Regularly sealing stone countertops keeps them nonporous and easy to maintain. How often you need to re-seal depends on the type of stone, how heavily you use your countertops and what comes into contact with them.
For example, if you chop raw chicken on your countertops three times per day, it’s a good idea to re-seal once per year if you have granite or marble.
Quartz is the only natural stone countertop with manmade materials introduced during processing. These materials make the stone more durable and less porous.
Usually, quartz is sealed as part of this processing, so you might not need to re-seal it ever again! However, check with the stone manufacturer to see if your countertops were sealed and if so, when. Ask if they have any recommendations on when or if to re-seal.
What’s Hiding in My Countertops?
You want to keep your kitchen clean and bacteria-free, but you also have to protect the integrity of your stone countertops.
If your stone countertops are sealed as recommended by the manufacturer, you can usually clean them just like a fully manmade solid surface. A concoction of bleach and warm water is an affordable, safe and easy way to kill bacteria. If you’re worried about accidentally damaging your countertops, do a spot test in an area that isn’t noticeable to make sure it won’t damage the surface.
Alternatively, you can pick up a stone cleaner specially made for your counters, though these can be costly and often aren’t necessary.
How Often to Seal and Clean Stone Counters
Not all sealants are created equally. Your countertop installer and/or manufacturer can tell you the best sealant for your slab as well as give you a schedule of when to re-seal. Some homeowners opt for a DIY approach, while others bring in a professional who promises more years of protection for a premium price.
How often you clean with an anti-bacterial agent depends on how often you use your countertops. On a daily basis, a warm, wet rag with perhaps a touch of dish soap is enough. Clean your counters with an anti-bacterial agent at least once a week, but always after prepping raw or potentially contaminated foods.
If you have young children or people with compromised immune systems living in your home, you may want to disinfect more often. Kitchens can be both the heart of the home and a breeding ground for bacteria, so you want to keep them safe without compromising the beauty of your countertops.
For advice specific to your stone counters, or for help choosing the best slab, contact Intermountain Stone & Marble.
