in your home, it will typically come with a layer of sealant on it but if not will need a quality granite impregnator, like Stone Pro “Ultimate Pro” Impregnator. This sealant acts as a barrier from oil and water-based stain.
• Unfortunately, the sealant won't last as long as the granite no matter how well you care for it so expect to reapply sealer after a few years of regular use. A coat of sealant typically lasts two to five years, depending on your cleaning habits and how much you use your countertops.
• No need to panic though, it just means you'll need to reseal your countertops. You can either do it yourself with a sealant kit or hire a professional. Before you get your granite countertops resealed, make sure they actually need it. Using too much sealer can absorb oil and cause stains. To check the sealant, put a few drops of water on the counter. If the sealant still works, it should bead up. If the water soaks in, it's time for a new coat of sealant.
• Commercial granite is measured by its porosity aka the ability to absorb water. There are many things that can cause stains or discoloration. Be sure not to put hot pans directly on sealed granite counters and to wipe up spills quickly.
• Cleaning granite countertops can be a breeze if you have the right products and knowledge. Once you come up with a cleaning routine, caring for your countertops will become second nature.

Granite countertops are durable and luxurious, but they are an investment. Knowing how to maintain your counters will keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

  Congratulations on the using timeless marble for your project!

Although marble is a beautiful and durable stone surface for countertops, it takes extra care for cleaning and maintenance. It is composed of calcium carbonate, which makes it susceptible to etching by any acids. Marble is softer and more porous than granite and as a result, you may see more scratches, pitting, cracks, stains, and even dulling of the shine.

• Splashes of acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, citrus fruits, sodas, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and even vinegar will damage marble. When you use a marble countertop for food preparation, you will need to wipe up any spills immediately. It may be a good idea to put down a protective sheet, such as silicone or plastic while working on a marble countertop. Or, use a large cutting board and do your prep work on it. 
• Marble is tolerant of hot pot and pans, but you should always protect it with a trivet. Use placemats and coasters under plates and glasses when serving on a marble countertop. Immediately after each meal, clean the countertop before you go on to other tasks.
• Dust at least once a week with a soft microfiber cloth. For wet cleaning, use a damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone. Check with your countertop company for their recommendations. It is common to use mild dish soap and water. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the counter. Wipe and scrub gently with a damp cloth. Rinse the towel and wipe until all of the suds are gone. You can then dry the countertop with a soft towel.
• Do not use regular cleaning products that can etch the stone surface over time. Especially avoid cleaning products that include vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon juice, orange, or other citrus foods. Never use abrasive cleaners that will damage and dull the finish. Be sure to discuss this with any visitors or relatives who are staying with you or helping prepare a holiday feast. Have the appropriate cleaning products available and think of moving all of your vinegar to a locked cabinet.
• Seal the countertops regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to reseal when water fails to bead up when it splashes on the surface. Sealing will help prevent stains and damage and keep the marble countertops looking beautiful. However, there are some marble surfaces that do not need sealing, so you must check to be sure you are not adding sealers that will just remain on the surface.
• For mild etching, look for a marble polishing powder that is approved for that use and follow the directions. Stains will need to be dealt with according to what caused the stain. A baking soda poultice is a general solution for many stains. To make it, mix baking soda with a little water, spread it on the stain, and cover it. After 12 to 24 hours, you gently remove the paste and wipe the area with a damp cloth. 

Congratulations on the using natural soapstone for your project!  

There are a few steps to take after your new countertop is installed. Wait about 24 hours to let any dust residue settle. Then you brush off the surface and wipe on a good coat of mineral oil using a clean rag. There’s no need to let it sit—soapstone is nonporous, so the oil won’t sink in. Once your countertop is evenly coated—that is, the same dark charcoal color all over—you can wipe away any excess oil with a clean rag or paper towel.

• For the first few months, your new countertop should be oiled about once a week. After that, it’ll depend on how much you use the kitchen and how often you clean the countertop (which removes the oil). 
• You’ll find your own pattern The mineral oil will come off faster for people who cook every day, compared to someone who eats out regularly. The average homeowner adds oil about once a month or every two to three months. 
• Mostly, it depends on how dark you want the stone to be. Un-oiled soapstone is a light gray, while oil brings out a rich black shade. What’s your preference?”
• If you notice that water isn’t beading on the surface, it’s probably time to reapply oil.
• Since soapstone is nonporous, it resists bacteria and doesn’t stain. It’s chemically neutral, which means that acidic foods like lemon juice won’t cause blemishes or the etching you get with marble. And it’s heat-resistant, so no scorch marks. Usually, all you need to clean it is a sponge dipped in soapy water. To attack food residue, feel free to use an abrasive cleanser such as Ajax or whatever else you have around. 
• Because soapstone is softer than, say, granite, it is possible to scratch the surface or nick an edge. But that’s easily remedied. Keeping a worn piece of sandpaper under the sink. If you see a small scratch, just rub the sandpaper over the area to even it out. A fairly coarse 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, but that a worn piece will be more gentle than a new one. 

And going forward, be sure to protect your countertop by always using a cutting board.

 Congratulations on the using innovative porcelain for your project! 

                 Porcelain is becoming increasingly popular as interior designers and business owners discover the benefits of natural stone. Not only are they beautiful, but they are durable and have limited maintenance. These are all reasons natural stone is taking the interior design world by storm and porcelain is definitely included

• Whether you’re cooking chicken or serving customers a latte, porcelain countertops need to be wiped down regularly. These countertops do not have pores like other natural stones, but they still need to be cleaned to remove bacteria sitting on the top.
• You should use a damp cloth and warm water to clean the surface after using it. Porcelain is stain-resistance, but when needed, you can use ammonia-based cleaning products. You definitely want to be sure to clean up anything that may be acidic right away because you don’t want it to eat away at the sealant or cause discoloration. Be sure that you are consistent when it comes to cleaning your porcelain countertops. 
• If you can prevent accidents from occurring, that is obviously the best way to prevent damage to your countertops, but you usually cannot always prevent that. Scuffs or stubborn marks can happen, but porcelain is stain and scratch resistance, so you can remove them. Use a sponge with a stain remover or a magic eraser to remove any marks. 
• Yes, porcelain is stain resistant, but if you want to keep your porcelain countertops looking impeccable, you should clean spills right away. Use normal temperature water and cloth to remove the spills. This is the best way to be sure that you do not somehow damage your countertops. Being diligent will ensure that your natural stone will stay in great shape. 
• Porcelain is nonporous because of their glazing and sometimes they are also sealed. However, some products should be avoided to prevent glazing/enamel from breaking. Don’t use steel wool pads, cleaning products with hydrofluoric acid or its derivatives. 
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If you are in love with the simple maintenance steps for your porcelain countertops, make the switch. Choose the best wholesale countertops near me! They come in a variety of styles and colors perfect for any home or business. Contact us to see our inventory and get some help choosing your perfect stone countertop. We handle the process from start to finish and we can’t wait to help you begin planning your new project!