The Best Care For a Hard Engineered Countertop Surfaces

Engineered Countertops are manufactured products and can be very attractive. 

The manufacturing process allows for a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in natural stones such as marble or granite. 

The appearance of the finished engineered stone is rich, even luxurious. The finish has a depth that can’t be compared to solid surface materials such as Corian.

Having engineered countertops will give you the same durability as concrete or granite, but is more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. It doesn’t have the hardness that some people find unpleasant.

Like other hard surface materials, engineered countertops are non-porous so they resist staining much better than granite, marble and concrete.

They stand up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. For cleanliness, a non-porous surface means that it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. 

You can rest assured that it is quite easy to care for a hard engineered countertop, and that’s a great benefit in both the kitchen and the bathroom.

Below, let us look at some of the simplest and most effective methods to keep your engineered countertops looking new and shiny.

Clean your surfaces routinely

• Wipe down with a soft rag and mild detergent 

Clean the counter with soap and warm water daily, if possible. If you have honed surfaces, wipe them down more frequently, as needed. Honed surfaces tend to make common signs of use, such as fingerprints, more visible

• Scrape away dried gunk

Use a blunt, plastic scraper such as a putty knife. Scrape gently to remove hardened spills or buildup such as gum, grease, nail polish or paint.

It’s a good idea to keep a plastic putty knife in a nearby drawer for quick access, so that you can use it when you notice dried spills on your engineered countertops.

Do not Throw Away the Warranty Certificate of your engineered countertops 

Every engineered construction material will always come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which you should review and keep around for the entire term of coverage. 

Keep in mind that quartz slabs are amalgams that can sometimes break away under rare circumstances. The warranty certificate will specify some recommendations on the proper care for a hard engineered countertop, and following them will ensure a long life for your investment.

Protect your countertops

There are a number of ways to care for engineered countertops by protecting them from unwanted blemishes. For starters, protect the surface from extreme temperature swings. 

Always put down pot warmers or stands for hot pots and pans, and use coasters for coffee and cold drinks, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus. Quartz for Kitchen Countertops are fine with temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, but they do not handle abrupt temperature swings very well.

Don’t Cut On your engineered countertops 

You should avoid cutting directly on the engineered surface. Use a cutting board instead as this will protect the surface from becoming chipped or damaged. Quartz can handle a lot of abuse, but it is possible to scratch it with a sharp knife or any other cutting tool.

There are special cleaners for engineered countertops 

Despite the non-porous surface of a quartz countertop, some messes are too big for your everyday cleaning routine. The best cleaner for these messes is still a mild liquid dish soap. Never use harsh chemicals, as these may react with the resins and etch the surface.

Also, avoid using anything abrasive, such as scrubbing cleansers. For a stubborn caked-on, dried mess, it’s safe to let it soak beneath a damp towel until the dirt loosens. You can also ask your fabricator to recommend cleaners specially made to help care for a hard engineered countertop.

Tampa Bay Marble and Granite Countertops Company supplies a fine line of engineered countertops from the most recognized brands. Reach out to us today for the best selection of Tampa Bay Countertops, and expert advice on how to care for your surfaces.