Simple Tips To Clean And Maintain Faux Granite Countertops

If you're exploring more affordable alternatives to natural stone countertops, you may be considering faux granite. Faux granite, also known as composite or engineered stone, allows you to get the look of granite countertops for way less, and comes in a variety of elegant styles and colors. Faux granite is made from a combination of real crushed stone and synthetic materials, such as polyester and acrylics. However, the care and maintenance needs are similar to that of real granite. The key to preserving your faux stone countertops is to avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring tools, and handling the surfaces with extra care.

There are several things you should never do if you have granite countertops that also apply to engineered stone. Some of these include chopping and placing hot cookware directly onto the surface. Doing so may cause scratches and thermal shock, which could do permanent damage. Faux granite may be more cost-effective, but it is not necessarily more low maintenance than the real material, nor is it as long lasting. However, with the proper care, you can preserve the beautiful look of your composite granite countertops for many years to come.

Although faux granite is synthetically made, similar rules apply when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. In fact, faux granite requires additional care because it is finished with a soft plastic surface coat that is less durable than natural stone. It is difficult to restore faux granite countertops to their original luster once they have been scratched and stained, so extra TLC is necessary to prevent wear and tear.

Firstly, it's important to clean spills right away, especially when it comes to acidic liquids such as juice, coffee, and wine. Similarly to real stone, acidic substances can cause etching on composite countertops. Cleaning ingredients that damage granite countertops, such as bleach, could also cause harm to your faux granite finish. Instead, use a non-abrasive cleaner like mild dishwashing liquid, or a store-bought cleaner that is formulated for real stone such as Granite Gold, mixing a small amount of the solution with water, and applying it with a clean microfiber cloth.

If the stain has already set, an effective way to lift stubborn blemishes is with baking soda and water. Mix the two ingredients to form a paste, coat the stained area, and allow the solution to set for a few minutes before rinsing and wiping it clean. Other ways to avoid surface damage is to use a cutting board when chopping on the counter, and place hot cookware on a pad instead of directly onto the surface.