Trinity Cleaning and Care
Cleaning Your Countertops
Which is easiest to clean?
Laminate, wood, tile, concrete, stainless steel, and granite are the most common materials used for home counters. When choosing a surface, appearance and price are always the top priorities. However, homeowners should also consider the sanitary properties of each material.
In an experiment published by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in 1991, each of these six materials was tested to see which was the easiest to sanitize. A sample of each surface was treated with E. coli, the bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Afterward, each sample was washed with regular dishwashing soap and a washcloth and then rinsed. This simple wash and rinse experiment replicated common household cleaning practices.
After each surface had been washed and rinsed, samples were taken from each material to determine which had retained the most bacteria.
Granite performed the best, with less than 0.003% of the bacteria remaining after simply cleaning with dish soap. The retention of the E. coli was most removed to most retained as follows: 1. Granite 2. Stainless Steel 3. Concrete 4. Tile 5. Wood.
Care & Maintenance FAQ
General Questions (Click to Expand)
If Trinity Granite + Marble fabricated your project, all pieces will have been sealed with an impregnator, which penetrates the natural pits and veins present in natural stone. We suggest that you use mild soap and water as a daily cleaner (without moisturizers and citrus scents or cleaning agents). Avoid ammonia and abrasives, which may breakdown the sealant over time. These extra steps will help to protect your countertops as well:
• Wipe up food and spills as soon as possible.
• Use cleaner/polish/protectant weekly.
• Use coasters, trivets and hot pads.
• Cutting directly on your granite tops will dull your knives.
• Do not stand or sit on your tops.
Much will depend on the type of stain. Always try mild soap and warm water first. If this does not remove the stain, you may try a poultice solution: mix baking soda and water to thick pour-able consistency, apply a thick layer to the stain, cover and let sit until dry. If the problem persists, call us.
First, be certain that you are using the recommended cleaning products. Products like Windex and Soft Scrub will dull the original polished surface. Trinity Granite + Marble carries a cleaner, polish, protectant, which may be used weekly. It is a simple process and will temporarily intensify the original reflective qualities of your stone surface.
No. However, granite porosities vary. Some granite if not properly sealed can absorb liquid into the pores. This may appear at first to stain; however in many instances a dark area on the countertop will dry and disappear over time.
Yes. Marble can be refinished through a process of grinding and repolishing. The process will vary depending on the damage or wear. This is not a do it yourself project and requires a professional refinisher.
Many people in the industry recommend an annual re-sealing of your stone. However, many types of granite are harder than others and may never need to be re-sealed. If you notice water absorption into the countertop or darker areas around the sink that is an indicator it is time to re-seal.
No, granite is not susceptible to burning or cracking with normal use. Sometimes granite may crack during delivery or installation. You should never stand or sit on your granite tops. We strongly suggest that you invest in a good stepladder for changing light bulbs and putting dishes away on the top shelf.
Believe it or not, most damage occurs due to a lack of education. Share this information with the people in your household (children/spouse), as well as cleaning services, which you may employ. Try to be proactive about the care of your tops; this will help to avoid costly restoration fees.
That depends on whether you have granite or marble. Granite, with normal wear and tear, no. That doesn't mean that if you attack your granite with a belt sander it won’t dull the finish. The only things that could scratch granite are typically not found in the kitchen. Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite, which will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper sealing and maintenance is more crucial with marble countertops.
Trinity Countertop Polish
Stone Countertop Cleaner-Polish-Protectant will help keep your countertop bright and clean. Use every 2-3 weeks for a protective, vibrant shine. It’s ideal for:
• Sealed and unsealed natural Stone surfaces
• Engineered stone surfaces
• Deep Cleaning
• Restored dull surfaces, enhances stone color
• Protects surfaces from household spills and water mark
Call us to place your order over the phone and we will ship your Special Polish to you. *One can should last about one year (60 Sq. Ft. kitchen)