How to care for your countertop? Ideas and practical tips!

Kitchen countertops need protection, obtained by specific treatments. Based on your type of stone, treatments are specific and are also subjected to the wear and tear of the surface and the type of stains, if any. As the stone is anisotropic, you can not accurately predict its reaction to various abrasive and corrosive agents. Therefore, prior to any treatment, you should perform tests in areas as concealed as possible and only after completing all these tests, you can proceed. PIATRAONLINE recommends LTP solutions – produced in the UK – for cleaning and maintenance of natural stone kitchen countertops (marble, travertine, granite, slate etc.).

Basically, for natural stone countertops we have treatments, such as:

1. Surface cleaning treatments: include dust, water and residue removal from surfaces. Detergents are either acids, for cleaning persistent impurities or dirt caused by aggressive contamination agents (LTP Grout Stain Remover for site cleaning, and cleaning adhesive scraps and hardened grouts) or neutral use for common cleaning of surfaces before any another treatment (LTP Grimex). Spread directly over the surface and allow 5-20 minutes for reacting. Some of cleaning agents should be diluted, using a recipe based on how dirty is your surface. Then, thoroughly rub the surface with a brush / sponge, depending on how dirty is your surface and the type of finish. Finally wash the surface thoroughly with clean water, for cleaning residues. Specific directions from cleaner’s manufacturer, include details for washing.

2. Stain Removal treatments: using specific detergents for smearing agents (e.g. removal of rust Stains – LTP Grout Stain Remover, oil – LTP Spot Stain Remover and LTP Fullers Earth etc.). These detergents are usually used undiluted. Pour directly on the stain and allow them to react according to the instructions, remove residues and wash surface.

3. Waterproofing treatments: complex treatments applied depending on the type of stone and finish. The purpose of these treatments is to protect natural stone from staining and water. Basically, these treatments involve an initial cleaning stage of the surface (including stain removal), performed with specific detergents, just like the ones mentioned earlier, in sections 1 and 2. The next stage is the actual sealing, carried out with a solution for sealing the stone pores. The number of coats to be applied is decided by specific factors. Coats are spread with specific applicators (special pads and sponges) or common (sponge, microfiber cloth).

4. Color enhancing treatments: applied for natural stone surfaces, for restoring their initial color or color enhancement (LTP Colour Intensifier). Some solutions leave a “just-washed” look over the the surface. 

5. Aftercare treatments: based on post-installation washing solutions, applied after the necessary specific treatments. Stone washing with custom solutions is an essential operation for preserving its appearance. Use LTP Multiclean (especially for bathroom and kitchens), LTP Mouldex (anti-mold) and LTP Stonewash (for natural stone products).

A recommended solution for treating kitchen countertops is part of the specific LTP Stone Care Kit, which also includes a detergent, a sealing solution and an aftercare one. The usual treatments will protect countertops, yet the best protection is obtained by surface cleaning as soon as possible. It is essential to wipe clean natural stone countertops immediately after being used. Water on the surface countertop, even over the polished finish, might lead to stone damage over time. These are developed especially hard impact of countertop with blunt objects, impact that might produce subtle cracks, easily infiltrated by water left on the surface.