How to Clean and Care for Your Onyx Countertops

Onyx countertops are undeniably elegant, and many people adore the striking beauty of the warm colours running through the material. This material is ideal as a decorative element, especially when you pair it with the proper lighting. Indeed, there are many good reasons to choose the best onyx Perth has to offer.

However, you should know that onyx countertops are not for everyone; keep in mind that this material is a calcium-based stone, meaning that it has a softer surface which will require strict maintenance. It will always require care to help keep it pristine and prevent any visible damages from showing.

Of course, if you’re willing to put in the extra work, the results are rewarding. After all, it is easy to find beauty in the fragility of onyx countertops. With their translucent qualities and their generous offering of hues of red, brown, white and black, we would definitely consider them a visual masterpiece.  

We want you to be able to enjoy the splendour of your onyx countertops for many years to come, so in this post, we will be teaching you how to clean onyx countertops properly. We will also show you how to keep its elegant beauty for a long time.

How to Clean Onyx Countertops Properly

You should always be on the lookout for any reason to clean your onyx surfaces. As we’ve mentioned, you are dealing with a calcium-based natural stone, meaning that it will react with acids, including common household liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar, coffee, and even wine. You should avoid using homemade cleaners or other regular cleaners for kitchen countertops, as it is possible that these products are too acidic.

Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid abrasive cleaners. Stay away from cleansers that are too acidic or harsh for onyx. Instead, you should look for products with a neutral pH level. Use that with a soft cloth to clean your countertops. Our best advice is to apply the cleaning liquid on the soft tissue, then use that on the surface. Do not pour the cleaner directly onto the onyx countertop.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

Keep in mind that onyx is a porous natural stone. Therefore it will quickly absorb liquids. With this in mind, you should remember to blot up spills as soon as they happen, but you should never forget to only blot and not to wipe! Simply place the paper towels on the spills and allow them to absorb the liquid. It is worth noting that spills can be damaging to your countertops, especially when the liquid is acidic. Acid etching can occur, which can dull your onyx benchtops as a result.

Seal Your Countertop

While sealers do not make your countertops stain-proof, they slow down the absorption process of spills. To keep the luminous shine and durability of your onyx surfaces, we suggest using a sealer on them. That said, your best option is to hire a professional to do this because the process can be complicated.

When you turn to Aurora Stone, we will install sealed onyx slabs on your countertops. As one of the largest stone manufacturers in Western Australia, we know how to incorporate this material into your home correctly. Keep in mind that onyx is a rare material. Therefore not all contractors have the expertise and knowledge to handle it properly.

If you’d prefer to seal your countertops yourself, it is crucial that you find the right product for the job. Unfortunately, products you can find from your local hardware store won’t do, so if you’re looking to perform the task by yourself, it’s best to seek out a premium sealer. If you want more information about the sealers to use for your countertops, do not hesitate to contact Aurora Stone. We can supply you with a product suitable for your onyx surfaces.

Remember that you need to reseal your onyx countertops once every two or three years. The frequency depends on how much abuse the surfaces receive, their colour and the type of cleaner you use. If you have lighter hued onyx, you might need to seal it more often. After all, they stain more easily.

How to Repair Onyx Scratches

Since onyx is one of the softer types of natural stone, it can be scratched more easily. These scratches, no matter how small they seem, can be unsightly. They can easily ruin the striking elegance of your countertops. So, aside from learning how to clean onyx benchtops, you must also learn how to repair scratches. Follow the steps below:

First Step

Buff out the scratches just as you would on your vehicle’s paint job. Purchase a countertop polish, buff pad and paste wax. Using countertop-specific products for this step is ideal, as doing so will ensure that your onyx benchtops don’t get damaged along the way.

Second Step

Prepare the affected area by spraying water on it. Next, pour a small amount of the polishing product on the buffing pad. Rub the pad all over the scratched area in a circular motion. Make sure that you apply enough pressure to allow the polish compound to spread around the surface. Rub the affected area for about 40 seconds. Get a clean towel to wipe the polish away. If necessary, repeat the process until you’ve buffed out the scratches completely.

Third Step

Rinse the buffed area with water, then wipe it down using a dry towel. Reseal the surface to protect it from further damage. You can start using the onyx countertop again after about 12 hours.

Indeed, onyx is a beautiful choice of stone for countertops. The care and maintenance may be tedious, but the results are often rewarding. If you are thinking of installing onyx countertops in your kitchen, feel free to contact Aurora Stone. As one of the largest stone manufacturers in Western Australia, we offer a wide range of onyx countertop options that’ll have you spoilt for choice.

Call us today to get a free quote and measurement!