Granite and quartz countertops have become staples in modern homes for good reason. They combine beauty, durability, and easy care in one sleek package. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your investment or a homebuyer considering countertop materials for your dream kitchen, understanding how to maintain these surfaces ensures they’ll look stunning for years to come.
As two of the most popular low-maintenance countertops in new construction homes from builders like Century Communities and Century Complete, granite and quartz deliver long-lasting appeal with surprisingly simple upkeep.
Below, we’ll break down how to clean, protect, and preserve each surface, along with common mistakes to avoid and long-term care tips.
Why Choose Low-Maintenance Countertops?
When you’re designing your kitchen or bathroom, your countertop material sets the tone for both style and function. Low-maintenance countertops like granite and quartz have soared in popularity because they offer:
- Durability: Both materials resist scratches, chips, and cracks under normal daily use.
- Ease of cleaning: Simple soap-and-water care keeps them looking their best.
- Aesthetic versatility: Granite’s natural veining and quartz’s consistent patterns complement any design style—from modern minimalism to farmhouse chic.
- Long-term value: These surfaces hold up beautifully for decades, adding lasting appeal to your home.
In essence, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, but with a few smart habits, your granite or quartz countertops can stay spotless without hours of scrubbing.
Granite Countertop Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
For daily upkeep, granite is remarkably simple to care for. Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap to wipe down the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, which can dull the finish or damage the sealant.
Avoiding Harsh Cleaners
Never use vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or ammonia-based products on granite countertops. These acidic substances can erode the protective seal and leave the surface more susceptible to staining.
Resealing Granite
Granite is a porous natural stone, which means it requires resealing every one to two years depending on usage and manufacturer recommendations. A properly sealed surface repels moisture and resists stains, keeping your countertops looking luxurious and polished.
Handling Spills and Stains
Wipe up spills immediately—especially oil, wine, or acidic liquids like coffee and citrus juice. For tougher stains, make a paste using baking soda and water, apply it gently, and let it sit before wiping clean.
Pro Tip: You can test if your granite needs resealing by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If the water absorbs instead of beading up, it’s time for a fresh seal.
Quartz Countertop Maintenance
Quartz offers an even lower-maintenance alternative for homeowners who want luxury without the need for periodic sealing.
Daily Care
Wipe quartz countertops with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, or use a quartz-safe cleaner for quick sanitation. Because quartz is non-porous, it naturally resists bacteria and staining—ideal for busy kitchens.
No Sealing Required
Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed. The resin binders used in its manufacturing process create a surface that’s completely non-absorbent, giving it a consistent finish that stands up beautifully to everyday use.
Avoiding Heat Damage
Quartz is heat-resistant but not heat-proof. Always use trivets or hot pads under pots, pans, and slow cookers to prevent heat damage or discoloration.
Preventing Scratches
While quartz is scratch-resistant, it’s not indestructible. Avoid cutting directly on the surface, and always use a cutting board to protect your countertop and your knives.
Pro Tip: For dried spills or sticky residue, gently scrape with a plastic putty knife before wiping with a damp cloth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though granite and quartz are known for their durability, a few missteps can compromise their longevity. Keep your countertops in top condition by avoiding these pitfalls:
- Using harsh or acidic cleaners: Bleach, vinegar, and ammonia can break down sealants or dull the surface finish.
- Skipping resealing on granite: An unsealed surface is more vulnerable to stains and discoloration.
- Placing hot items directly on the countertop: Always use protection under cookware or heated appliances.
- Cutting directly on the surface: This can leave scratches and dull your knives.
Avoiding these simple mistakes helps your countertops retain their luster and integrity for the long haul.
Long-Term Care Tips
To keep your countertops looking like new, establish a seasonal or semi-annual care routine that goes beyond daily cleaning.
- Schedule Deep Cleaning: Every few months, give your countertops a deeper clean with a pH-balanced stone cleaner or a specialized quartz cleaner.
- Protect During Heavy Use: During holidays, meal prep marathons, or large gatherings, place mats and trivets to avoid accidental stains, spills, or burns.
- Address Chips or Cracks Promptly: If you notice small chips or cracks, contact a professional fabricator or installer for repair. Avoid DIY fixes with adhesives or fillers that aren’t approved for stone surfaces.
- Refresh Your Seal: For granite, keep track of your resealing schedule—typically once every one to two years, depending on usage and product recommendations.
- Maintain a Clean Shine: Finish cleaning sessions with a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface and restore its natural gleam.
The Bottom Line on Granite and Quartz Maintenance
Granite and quartz countertops embody the best of both worlds, offering elegant style and effortless care. Whether you prefer the organic beauty of granite or the sophistication of quartz, both are excellent choices for homeowners who want low-maintenance countertops that can handle the demands of daily life.
With a few simple cleaning habits and regular care, you can enjoy a kitchen or bathroom surface that remains beautiful, functional, and worry-free for decades.
At Century Communities and Century Complete, we select premium countertop materials like granite and quartz to give homeowners the perfect balance of style and practicality. Our new homes are thoughtfully designed to offer lasting quality—and that includes surfaces that make your everyday life easier.
Final Thought:
Low-maintenance countertops like granite and quartz elevate your home’s design while saving you time and effort. With a little care and the right cleaning habits, these surfaces will reward you with years of everyday luxury and enduring value.
FAQs About Countertop Maintenance
Do quartz countertops ever need sealing?
No. Quartz countertops are non-porous and manufactured with resin binders that make them naturally resistant to moisture and staining—no sealing required.
How often should granite countertops be resealed?
Granite should typically be resealed every 1–2 years. You can check by sprinkling water on the surface. If it soaks in rather than beads up, it’s time for resealing.
What’s the best way to remove a stain from granite or quartz?
For granite, use a baking soda and water paste for oil-based stains or a hydrogen peroxide solution for organic stains. For quartz, a mild cleaner or isopropyl alcohol with water usually does the trick. Always avoid abrasive scrubbing.
Are quartz and granite truly scratch-resistant?
Both are highly scratch-resistant but not completely scratch-proof. Avoid cutting directly on the surface to preserve the finish and protect your knives.
What makes these countertops a good choice for new construction homes?
Granite and quartz offer unmatched durability, timeless appeal, and minimal upkeep—qualities that make them perfect for busy homeowners who want long-term beauty and performance.
