CARE GUIDE

Caring for your countertop

A few simple habits keep your new top looking the way it did on install day. Pick your surface below for cleaning and care instructions.

Quartz

Engineered stone

↓

Granite

And other natural stone

↓

Laminate

Postformed and square-edge

↓

01

Quartz

Quartz is non-porous, so spills sit on the surface instead of soaking in. It’s very low maintenance, but the resin that binds it doesn’t like high heat or harsh chemicals.

Every day

Wipe with warm water and a little mild dish soap on a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse and dry with a microfibre cloth for a streak-free shine.
A household glass cleaner is fine for a quick polish.

Spills and stuck-on mess

Wipe up spills soon, especially wine, coffee, tea, juice, oil and food colouring.
Gently lift dried food, gum or paint with a plastic scraper.
For tougher spots, use a non-abrasive cleaner or one made for quartz, then rinse well.

Heat and knives

Always use a trivet or hot pad under pots, pans and baking dishes.
Put a board under heat-making appliances like slow cookers, air fryers and toaster ovens.
Cut on a cutting board. Quartz resists scratches, but it will dull your knives.

Avoid

Bleach, oven cleaner, drain cleaner and paint stripper.
Nail polish remover and other solvents. Wipe up any splash right away.
Scouring pads, steel wool and gritty powders.
Long, direct sunlight. Quartz isn’t made for outdoor use.

02

Granite and natural stone

Natural stone is tough and handles everyday kitchen life well. Gentle cleaners and quick wipe-ups keep the finish looking its best for years.

Every day

Wipe with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap on a soft cloth.
Rinse with clean water and dry to prevent water spots.
For a deeper clean, use a pH-neutral cleaner labelled safe for natural stone.

Spills

Blot spills with a paper towel rather than wiping, so they don’t spread.
Clean up oil, wine, coffee and citrus promptly, then wash the spot with soapy water.
Use coasters under glasses and bottles, and a tray for oils and soaps by the stove and sink.

Heat and knives

Granite handles heat well, but a trivet is still the safest habit, especially near seams and edges.
Cut on a cutting board to protect both your knives and the stone’s finish.
Lift heavy pots and appliances rather than dragging them.

Avoid

Vinegar, lemon juice and other acidic cleaners, which can dull the polish.
Bleach, ammonia and harsh bathroom or oven cleaners.
Scouring pads, steel wool and abrasive powders.

Leathered or honed finish? Textured finishes can show fingerprints and oily marks more than polished stone. Wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and dry.

03

Laminate

Laminate has a hard, wipe-clean surface over a wood-based core. Keep it away from high heat and standing water, and it will look good for a long time.

Every day

Wipe with warm water and mild dish soap on a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse and dry, paying attention to seams and the edge around the sink.
A non-abrasive household spray cleaner is fine for everyday use.

Spills and stains

Wipe up spills right away, especially near seams, where water can seep in.
For stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, rub gently with a soft cloth, then rinse.
Never leave wet dishcloths or puddles sitting on the counter.

Heat and knives

Never set hot pots or pans directly on laminate. Always use a trivet.
Put a board under kettles, slow cookers, toaster ovens and curling irons.
Always cut on a cutting board. Knives will scratch the surface.

Avoid

Scouring powders, steel wool and abrasive pads.
Drain cleaner, oven cleaner and nail polish remover. Wipe up splashes right away.
Waxes and furniture polish, which leave a sticky film.

MANUFACTURER CARE GUIDES

Care and maintenance by brand

Each manufacturer publishes its own care guide. Pick your brand to open it. Not sure which brand you have? Give us a call and we’ll help you find out.