Scroll down the page, or click on the below name of the countertop material you would like to view cleaning tips for:

Natural Quartz
Granite & Marble
Laminate
Solid Surface



Cleaning Tips for Natural Quartz
Natural Quartz is virtually maintenance-free. It does not need to be sealed and cleaning is a cinch. To maintain its beauty and shine for years to come, simply wipe the surface with a neutral cleaning agent, such as anti-bacterial dishwashing detergent and water, or stone countertop wipes, available at Interior Visions Inc.

Difficult spills: To remove difficult spills, soak the area for 10 minutes with a mild household cleaner (such as Formula 409®, Lysol®, or Windex®) then rinse and clean away with a soft cloth. For stains that harden as they dry, such as food and gum, remove by gently scraping off of the surface (using a blade or putty remover) and then clean using warm water and anti-bacterial dishwashing detergent.

Extreme heat: Natural quartz is resistant to heat and can withstand moderately high temperatures for brief periods of time without being damaged. As with any natural stone, however, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock. Always use a trivet to place hot items on natural quartz. Do not use crock pots or electric skillets while in direct contact with natural quartz surfaces.

Cleaning Tips for Granite & Marble
For general day to day cleaning, of Granite or Marble Countertop we advise using a neutral cleaning agent, such as anti-bacterial dishwashing detergent and water, or stone cleaning products available at Interior Visions Inc. Avoid streaks and dullness, by buffing off the wet surface with a dry cloth. DO NOT use acidic, abrasive, wax or bleach based household cleaners and sprays on either marble or granite.

Granite and Marble countertops should also be sealed once a year. A re-application of a penetrating sealer should be performed to remove long term risk of penetration into the stone by any caustic or staining agent. Extreme Heat, Granite is a substance that quickly absorbs heat and distributes it out. When placing hot pans on the countertop you will want to avoid coming in contact with the exposed area due to the extreme heat being deposited by the pan onto the granite.

We encourage you to use and enjoy your new countertops. Please feel free to call us whenever you have a question or concern about the care of your countertops. Don’t forget to ask about the full line of Weiman Products now available at Interior Visions.

Cleaning Tips for Laminate
It is important not to use abrasives products when cleaning a laminate countertop. Laminates include Formica® and other like products. A thin, clear layer of melamine plastic protects laminates. Abrasives such as scrubbing pads and scouring powders can alter or even remove this protective layer, leaving the material unprotected against moisture penetration and staining.
For the everyday cleaning, use a neutral cleaning agent, such as an anti-bacterial detergent and a sponge to clean. Interior Visions offers other residue free cleaners as well.

The next step in aggressive cleaning is a pine cleaner, such as Pine Sol, or White Cap. These cleaners work well with removal of stubborn grease type stains, etc. After you finish, reclean with a light cleaner to remove any residue.

Finally, with the real tough stains, you can (with great care) clean with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner, such as Bon Ami. You must emulsify the cleanser to reduce any risk of abrasion, and do not do this often.

Extreme Heat: Always use heat trivets or hot pads when placing hot objects on any surface. Laminate is not warranted against heat and may bubble or scorch if a hot pad is not used.

Solid Surface Cleaning tips:
Typically with solid surface, three types of countertop finishes are used: matte/satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss*. Most countertops are finished with a matte/satin finish. All sinks have a matte finish. However, routine cleaning may raise the gloss level of the countertop over time. Soapy water, ammonia-based cleaners (Not window cleaners) or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most dirt and residue from all types of finishes. Stubborn residue will require a little stronger cleaner.

With over 100 colors and varying hues of solid surface, some colors may appear to require more frequent cleaning to maintain their beauty. Darker colors tend to show fine scratches more easily and will require more attention than lighter colors. Over time through care and use your countertop will acquire a patina, changing the appearance of the finish. *Contact Interior Visions to buff your counter tops to its original finish.

Most dirt & residue use a neutral cleaning agent, such as an anti-bacterial detergent and water or ammonia based cleaner (not window cleaners), rinse and wipe dry. When trying to remove hard watermarks, use an over-the-counter cleaner formulated for hard watermarks, rinse and wipe dry.

Extreme heat, solid surface is an excellent material for heat resistance. As with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. Always use heat trivets or hot pads when placing hot objects on any surface. Allow cookware to cool before placing them into a solid surface sink.