Butcher Block

• 1). Use cutting boards and chopping blocks to protect the surface. Nicks can be sanded as necessary.
  
  
• 2). Wash the counter with mild soap and water only; do not use harsh cleaners.
  
  
• 3). Maintain the surface by refreshing the butcher block once per month with mineral oil. Apply oil with a lint-free rag.
  
  
• 4). Humidify your home during the winter to prevent the surface from drying and cracking.
  
  

Quartz and Engineered Stone

• 1). Keep drain cleaners, oven cleaners, bleach and floor or paint strippers off of quartz counter tops. Paint thinner, however, can be used to remove difficult stains.
  
  
• 2). Use trivets under crock pots, deep fryers and electric skillets to guard against heat cracks and thermal shock.
  
  
• 3). Avoid excessive force, such as dropping heavy pans, to prevent chips.
  
  

Granite

• 1). Use a step stool to reach items in upper cabinets; do not stand on your counter top. Stone surfaces can crack under too much pressure.
  
  
• 2). Use ordinary window cleaner to clean the top after food preparation. Wipe up wine, grape juice, cooking oil and tomato-based liquids immediately. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and sponges.
  
  
• 3). Prevent stains by applying a granite sealer annually, unless the manufacturer treated your stone with a 15-year sealant. Sealing prevents discoloration but will not prevent damage from chemical spills. Keep bleach and acid-based cleaners off of your counter.
  
  
• 4). Use trivets under hot pots and pans. Stone surfaces can accept hot cookware, but extremely hot pans can cause heat damage and fissures.
  
  

Solid Surface and Laminate

• 1). Use hot pads and trivets to prevent scorching the surface. Use trivets under hot cookware and heat-generating appliances.
  
  
• 2). Wipe up spills immediately with soap and water. Though solid-surface counter tops resist stains, discoloration can occur.
  
  
• 3). Keep harsh chemicals away from the material. Paint removers, oven cleaners, indelible ink and hair dye chemicals are particularly damaging.
  
  
• 4). Use cutting boards to prevent scratches from knives. Abrasive cleaners and pads will mar laminate surfaces permanently. However, solid surfaces can accept abrasive products because any minor scratches can be removed with fine sandpaper.