Simple Steps to Make Your Worktops Shine in Time for the Holiday Season
As the end of the year approaches, the festive season begins to take shape. And throughout the preparations and gatherings, the kitchen holds its place at the centre of it all. It’s the place where families come together and share long-held traditions.
Of course, with all that activity comes a little more wear. Between hosting guests and intense food preparations, your worktops are working just as hard as you are. With everything going on, it’s not unusual for surfaces to lose a little of their natural lustre.
Keep things stress-free this season. We’ve put together a straightforward guide to refreshing the shine of your quartz or porcelain worktops. And even with only thirty minutes to spare, you’ll be able to achieve a clean, polished finish.
So, How Do I Restore the Shine to Quartz or Porcelain Worktops?
Maintaining that “just installed” finish is far easier than most people expect. While quartz and porcelain are exceptionally durable, their shine comes from the condition of the surface and the resin that seals it. With the right care, you can easily maintain that factory-fresh look.
The Common Shine Killers
Over time, a mix of residue from daily cleaning and use can settle into a fine film on the surface. This dull layer reduces how much light the worktop reflects, making it appear less glossy.
So what’s the solution?
Use a pH-neutral or a specialist stone cleaner designed specifically for quartz or porcelain. We have a curated range of care products available.
If you need an at-home fix, mix warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. After cleaning, ensure the surface is dried with a microfibre cloth to prevent streaking and maintain its shine.
The Double Rinse & Buff Technique
To restore that smooth, reflective finish, cleaning should always be followed by a thorough buff.
- Clean the surface using your chosen solution.
- Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
- Finish by buffing the dry surface with a fresh microfibre cloth.
This final touch elevates the shine and removes streaks.
Top tip: Give your worktops a quick buff just before guests arrive for a noticeable “wow” moment.
Handling Holiday Spills
Festive gatherings often mean red wine, rich sauces and colourful desserts are in full swing. So if the occasional spill occurs, don’t worry.
Simply apply a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner, allow it to sit for a moment, and wipe clean. The key is to act quickly so the spill doesn’t settle.
What to Avoid
Now that we’ve gone over what you should do to clean up holiday messes, here’s what you should avoid:
Harsh or high pH chemicals such as bleach, oven cleaner or strong degreasers can break down the resin in the stone and permanently alter the finish. Abrasive pads like steel wool or scouring sponges can create micro-scratches that dull the surface over time.
Stick to gentle cleaners and soft cloths to protect your worktop’s shine.
How Do I Make My Stone Worktops Gleam?
Porcelain and quartz are incredibly non-porous and resilient. While this means that their shine is almost permanent, surface cleaning is still crucial.
The Degreasing Power Wash
Since the surface is so smooth, even small amounts of cooking oil can show up as a light film.
To refresh the finish, use a specialist degreasing cleaner designed for stone surfaces. Alternatively, a diluted white vinegar solution can work as a streak-free option.
As always, we advise caution and spot-testing in discrete areas first.
Wipe, Dry and Behold
When caring for your quartz or porcelain worktop, simplicity is key.
As these luxurious materials are non-porous, once the surface film is removed, their inherent shine immediately returns. With this in mind, a final wipe with a clean, dry cloth is all it takes to restore their beautiful finish.
Protecting the Shine Throughout the Festive Season
Now that your countertops are all shiny, there are a few things you must follow in order to protect that shine during the festivities.
To keep your worktops looking their best:
- Use a trivet or heat-proof mat
- Always use a chopping board
- Wipe spills immediately
These small habits prevent damage and maintain long-lasting shine.
A Beautiful Finish for a Wonderful Season
We want you to enjoy the holidays without worrying about your worktops. With a few simple steps and a microfibre cloth on hand, your surfaces can stay looking polished throughout the season.
For specialist cleaners or expert guidance, visit our Care Products section or call our team on 0161 480 4676. We’re here to help you keep your kitchen looking its best all year round.