As the holiday season approaches, families across Florida’s Nature Coast are preparing their homes for festive gatherings, delicious feasts, and endless celebrations. One of the most important areas in your home during this time is the kitchen, where you’ll likely spend a lot of time cooking, entertaining, and hosting guests. At the heart of your kitchen are your countertops—whether they’re the durable elegance of granite or the sleek sophistication of quartz.
Granite and quartz countertops are built to last, but like any surface in a busy household, they require some care and attention, especially during the bustling holiday season. At Deems Kitchens & Counters, we’re here to provide some expert maintenance and care tips to keep your countertops looking as beautiful and functional as the day they were installed.
1. Regular Cleaning is Key
The first step in countertop maintenance is cleaning—especially in a busy kitchen during the holidays when spills and messes are inevitable. For both granite and quartz surfaces, stick to mild dish soap or a gentle pH-balanced cleaner mixed with warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can dull the surface or break down the protective sealant on granite.
For granite countertops, remember to dry the surface after cleaning to avoid streaks and water spots. Granite is porous, so it’s essential to keep it sealed to prevent stains from soaking in.
For quartz countertops, you don’t have to worry about sealing since it is a non-porous surface. However, you still want to make sure that any sticky residues, such as spilled syrup, chocolate, or oils, are cleaned off quickly to avoid staining.
2. Tackle Spills Quickly
The holidays mean more guests and more chances for spills, whether it’s wine, coffee, or food. Both quartz and granite are relatively stain-resistant, but it’s always best to clean up spills promptly to avoid any potential damage.
Granite is more porous than quartz, so be sure to wipe up liquids like wine, citrus juices, and vinegar right away. These substances can penetrate the surface and cause discoloration if left too long, especially if your granite hasn’t been sealed properly.
Quartz countertops are non-porous, making them much more resistant to stains. However, be mindful of acidic foods and beverages such as citrus or tomato sauce. While quartz is less likely to absorb these substances, it’s still wise to clean them up as soon as possible to maintain the countertop’s luster.
3. Avoid Heat Damage
The holiday season often brings hot cookware, trays, and dishes straight from the oven to your countertops. While both granite and quartz are heat-resistant, they do have their limits.
Granite can handle heat fairly well, but it’s always better to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from extreme temperatures. A hot pan or pot can cause thermal shock and, in rare cases, crack the stone. Avoid placing very hot items directly onto your countertop, especially around the edges.
Quartz, on the other hand, is more sensitive to heat than granite due to the resin that binds the stone’s materials. Placing a hot pan directly on a quartz surface could cause discoloration or even damage the resin. It’s best to err on the side of caution and always use trivets or heat-resistant pads when handling hot cookware.
4. Keep the Surface Dry
Florida’s humidity, combined with the constant activity in the kitchen during the holidays, can create an environment where moisture might linger on your countertops. Excess moisture can weaken sealants on granite over time and cause streaking or water marks on quartz.
After cleaning, always dry the surface with a soft cloth. For granite, maintaining the sealant by applying a fresh coat when necessary (usually once a year) will help prevent any moisture damage. For quartz, moisture isn’t as much of an issue, but wiping away any leftover water or liquid will keep your countertop looking pristine.
5. Protect Against Scratches
While both granite and quartz are incredibly durable, they’re not immune to scratches. During the busy holiday season, when knives, forks, and other utensils are in constant use, it’s important to use cutting boards to prevent any damage to your countertops.
Granite is very scratch-resistant, but it’s still advisable to avoid using knives directly on the surface. A cutting board will not only preserve the sharpness of your knives but also prevent scratches.
Quartz is slightly more prone to scratches than granite due to its resin content, so it’s even more critical to use cutting boards and avoid placing sharp objects directly on the surface.
6. Preventing Staining
Both granite and quartz are stain-resistant, but no countertop is completely immune to all kinds of spills. Certain substances like oils, dyes, and foods with strong pigments (beet juice, coffee, etc.) can leave behind marks if not cleaned up quickly.
To prevent stains on granite, keep it properly sealed. You can test the sealant by placing a small amount of water on the surface. If the water beads up, your granite is sealed. If it absorbs into the stone, it may be time to re-seal your countertop.
Quartz doesn’t require sealing, but certain stains (like markers or ink) may still leave marks. Prompt cleaning is essential to keep your quartz countertops free of stubborn stains.
7. Maintain the Shine
Throughout the holiday season, your countertops will likely see a lot of action, and keeping them looking beautiful is a priority. For granite, you can use a granite-specific polish to restore its shine and bring out its natural patterns. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid buildup.
For quartz, a quick buffing with a microfiber cloth can restore its shine and help remove any smudges or fingerprints. Since quartz doesn’t require polishing, a light cleaning is usually enough to keep it looking as good as new.
Closing
Taking care of your countertops during the busy holiday season doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these simple maintenance best practices for your granite or quartz countertops, you’ll be able to maintain their beauty and functionality throughout the holidays and beyond.
At Deems Kitchens & Counters, we’re proud to be a part of your Florida home, offering high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re cooking up a feast, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying family time, your countertops will shine for years with the right care.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
