Choosing a Kivilähde countertop means you have chosen a solid and durable countertop that is easy to maintain. Proper care prolongs the service life of a countertop, so keep these maintenance instructions handy.
Natural stone countertops
A polished granite surface is hygienic and easy to keep clean. Keep worktop surfaces clean by wiping them down with a damp or wet cloth. A polished stone surface is dense, and granites do not usually absorb dirt into their pores. If you wish, you can use neutral, mildly acidic or mildly alkaline detergents to clean the countertop. Do not use strongly acidic (pH below 3) or strongly alkaline (pH above 10) or abrasive cleaning agents.
Some light types of stone should be protected using stone protection agents a few times a year. These types of stone include e.g. Royal Beige, Blanco Perla, Kuru Grey, Juparana Colombo and Silver Green. Stains and food should be quickly removed from these surfaces to prevent them being absorbed into the countertop. Coffee, red wine and berry juices leave the worst stains. In addition, lemon (with a pH of 2) can leave marks on the surface of the stone.
Stains must be removed from light stone immediately. If paint is absorbed into the stone, it can be cleaned using acetone, which is available from hardware stores. Dip a clean cloth into the acetone and wipe the stain several times with the cloth. Wash the cleaned area using a normal, neutral detergent. It may be impossible to completely remove a stain that has absorbed deep into the stone. Finish off with Soledo stone protection agent, available from well-stocked hardware stores or directly from us.
It’s worth using a cutting board on the countertop, since knives made of special steel may be harder than the stone and can therefore leave scratches on its surface.
Warm saucepans or baking sheets can be placed directly onto the stone countertop. If you want food to stay hot for a long time, place a wooden base on top of the stone. Wood does not conduct heat like stone. A stone surface is excellent for baking, but a wooden surface or the warmth of a fireplace is better for proving dough.
Do not leave hot saucepans or baking trays on stone surfaces.
Quartz countertops
The maintenance instructions for quartz or composite countertops are the same as for granite countertops. One exception is how well they withstand heat, as heat can damage the countertop. Do NOT place a hot saucepan or baking tray onto a quartz countertop; always use a pot stand.
There is no danger of staining a quartz countertop, as quartz surfaces are extremely dense. There is also no need to protect them like with lighter natural stone.
Ceramic countertops
Ceramic countertops are easy to maintain. Their surface is very dense. A ceramic countertop will not stain and does not require any kind of protective treatment. You can use any kind of cleaning agent suitable for kitchen countertops.
Do not use ceramic countertop as a chopping board. Always use separate chopping board on top of the surface.
You can place hot saucepans or baking trays onto the countertop, as ceramic countertops can withstand temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius.
Although the material is hard and can withstand knocks, the countertop and sink areas are weaker. Do not place anything heavy onto these areas, and do not lean or stand on them.