The Homeowner's Guide to Cleaning Your Countertop (Yes, Even Turmeric Stains!)

Your beautiful stone countertop is built for real life. It’s the star of your kitchen—where you prepare family meals, share morning coffee, and create lasting memories. In a Malaysian kitchen, it’s also where life's delicious messes happen, from a splash of curry to a ring of kopi O.

The good news is that genuine quartz and sintered stone are easy to care for and don't require major routine maintenance like applying sealant or repolishing. Keeping your countertop looking brilliant is surprisingly simple. This is your ultimate guide to daily care and powerful stain removal.

Part 1: Your Simple Daily Cleaning Routine

The best way to prevent stains is with a quick daily clean. For most situations, you can simply clean the surface with clean water and a soft cloth. For a more thorough clean after cooking, follow these steps: -

1. Wipe Down: Use a soft, damp microfibre cloth with a drop of mild dishwashing soap (like Glo or Sunlight) and warm water.
2. Rinse: Wipe away the soap residue with a cloth dampened with plain water.
3. Dry: Buff the surface dry with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots and bring out the shine.

Part 2: Tackling Common Malaysian Stains and Spills

For those "oops" moments, don't panic. The key is to not leave any material attached to the stone surface for an extended period.

The Stain: Turmeric / Curry (Kunyit / Kari)

Use CIF cream lemon 

1. Apply CIF Cleansing Cream on the residue spot
2. Rub gently in a circular direction with a soft cloth
3. Wash the cloth with water
4. Wipe the spot again to clean the cream
5. Repeat it if needed

⭐ Pro-Tip: Quick and Simple Methods to Remove Turmeric or Curry Stains.

You could use a nail remover with acetone from any pharmacy store without any risk. 

The Method:

1. Pour the acetone on the stain mark
2. Wipe with a dry clean cloth
3. Done - it's that simple

You can use this method with complete peace of mind. For over 12 years, our own installation teams have used this exact method to safely remove stubborn glue marks from brand-new countertops.

Rest assured, using acetone will not harm your countertop or void the warranty on any genuine quartz or sintered stone provided by Sinno Sdn Bhd.

The Stain: Coffee / Tea (Kopi / Teh)

1. For fresh spills, wipe with a wet cloth is usually enough.
2. For dried, stubborn rings, simply pour some water over the stain and use a damp cloth to wipe it away.
3. Rinse the cloth and wipe it again
4. Repeat until it is cleaned

The Stain: Oil / Grease (Minyak Goreng)

Oil itself doesn't stain, but it can leave a residue that attracts dirt.

1. Use a soft, damp microfibre cloth with a drop of mild dishwashing soap (like Glo or Sunlight) and warm water
2. Rinse the cloth with water and wipe it again

Part 3: The "NEVER Use" List: How to Protect Your Investment

Your countertop is tough, but not indestructible. Using the wrong products can cause permanent damage. AVOID THESE AT ALL COSTS:

• Harsh Chemicals: NO bleach, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, or products with high acidic or alkaline levels. (E.g. Soda Kuda Api, Industrial acid)
• Abrasive Scrubbers: NO steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive powders. These can dull the surface and create micro-scratches.
• Permanent Markers: Keep permanent ink away from the surface. Cleaning can be challenging and time-consuming, and it may leave a permanent stain on your countertop.
• Direct Heat (for Quartz): Always use a trivet or mat for hot pots and pans on quartz countertops to avoid thermal shock. Sintered stone is much more resistant, but using a trivet is always the safest practice.
• Stone Sealers: This is a benefit! High-quality quartz and sintered stone are non-porous and DO NOT require sealing.

Optional Step for Extra Shine

This step is not compulsory, but if you want to keep your countertop exceptionally shiny, you can apply a pledge. Simply spray the pledge onto the stone surface and use a soft cloth to rub it evenly.

Your Countertop, Your Peace of Mind

With a little daily care and the right knowledge, you can enjoy your beautiful countertop without worry. It’s designed to be a durable, long-lasting part of your home.

Have more questions about countertop care? Our experts are always here to help. Or, if you’re looking for a surface that's as easy to clean as it is beautiful, [explore our Quartz and Sintered Stone collections].