Your countertops are among the most important surfaces in your home, whether you use them to cook and bake, get ready in the morning, or anything else. Keep your bathroom and kitchen countertops in pristine condition by learning what to do...and what not to do. Use the following maintenance hacks to ensure your counters last.

Protect your investment:

Granite & Marble

Use mild, soapy solutions to keep marble and granite countertops clean. Never use lemon or any other acidic or abrasive cleanser, such as bleach, vinegar, or ammonia, to avoid dulling or etching problems. Place coasters under all glasses, especially if they contain citrus juice or alcohol, as well as trivets under hot dishes to sidestep staining and damage. Blot spills immediately to keep the marble or granite surface looking great.

Laminate

Clean laminate countertops with mild soap and water, but be careful not to saturate the surface. Remove tough grease or dried food with a sponge and soap. Avoid burning the surface by using trivets for all hot dishes. Do not use laminate as a cutting board, as your knife can scratch or slice the surface. Refrain from using harsh cleansers and cleaning pads to keep the laminate in good condition.

Quartz

Enjoy the benefits of durable, non-porous quartz countertops, but keep it mind it is not scratch-proof. Use a cutting board to chop food and clean the engineered stone with water and mild detergent. As with laminate, marble, and granite countertops, it is best to avoid abrasive cleaning agents and scrub pads. Keep quartz out of the sun as much as possible to prevent fading and do not place heavy objects on the countertop. Too much weight can crack quartz.

Work with Big Island Countertops whenever you require new countertops and installation services. The Hilo, HI-based company has proudly served the area since 1991 and provides the largest inventory of countertop, cabinet, and kitchen supplies in the area. Call (808) 961-6633 or visit the Big Island Countertops website for more information. See what customers are saying about the home remodeling service on Yelp.