When it comes to new countertops, nothing seems to top granite. Did you know that 64 percent of new homes choose granite countertops for their kitchen? Kitchens tend to see a lot of use and it is essential that you perform countertop maintenance if you want your granite countertops to look new.
There is a lot more than having clean counters or choosing to polish your counters when it comes to countertop maintenance for your home’s kitchen or man cave bar top. The good news is that you’ve come to the perfect article to learn about the best maintenance tips that you should put into practice with your kitchen’s granite countertops.
If you have yet to make the upgrade to granite countertops, I highly recommend you do. However, it is not a DIY project and will take a professional. To find a pro installer just search “countertops Denver” or whichever city you live in. You will also want to make sure to check out some google reviews before choosing your installer.
Continue reading this article to learn how to keep your granite countertops looking brand new for years to come.
Remove Stains As Soon As Possible
Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops because of how resistant it is to moisture that comes from spills and cooking. There is a reason behind its popularity. Still, you shouldn’t take your resistant countertops for granite (pun intended). If you spill moisture or liquid on your granite countertops it is important that you clean it up as soon as you can.
The worst things to spill on your granite countertop are things that are acidic in nature. Wine, tomato sauces, and sodas are the worst things for your granite countertops because they’ll break your sealing countertops and cause damage to the granite itself.
If you let these spills sit for too long they’ll end up causing stains to the granite that will take granite polishing to get out. Cooking oils are another thing that will damage your granite countertops if you let them sit for too long. The best thing you can do for maintenance when it comes to your granite countertops is to clean up any spills as soon as they happen.
Use a Sponge or Soft Cleaning Cloth
If you’re wanting to deep clean your granite countertops then you should try to find specialty products that are designed for that purpose. When it comes to cleaning your granite countertops, the best approach to take is to use a sponge or a soft cleaning cloth. Microfiber towels are a perfect solution for cleaning your granite countertops.
For the best results, combine the sponge or microfiber cleaning cloth with warm water to wipe down your countertops. These cleaning materials are easy to use and do the least amount of harm to your granite countertops to get the best results. They won’t cause damage to the sealant on your counter.
Since they’re easy to use and don’t damage the sealant on your countertops they make the perfect solution for maintenance tips. This combo will keep your countertops looking brand new for years to come.
Use Coasters for Your Drinks
Another helpful maintenance tip when it comes to granite countertops for your kitchen is to make sure to always use coasters for your drinks. Granite is remarkable when it comes to the resistance it provides to scratches and other types of damage. Still, using a coaster will ensure that your granite countertops have the most protection possible.
Using coasters will prevent damage to the sealant caused by the condensation from your drinks. It will also decrease the chances of scratches to the sealant or granite from your cups or bottles. Using coasters requires minimal effort or money and is a much better alternative than paying for new granite countertops.
Protect Your Granite From Hot Surfaces
A common mistake that people make with their granite countertops is placing hot items like a cooking skillet or pot on them. While granite is known for how heat-resistant it is, hot objects will damage the sealant and it can also cause food fragments and dirt to stick to the bottom part of the pot or skillet.
If that happens, you’ll scratch the sealant of your countertops the next time that you place your cookware on them. This might not seem like a big deal. As these scratches happen over time your granite will become more and more vulnerable to damage from spills and other issues.
It will also result in a less-than-stellar appearance of your kitchen’s countertops. For this reason, you should also avoid cutting up fruits, vegetables, and meat on your countertop. Always make sure to use a cutting board to avoid causing unnecessary damage to your granite countertops.
Don’t Use Granite Countertops For Storage
A granite countertop that is sealed the right way will be quite resistant to scratches. With anything, there is a limit to what the sealant can protect against. Many homeowners will store things like olive oil and wine on their granite countertops. This increases the odds of a spill happening.
As you read earlier in this article, cooking oil and wine are both terrible for your kitchen’s countertops. If you want to keep your countertops looking new then it is a wise move to find space in your cupboard to store these cooking items. If you don’t have anywhere to store these cooking items then find an adequate cover to put down as a way to protect your countertops.
Don’t Use Common Household Cleaning Solutions
One of the worst things you can do for the maintenance of your granite countertops is using household cleaning chemicals on them. Always stick to using warm water with a sponge or soft cleaning cloth if you need to clean or wipe down your countertops.
Many cleaning products on the market today contain some level of acid. This acid will work its way through your countertop’s sealant over a period of time and start to damage and stain your counters.
Follow These Maintenance Tips for Your Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are popular because they provide a classy appearance to your kitchen and they’re resistant to both heat and scratching. Like anything else, these countertops need proper maintenance. Make sure to clean them with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid using household cleaners on them. You should also make sure to use coasters for your drinks on your countertops.
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