Aug 22, 20223 min read

kitchen onyx care by top rated local handyman

How to Care for Your Onyx Countertop

Onyx countertops require special care to maintain their beauty. Onyx should be sealed during installation and resealed at regular intervals and should be polished from time to time. In the event of a spill, the stone should be cleaned immediately using a specially formulated cleaner. With proper care, your onyx will last for years.

Picking up onyx shelves is a bit like picking up a puppy.

Both require frequent care and you should be ready to clean up any mess ASAP! I can't help you with the dog, but I can tell you how to care for your onyx.

Step 1: Seal your onyx countertop.

Passage n. 1 is to use a special filler on the countertop to keep it shiny and make the most of its durability. It is best to have it done by a professional as it is so essential.

Generally anyone who installs onyx will also seal it, but you should be careful with other contractors. Onyx is still rare, and some people will mistakenly think they can seal onyx simply because they know how to work granite (a much harder and tougher stone).

If you choose to seal yourself, the most important thing to do is to get the right sealant.

If you can afford onyx countertops, you can afford the right sealant. Don't just run to the local hardware store (or worse, WalMart) and find a regular stone sealer.

The easiest thing to do is to use what your stone supplier recommends.

If that doesn't help, check out MB Stone Granite Sealer MB-4. MB Stone is a highly regarded company. Ideally, the complete kit you would need to seal and polish your stone countertops is available here.

Another premium product with a good reputation is Aquamix Sealers Choice Gold.

This stuff costs around $100 for a gallon, which is enough to seal several countertops.

If you need to search for more products, try to find Alpha Fluorocarbon Resin Impregnating Sealer. Silicone-based products are not ideal for onyx.

Reseal the onyx

Most onyx should be resealed every 1-3 years. How often you seal the onyx depends on how much the surface is used, the type of detergent you use, and the color.

Lighter colored onyx, such as the popular white onyx, will need to be sealed more often as it stains more easily.

Again, your stone suppliers should be able to tell you how often to seal (and in some cases if the theonyx should also be sealed in the first place).

Step 2: Clean your onyx countertop.

Every day you have to search for some reason to clean your onyx countertop. .

Since onyx is soft and calcium-based, it reacts with acids.

Not just chemistry lab acids, but common household liquids like vinegar, lemon juice, coffee, and yes, red wine!

So DO NOT USE homemade cleaners, window/glass cleaners or normal kitchen counter cleaners, as they can be too acidic.

Also, do not use abrasive cleaners. This is really rule no. 1 here. Most over-the-counter cleaners are far too harsh and acidic for onyx.

Instead, use natural pH-neutral cleaning products and a soft cloth. It's sometimes recommended (and easy to find; on Amazon it's $16).

Or ask your stone supplier - they should know the best cleaner for their stone and can sell it themselves.

Tip: Use the cleanser applied to a soft cloth. Don't place the cleaner directly on the countertop as the onyx may absorb too much of it, doing more harm than good.

In case of spills...

Step 3: Wipe up spills immediately.

Onyx is naturally porous and absorbs liquids. So, clean up the spill immediately. Instead of cleaning, wipe up the liquid with a paper towel.

Spills are especially dangerous if it is an acidic liquid, as the "acid etching" that occurs can really dull your stone.

Despite popular belief, sealants do not prevent stains. They just give you a bit more time before the stone absorbs what is poured on it! So pay attention to cleaning.

How to polish onyx countertops.

To recap, here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning and polishing your onyx countertops to keep them looking their best.

Seals the surface. Use a special stone sealer, such as MB Stone Granite Sealer or AquamixSealers Choice Gold, on onyx to help prevent acid etching and staining.

Clean with a soft cloth and special cleaner. Apply a special cleaner, such as Gel Gloss, to a soft cloth, then rub it into the onyx surface.

Wipe up spills immediately.

Wipe up any spills with a paper towel. Do not rub or apply pressure.

If you close your onyx countertops as many times as needed and clean up any spills, you should have years of fun!