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I’m not a Rabbi, so please consult yours to determine whether and how to prepare your countertop for Passover. I’m a kitchen professional, and I wanted to pass along a bit of knowledge before you begin the process.
If you have quartz or other man-made countertops, check with your Rabbi first. There are varying opinions on whether these surfaces can be kashered for Passover.
Natural stone countertops can generally be made kosher for Passover. However, not all natural countertop materials are created equal, and not every method used to kasher them is appropriate if you want to maintain the long-term life of the stone.
Granite countertops, for example, are typically not very porous and do not readily absorb water. Pouring hot water on them generally won’t harm the stone. Steam is much hotter and, while it usually won’t damage the granite itself, it may degrade the protective sealer. For that reason, I recommend resealing the countertop afterward.
My biggest concern is with quartzite and other more exotic natural stones. These materials can absorb water and should ideally be resealed annually to prevent moisture penetration. If moisture remains trapped in the stone, it can eventually lead to mold.
Steam koshering can present an additional risk. Very hot, pressurized steam may be forced deep into the pores of the stone, with no easy way for the moisture to escape and fully dry out afterward.
A little caution can help protect your countertop while preparing for the holiday.
Wishing you a Sweat & Kosher Passover!
