Your kitchen surfaces do more than just look good—they endure daily wear, spills, heat, and heavy use. Whether you’ve chosen quartz countertops, granite slabs, laminate tops, butcher block islands, or ceramic tile, proper maintenance is essential to keep them looking their best and lasting for years. In this blog, we’ll cover how to take care of kitchen surfaces, tailored to the most popular materials, and share expert tips to prevent damage, stains, and unnecessary repairs.

Caring for quartz countertops

Quartz is a popular surface choice thanks to its non-porous, low-maintenance properties. However, it’s not invincible.

• Clean with a soft cloth and mild dish soap daily to remove spills and fingerprints.

• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or oven cleaners that may dull the finish.

• Always use a trivet or hot pad—excessive heat can cause discoloration or cracking.

• Wipe up acidic spills like lemon juice or vinegar quickly to prevent etching.

Maintaining granite countertops

Granite is durable and naturally beautiful, but because it's a porous stone, it requires sealing.

• Clean daily with a pH-balanced stone cleaner or warm water and soap.

• Reseal your granite once a year to prevent stains and bacteria buildup.

• Never use abrasive scrubbers that can damage the sealant.

• Blot spills immediately, especially oil, wine, or tomato sauce, which can stain.

Keeping laminate countertops clean

Laminate is budget-friendly and comes in a wide variety of styles, but it can be vulnerable to scratches and water damage.

• Use a soft sponge and mild cleaner—avoid scouring pads or steel wool.

• Don’t cut directly on the surface; always use a cutting board.

• Dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning to prevent moisture seepage around seams.

• Avoid placing hot pans directly on laminate; always use a heat-resistant pad.

Caring for butcher block and wood surfaces

Wood countertops and islands bring warmth and texture to any kitchen, but they do require consistent upkeep.

• Clean with mild soap and a damp cloth; avoid soaking the wood.

• Disinfect using white vinegar or a solution of water and lemon juice.

• Re-oil with food-grade mineral oil every 4–6 weeks to prevent drying and cracking.

• Sand out light stains or scratches, then re-oil the surface for a smooth finish.

Protecting tile countertops and backsplashes

Ceramic or porcelain tiles are heat-resistant and easy to clean, but grout lines can be a challenge.

• Wipe down tiles with warm soapy water after cooking or meal prep.

• Use a toothbrush or grout brush to clean grout with a baking soda paste or tile-safe cleaner.

• Seal grout lines annually to resist staining and mold growth.

• Avoid abrasive powders that can scratch glazed tile finishes.

Universal tips for kitchen surface care

No matter what material your kitchen uses, these universal habits will help maintain beauty and functionality:

• Use cutting boards and trivets to protect surfaces from knives and heat.

• Clean up spills right away to avoid long-term staining.

• Avoid harsh cleaners and stick to non-toxic, surface-specific products.

• Keep counters dry and well-ventilated to reduce the risk of mold or mildew.

Investing in beautiful kitchen surfaces is only part of the journey—taking proper care of them ensures they continue to enhance your home for years to come. With the right habits and a little regular maintenance, your counters, drawers, and backsplashes will remain both practical and visually stunning.

At Home Craft Studio, we provide not only premium kitchen surfaces and storage solutions but also expert advice on how to keep them in top condition. Whether you're designing your dream kitchen or upgrading a few key elements, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Discover kitchen materials that are built to last—and support to match—at Home Craft Studio.