With so many different countertops on the market today, choosing the right polish to keep your counters looking fresh and new can be a confusing task. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can employ to identify the right type of countertop polish and enjoy your countertops for many years to come.
One of the best ways to match the perfect countertop polish with your counters is to consult the manufacturer of the countertops in your home. Often, they will have specific instructions about what types of cleaners and polishes to avoid, as well as information on why certain cleaners are not right for the materials used in the creation of the countertops. Use those guidelines to eliminate any products that are likely to cause damage or ruin the finish of your bathroom or kitchen countertops. From there, you can begin to investigate polishes that are considered safe.
If you don’t have access to information from the original manufacturer, your best bet is to consult experts. They can help you understand why a particular countertop polish might be ideal for use with concrete countertops but be completely unacceptable for marble countertops. In order to locate potential experts, contact local home construction firms and ask for local references. You can also find some great information online about each of the major types of materials used in the creation of various countertops along with competent suggestions regarding general countertop maintenance and what to look for in a polishing agent.
A visit to your local supermarket or home store can also yield some ideas on what type of countertop polish options you have in your local area. In general, don’t waste a lot of time on products that claim to be safe on any type of counter material. Instead, focus on formulas that specifically mention your type of counter on the label. Doing so will make it easier to find the right polish for marble or other types of stone countertops and help you rest assured the product will not yellow or pit the surface over time.
You can also draw on the experience of friends and acquaintances in selecting the right countertop polish. If you know someone who has countertops made from the same materials, ask them what they use. Find out how long they have used that particular countertop polish and what they think of the product in terms of protecting the surface, the cost, and how well the polish helps to maintain the general appearance. First hand experience can help you sidestep a lot of other options that may not perform as well.
No matter what product you finally select, it is a good idea to test it on a small and relatively inconspicuous area. Even if the countertop polish is supposed to be safe with your type of counter, it is still a good idea to not use it on the entire surface without trying it out. Doing so will give you the chance to see if the countertop polish does really bring out the best in your concrete or granite countertops, or if it seems to dull the finish or cause some other type of problem. In the long run, this simple precaution could save you a significant amount of money in replacement costs.
