Caring for Vanity Countertops

Great news! Today you have many materials to choose from when it comes to vanity countertops. The bad news? It's more difficult to keep track of how to care for them!

Here are LUXX's guidelines for how to care for the types of vanity top materials we offer. Using the following methods will help you keep your bathroom countertops clean with minimal effort! These are intended to be guidelines only and we always suggest that you follow your manufacturer's recommendations.

Our first tip is a general one. Keeping your vanity tops clutter-free will make them easier to clean which might mean you'll do it regularly. No problem, right? We know. But do your best as it will help.

Now for the guidelines for each vanity countertop material...

Porcelain Tops

Porcelain is a fantastic material for vanity countertops because they are durable, easy to clean and usually come with an integrated sink making cleanup even easier! Instead of buying expensive cleaning agents, you can make a simple and effective cleaner at home:

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution works for many other surfaces too!
• Spray the solution onto the countertop and wipe with a clean cloth.

This will keep your surface clean and free of the residue of harsh chemicals.

For deeper cleaning, use a tile cleaner or create your own homemade solution:

• 1 ⅔ cups baking soda
• ½ cup liquid soap
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar

Mix the ingredients, apply to the countertop, and wipe off to remove accumulated dirt and grime.

Granite Tops

Granite tops are a classic. As a natural stone they require specific care to maintain its beauty and durability.

• Use the Right Cleaners: Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or mild liquid dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water.
• Avoid Residue: Household cleansers can leave residue on natural stone. Always rinse thoroughly and dry the surface to prevent water spots.
• Avoid Harmful Products: Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners, and limit the use of ammonia-based solutions, as frequent overuse can dull some stone types.

Specialized Products

Look for stone-specific cleansers, sealers, and polishes designed for countertops or floors. These products are widely available in local hardware stores. Professional steam cleaning services are also an option for maintaining natural stone areas.

Proper Cleaning Tools

• Use a clean soft cloth for countertops.

Cleaning Process

1. Clean the surface with a gentle soap solution.
2. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
3. Dry the surface immediately using a soft microfiber cloth.
4. Change the rinse water frequently during the process to avoid reapplying dirt.

Maintenance Recommendations

Stone tops are generally sealed and polished during manufacturing. After installation, re-seal and polish the stone every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage, to maintain its protective finish and shine.

Marble Tops

Marble is a calcium-rich, porous stone that is prone to expansion and damage if not cared for properly. And marble, especially Carrara marble, is still a very popular choice for vanity tops. Here’s how to maintain its beauty and prevent damage:

• Act Quickly on Spills: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent them from seeping into the pores of the marble, which can cause cracks over time.
• Avoid Standing Water: Do not let excess water sit on the marble. Water can seep in and leave a permanent ring, which occurs due to changes in the marble's composition. These marks can generally only be removed with professional polishing.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution

• Use Marble-Safe Cleaners: Select cleaning products specifically designed for marble.
• Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Most household cleaners contain acids, like citric acid, which can damage the marble’s finish.
• Opt for Neutral Solutions: Phosphate-free cleaners or mild dishwashing liquids are safe alternatives.

Proper Cleaning Technique

1. Wipe the marble with a gentle cleaning solution.
2. Rinse the area immediately with warm water to remove all soap residue.
3. Dry the surface thoroughly to prevent moisture from penetrating the stone.

Pro Tip

Regular care with the right products will keep your marble countertop looking its best. Always avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaners to preserve its natural finish.

Concrete Tops

Concrete tops are a fairly new development in bathroom vanities and offer an exciting option for tops. Generally they come in one piece with the top and sink. Most concrete tops are treated with a sealant that provides:

• Stain resistance
• Light impact resistance
• Waterproof protection

Regular Cleaning

• Use a gentle soap with a medium pH diluted in warm water to remove dirt and keep your sink looking like new.
• Alternatively, mix 1 ounce of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water for effective cleaning.

Avoid Harmful Products

To protect the finish, avoid using:

• Harsh household cleaners (e.g., ammonia-based glass or floor cleaners)
• Solvents, acids, cutting agents, or abrasive materials

These can damage the coating, reduce waterproofing, and harm the overall appearance of your sink.

Composite Granite/Stone Tops

To keep your top looking its best, follow these cleaning and care guidelines:

Regular Cleaning

Rinse the sink to remove water spots or soap film, then wipe it dry with a clean, soft cloth.

What to Avoid

To prevent damage to your top, DO NOT use or do the following:

• Abrasive cleaning agents or scrub pads, such as steel wool.
• Undiluted bleach or other harsh chemicals.
• Commercial alkalis, like ammonia or caustic solutions.
• Drain cleaning chemicals.
• Use the sink for cleaning paint, grout, or similar materials.
• Leave wet items on the countertop, especially in areas with hard water, as they can leave stains.

If stains or hard water marks appear:

• The surface can be wet sanded using fine grit sandpaper.
• Contact the top manufacturer for technical support and guidance.

Engineered Stone Tops

Engineered stone is highly resistant to stains (but not stain proof!) due to its non-porous surface, which prevents liquids and spills from leaving a stain. However, when engineered stone is exposed to hard water, if that water is not wiped off, it can leave mineral deposits. We recommend sealing the surface every 3-6 months depending on usage. To remove hard water stains from your engineered stone countertops:

1. Fine steel wool or a razor blade scraper
If you have a mineral buildup from hard water, use fine steel wool to remove it. Use gentle, light handed circular motions for the whole countertop, even parts that don’t have visible stains. Or gently scrape build up off using a razor blade scraper. Be careful not to gouge the top! Follow up with using a dry cloth to wipe off the loosened buildup.

2. Baking soda
Another way to remove water stains is to mix the baking soda and water. Pour a bit of this home-made cleaner on the stain, then rub it in with kitchen sponge with circular motions. This method will help to remove stains from glasses and cooking.

3. Plastic wrap
If the first two methods do not remove the stain, you can try this trick. Pour a bit of the baking soda-water mixture on the stain. Cover it with a plastic wrap and let it sit for a few hours. This will create the heat that will pull out the stain out of your engineered stone countertops.

4. Specialized cleaners
There are also engineered stone cleaning kits on the markets that are exactly created to remove the stains from hard water. They can be effective if none of the above methods helps.

5. Distilled water
Distilled water will not leave a stain, because it doesn't contain the minerals that leave stains on countertops. Another way to prevent water stains is to wipe up spills and glass rings with a dry cloth after each use.

Quartz Tops

Regular Cleaning

• Wipe the surface with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge using warm water and mild dish soap.
• For spills, clean them immediately to prevent potential staining from substances like coffee, wine, cosmetics or oils. Avoid letting spills sit for extended periods.

Stain Removal

• For tough or dried spills, use a non-abrasive surface cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and rinse.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning pads that could damage the surface finish.

Preventing Damage

1. Heat Protection: Always use trivets or heat pads under hot tools like hair dryers and curling irons. Quartz is heat-resistant but can suffer damage from sudden temperature changes (thermal shock) or sustained exposure to very hot items.
2. Scratch Prevention: Avoid direct contact with sharp objects to prevent scratches.
3. Avoid Impact: Refrain from dropping heavy items onto the countertop, as this can chip or crack the surface.

Do Use:

• Neutral pH cleaners, stone-safe solutions, or mild dish soap.
• Non-abrasive cloths or sponges.

Don't Use:

• Cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or citric acids.
• Abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh chemical agents.

General Maintenance

• Quartz countertops do not require sealing as they are non-porous and highly durable.
• Maintain a consistent cleaning routine and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent discoloration.

While quartz is inherently durable, applying a sealant can provide an extra layer of protection, especially in areas with heavy use. This additional layer helps to reduce wear and tear over time and further enhances resistance to stains. We recommend considering the use of a sealant to maximize the longevity and appearance of your quartz surfaces.