What are engineered stone benchtops?
Engineered stone benchtops are made from a combination of natural stone and resin. They are designed to mimic the look of natural stone while providing additional benefits such as increased durability and resistance to stains and scratches.
Benefits of engineered stone benchtops
Compared to natural stone, engineered stone benchtops Perth are more durable and require less maintenance. They are also available in a wider range of colours and patterns, making it easier to find a style that matches your home decor.
To learn more about the differences between stone and engineered benchtops, visit our recent blog on how to choose the best stone benchtops for your kitchen.
Why is proper maintenance important?
While engineered stone benchtops are more durable than natural stone, they still require proper maintenance to maintain their quality and appearance. Failure to clean and maintain your benchtops can lead to stains, scratches, and other damage that can be difficult to repair.
Best Practices for Cleaning Engineered Stone Benchtops
Daily cleaning routine
To keep your engineered stone benchtops looking their best, it’s important to clean them on a daily basis. This can be done using a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or metal scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of your benchtops.
Weekly cleaning routine
In addition to daily cleaning, it’s important to give your engineered stone benchtops a deeper clean on a weekly basis. This can be done using a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Be sure to rinse your benchtops thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any residue.
Common mistakes to avoid
When cleaning your engineered stone benchtops, it’s important to avoid common mistakes such as using harsh cleaning solutions or leaving spills and stains to sit for too long, as this can cause permanent damage. It’s also important to avoid using your benchtop as a chopping board, as this can lead to scratches and chips that are hard to fix.
Tools and Cleaning Solutions for Engineered Stone Benchtops
Recommended tools for cleaning
When cleaning your engineered stone benchtops, it’s important to use the right tools. This includes a soft cloth or sponge, a pH-neutral cleaner, and a microfiber towel for drying. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or metal scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of your benchtops.
Safe cleaning solutions for engineered stone benchtops
When choosing a cleaning solution for your engineered stone benchtops, it’s important to choose a pH-neutral cleaner that is safe for use on stone surfaces. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage your benchtops.
DIY cleaning solutions to avoid
While there are many DIY cleaning solutions available online, it’s important to avoid using these on your engineered stone benchtops. This includes solutions such as vinegar and baking soda, which can be too acidic and abrasive for use on stone surfaces.
Troubleshooting and Stain Removal for Engineered Stone Benchtops
While being familiar with the proper cleaning methods will help you avoid permanent damage to your benches, the odd stain is sometimes unavoidable. If you have a stain on your benchtop, don’t worry – there are a few safe stain-removal methods you can try.
Common stains and how to remove them
Common stains on engineered stone benchtops include coffee, wine, and oil. To remove these stains, it’s important to act quickly and blot up any spills as soon as possible. You can then use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the affected area.
Dealing with stubborn stains
If you have a stubborn stain on your engineered stone benchtops that isn’t easily removed with a pH-neutral cleaner, you may need to use a specialised cleaner or poultice. These products are designed to penetrate deep into the stone and remove even the toughest stains.
Preventing future stains
To prevent future stains on your engineered stone benchtops, it’s important to clean up spills as soon as possible and avoid leaving acidic or oily substances on the surface for too long. You can also use a sealer to protect your benchtops from stains and scratches.
When using the sealer, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Allow the sealer to dry completely before using the benchtop again, and reapply every few months to ensure the best protection.
Maintaining the quality and appearance of your engineered stone benchtops, including cleaning your benchtops on a daily and weekly basis, using the right tools and cleaning solutions, and acting quickly to remove any spills or stains is essential for ensuring their longevity and durability.
By following the best practices outlined in this article, you’ll be able to keep your kitchen stone benchtops looking their best for years to come.
If you’re looking to upgrade your, kitchen counters to stone benchtops, our knowledgeable team at Casvino Kitchen would love to help. Simply give us a call to see how we can work together.
