Welcome to Keele's Solid Surface Countertops!

Solid Surface Counter Top Care & Maintenance

Granite Counters - Care & Maintenance

"How do I clean and re-seal my beautiful new granite counters" is the most often asked question we get from our customers. We have the answer for you here, along with a few other tips for keeping your granite countertops beautiful.

Cleaning Granite Countertops:

• General Cleaning
  Use a mild liquid dishwashing detergent or stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) and warm water. Only a small amount of soap is needed. Using too much soap may result in a film or streaks. Do not use soaps that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids, as acid may damage the surface of the stone. Do not use powders or creams that include abrasives. Use a soft rag or cloth for best results. After washing rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
  
  
• Bathroom Counters and Other Wet Areas
  Counters that are regularly exposed to soapy water may build up a soap film. This can be minimized by using a squeegee to remove water from the counter after each use. To remove a soap film or scum from a stone counter use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water. (Mix about a half cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Warning: Do not use an excessive amount of ammonia, or clean with ammonia frequently, as this may dull the finish on stone.
  
  
• Kitchen Counters - Food Preparation Areas
  Natural stone is porous and can absorb liquids. In kitchens and other food preparation areas the use of a penetrating sealer may be required. This will seal the stone and prevent it from absorbing liquids. Check with us for sealer recommendations for the counters installed in your home.
  
  

Preventing Granite Counter Top Damage:

Acids can harm the surface of your counter top by etching or dulling the stone surface. Always use coasters under glasses and pitchers, in particular if they contain alcohol or citrus juices. If you spill juice or alcohol, clean up the spill immediately. Always use a cutting board.

Stone counters can be damaged by hot items. Never place a hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes. Also be careful with metal, china, ceramic, or other objects that can scratch the surface. Always use a trivet or mat under any container or object than can scratch the surface of your counter.

Quartz Counters - Care & Maintenance

Quartz countertops requires simple maintenance. Quartz is durable, scratch resistant, non-porous and resists stains. The product does not require sealants or waxes to maintain its luster but polishing with Soft scrub® gel will keep the quartz surface looking its best. If necessary, a non-abrasive can be used along with a non-scratch or delicate scrub pad such as blue Scotch-Brite® sponge. Adhered materials like food, gum or nail polish can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife; any marks left by the blade can be removed with Soft scrub® liquid gel and a blue Scotch-Brite® pad.

Honed finishes will require more daily maintenance than our polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with honed finishes, metal marks, finger prints and other signs of daily living will show on honed materials. Most of these marks can be removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products.

Preventing Quartz Counter Top Damage:

• Never use cleaners with an abrasive formula
• Do not allow caustic chemicals to come in contact with the surface
• Always protect the surface by using a trivet or a hot pad before placing heated objects on the surface
• Always use a cutting board

Acrylic Counters - Care & Maintenance

Soapy water, ammonia based cleaners (not window cleaners as they can leave a waxy build up that may dull the surface) or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most dirt and residue from all types of finishes.

A film build up on surfaces may occur if water is left to dry on the counter top. To prevent this, it's very important to wipe the counter top from all spills and cleaning.

Some colors may require more frequent cleaning to maintain a uniform finish. Darker colors tend to require more attention than lighter colors.

Preventing Acrylic Counter Top Damage:

• Never use cleaners with an abrasive formula
• Do not allow caustic chemicals to come in contact with the surface
• Always protect the surface by using a trivet or a hot pad before placing heated objects on the surface
• Always use a cutting board