Porcelain | Engineered Quartz | Granite: The Ultimate Care Guide

Adding quartz countertops, porcelain slabs, or granite countertops to your home is a smart investment. But just like anything valuable, they need the right care. Want your countertops to shine like new? Let us guide you through the entire caring process for your countertops. Read below to learn more.

Daily Cleaning Essentials         

Keeping your countertops clean every day doesn’t have to be hard. However, each material needs a slightly different approach.

· Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are easy to clean. Just use warm water, a soft cloth, and mild dish soap. Avoid using strong cleaners or bleach—they can damage the surface over time.

· Porcelain

Porcelain slabs are also simple to clean. A damp cloth and a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner work well. It does not absorb water, it resists germs, and it is great for kitchens and bathrooms.

· Granite Countertops

Granite countertops need more attention. They absorb the liquids. Use a stone-safe cleaner or a mild dish soap. Avoid vinegar or citrus-based products—those can cause dull spots.

Sealing & Resealing Guidelines

Different stones need different care when it comes to sealing. Here’s how to keep them protected:

· Granite Countertops

Granite should be sealed once a year. To keep it safe from stains and moisture. You can test your granite by dropping a bit of water on it. If it soaks in quickly, it’s time to reseal.

· Quartz Countertops

Quartz is an engineered stone. It’s made with resins that protect it, so you don’t need to seal it. Just follow regular cleaning habits to keep it in top shape.

· Porcelain

Porcelain slabs are fired at very high heat, making them strong and waterproof. They never need sealing. They are easy to take care of without any hassle.

Stain Prevention & Removal

Even the best countertops can get stained if spills sit too long. Here’s how to handle the most common messes:

· Quartz Countertops

Grease and oil can leave marks if they aren’t wiped up quickly. Use a gentle degreaser or warm, soapy water. Avoid scouring pads—they can leave scratches.

· Granite Countertops

Spilled red wine, coffee, or cooking oils can soak into granite. For deep stains, make a poultice with baking soda and water. To remove the stain, apply the stain wrap with the thin plastic sheet and leave it overnight. Then wipe clean.

· Porcelain

Porcelain is very resistant to stains. Most messes are wiped off with just water. Even strong foods like turmeric or tomato sauce don’t leave a mark.

Scratch & Impact Resistance

All three materials are strong, but they aren’t invincible. Let’s look at how they compare:

• Quartz countertops rate about a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That means they’re scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Always use a cutting board.
• Granite countertops are slightly harder and more heat-resistant. But the edges can chip if you drop something heavy.
• Porcelain is very durable. It’s very resistant to scratches and heat, making it a great choice for busy kitchens. But it can chip or shatter if you drop something heavy on it by accident.

When to Call the Pros

Sometimes, a DIY fix just won’t cut it. Here’s when it’s best to get expert help:

· Quartz Countertops

If your quartz countertops get a deep scratch or chip, don’t try to fix it yourself. A professional can buff out small spots or fill in chips with color-matched resin.

· Granite Countertops

Has your granite lost its shine? It can be polished easily. Each spot or dullness from acidic spills often need special care. A pro can polish and reseal it properly. Schedule a granite polishing or repair call today!

· Porcelain

If tiles crack or grout wears out, call in a pro. To fix porcelain is tricky. We can regrout joints, replace tiles, or restore your porcelain slab safely and smoothly.

Care Pro

Tips to Make Life Easier

Here are a few bonus tips to help you get the most out of your engineered stones and natural slabs:

• Always use coasters under glasses.
• Don’t use harsh cleaners or scouring pads.
• Wipe up spills right away, especially on granite.
• Use trivets under hot pots.
• Avoid standing or sitting on the countertops—yes, even if you’re just reaching for a cabinet!

Wrap Up – We Can Help Protect Your Countertops

With the right care, your quartz countertops, porcelain, and granite countertops can stay beautiful for decades. Clean them daily, seal them when needed, and watch for signs of damage. And when you need a little extra help, we’re just a call away. Schedule your annual stone-care tune-up with Mena Stone Surfaces.

We clean, polish, reseal, and repair all types of engineered stones and natural slabs. Whether you’re dealing with dull granite, stained quartz, or scratched porcelain, we’ve got you covered.