The holidays are a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and joyful celebrations. With all the activity in your home, your countertops will likely see more action than usual. From rolling out cookie dough to carving the holiday roast, your surfaces will be put to the test. To ensure they stay beautiful and functional, follow this comprehensive guide to caring for your Dorado Surfaces natural stone, quartz, and soapstone countertops during the holiday season.
Holiday Hosting Made Easy with Dorado Surfaces' Countertop Care Tips
Universal Tips
Use Trivets and Coasters: Protect your countertops from hot dishes, coffee mugs, and holiday cocktails. Heat and moisture can damage some surfaces, so always use trivets and coasters.
Clean Spills Immediately: Accidental spills of red wine, cranberry sauce, or cooking oils can leave permanent stains if left untreated. Blot spills promptly with a soft cloth.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stick to recommended cleaning solutions to avoid dulling or damaging your countertops.
Natural Stone Countertops: Elegance Meets Durability
Natural stone, such as granite or marble, adds timeless beauty to any kitchen. However, these surfaces require extra care to maintain their pristine condition during the holidays.
Daily Cleaning
Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, which can erode the stone's sealant.
Wipe surfaces with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
Handling Stains
For stubborn stains, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours before rinsing.
Seal your countertops regularly to prevent staining. A quick test: Drop a few water droplets on the surface. If the water absorbs quickly, it’s time to reseal.
Holiday Pro Tip
Place protective mats in high-traffic prep areas, like where you'll carve the turkey or arrange charcuterie boards. This prevents scratches and keeps your stone looking flawless.
For detailed care instructions, check out our Natural Stone Cleaning & Care Guide.
Quartz Countertops: Low Maintenance, High Performance
Quartz countertops are a popular choice for their durability and non-porous surface, making them perfect for busy holiday kitchens. However, they’re not indestructible.
Daily Cleaning
Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge and a mixture of mild dish soap and water.
Avoid abrasive pads, as they can leave micro-scratches that dull the surface.
Preventing Damage
Although quartz is heat-resistant, it’s not heatproof. Always use trivets or heat pads under hot pots and pans.
Quartz is stain-resistant but not stain-proof. Quickly clean spills, especially of acidic substances like wine or citrus juices.
Holiday Pro Tip
Place a cutting board over the countertop when using sharp knives to protect the surface and ensure your knives stay sharp.
Learn more in our Quartz Cleaning & Care Guide.
Soapstone Countertops: Timeless and Resilient
Soapstone countertops offer a unique, natural look and are beloved for their durability and low maintenance. They’re an excellent choice for the holiday season when spills and splashes are inevitable.
Daily Cleaning
Clean with a mixture of warm water and mild soap using a soft sponge.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface.
Enhancing the Patina
Soapstone naturally develops a patina over time, which adds to its charm. Enhance this process by applying mineral oil. During the holidays, you might want to give your soapstone a quick oiling to bring out its rich color and texture.
Handling Scratches
Minor scratches can be buffed out with fine sandpaper (120-grit followed by 220-grit). After sanding, apply mineral oil to restore the finish.
Holiday Pro Tip
Protect your soapstone surface during heavy-use activities, like kneading dough or mixing drinks, by laying down a protective mat.
For more details, read our Soapstone Cleaning & Care Guide.
With these countertop care tips, your surfaces will shine as brightly as your holiday spirit. By following the proper cleaning and maintenance routines for natural stone, quartz, and soapstone, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season without worrying about spills, stains, or scratches. Whether you’re preparing a feast or hosting a cozy family gathering, your countertops will remain the beautiful and functional centerpiece of your kitchen.
Ready to upgrade your countertops for the new year? Contact Dorado Surfaces to explore our stunning selection and find the perfect fit for your home. Happy holidays!
Bonus Holiday Hosting Tips
Set Up a Drink Station: Protect your main countertops by designating a separate area for drinks, complete with coasters and napkins.
Use Decorative Trays: Organize holiday treats and condiments on trays to minimize direct contact with countertops.
Plan for Cleanup: Keep cleaning supplies, like soft cloths and mild detergent, within reach for quick holiday messes.