A beautiful stone vanity top is a great way to give your current bathroom a makeover and is an essential part of one created from scratch. But they require proper care. Maintaining your bathroom’s stone vanity top is a simple way to ensure it remains beautiful and functional for a long time.
To help keep yours looking great, we’ve prepared these simple tips.
Bathroom Vanity Maintenance Tips: How to Make Them Last Long
Here are some of the most efficient ways to keep marble, limestone, granite and quartz bathroom vanities in perfect condition.
1. Granite
Granite is popularly used in bathroom vanity tops owing to its durability and the wide range of designs and colours available. Being a natural stone, every granite slab comes in a different colour and graining pattern, making your countertop unique. It’s also naturally anti-bacterial, and when paired with a suitable sealant, the finish is easy to care for.
- Clean Regularly
If you’re looking to keep your granite countertops clean and shiny, use a household cleaner made using a teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent and four cups of warm water. Spray the mixture on the vanity top at day’s end and wipe away with a soft cloth before allowing it to air dry.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Since granite is a natural stone, it’s best to avoid foaming bathroom cleaners as these can harm its beauty. Also, steer clear of acidic household cleaners such as lemon juice and vinegar as these can dull the finish.
- Remove Stains
To deal with tough stains on your granite vanity top, choose a commercial natural stone cleaner. Alternatively, mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a thick paste and spread the mixture over the stained area. Then cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours. Remove the plastic wrap and let the paste dry before wiping it away. To prevent future staining, reseal the stained area .
2. Quartz
Quartz is an engineered countertop material, making it extremely durable and suitable for bathroom vanities. It’s available in a wide range of colours and different patterns, and doesn’t require periodic sealing to maintain its beauty. The cleaning requirements of a quartz vanity top depend on its placement and usage, but it isn’t difficult to maintain.
- Clean Regularly
Clean as often as needed by wiping the surface with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Gently scrape off stubborn dirt using a plastic knife.
- Remove Stains
When dealing with tough stains, use commercially available cleaners designed for the material. If you aren’t sure which one to use, ask your vanity top provider.
3. Marble
Marble is a natural stone much sought after for its beauty and elegance. Before making a substantial investment, you should be aware that it requires a fair bit of upkeep to keep its beauty intact.
- Clean Regularly
Because marble countertops are delicate, they can become stained and etched over time. Careful cleaning, however, can keep it looking great for many years. It’s advisable to clean up loose dirt using a damp sponge or microfibre cloth. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners as they can etch the delicate material if not cleaned away right away. Immediately clean up spills from lotions, oils and makeup to prevent staining.
- Remove Stains
When dealing with stubborn stains, spread a poultice paste onto the affected area. Cover it with plastic and leave it to dry over 12 to 24 hours. Then, scrape it off and wipe the area with a damp cloth. For stains deeply set in, reapply the paste and repeat these steps.
4. Limestone
Limestone is a popular choice for bathroom vanity tops as it offers the appearance of marble at a fraction of the cost. The material is generally off-white or white, with unique, naturally-occurring patterns. However, to ensure its beauty remains intact, regular maintenance is required, as it’s a porous material that discolours and scratches more easily than other stone surfaces. With proper care and the right sealant, however, it can last many years.
- Clean Regularly
Never use acidic or harsh cleaners on a limestone vanity top. Instead, use commercial cleaners or a mild detergent mixed with warm water. It’s best to clean your countertop every day after its last use with a soft cloth. Avoid scrubbers and sponges as these can damage the finish.
- Remove Stains
Limestone is a soft and porous stone, making it susceptible to staining from spills. To deal with a stain, create a thick paste using a solution of hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda. Apply it liberally over the stained area, cover it with plastic, and let it sit for 24 hours or more. Then, wipe the area with a soft cloth and apply a sealant.
Along with making your bathroom more functional, a stone vanity countertop adds value to your home. While durable, it’s also susceptible to damage without proper care and maintenance. Use these tips to ensure yours retains its beauty and durability. Taking the necessary steps will keep it in great condition for years to come.