Kitchen countertops are a considerable investment in any home, whether they are made of granite, quartz, marble, and so on. You need to take care of them if you want them to last a long time and continue to serve your kitchen well.
Apart from daily cleaning, there are a few big no-nos that you should be careful to avoid. If you’re not careful, you risk damaging your countertops which might lead to further deterioration. Learn to avoid these mistakes by checking out the list below.
1. Don’t Use Abrasives
Abrasive materials, such as pads and scrubbers, should never be used on granite and other materials that are used for a modern kitchen design. Such materials tend to leave scratch marks on surfaces. Additionally, abrasive materials can destroy the sealant film on porous stone countertops.
2. Don’t Let Knives Come into Contact with Countertops
There might be times when you’re in a hurry or are feeling lazy, and instead of reaching out for that chopping board to slice an apple, you just cut it directly on the countertop. The knife then slips and makes direct contact with your granite or worse; you could even slice a finger.
The sharp edge of knives can damage the aesthetics and condition of your countertops. Next time, grab a chopping board or have it already laid out on the counter so you won’t have any excuse.
3. Don’t Use Acidic Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning solutions that contain strong acids can damage granite and marble kitchen countertops. Acidic cleaning products can destroy the sealant film that covers the mineral pores of the granite. On marble countertops, using acidic solutions will react with the material and will leave etch marks on its surface.
4. Don’t Let Vinegar Spills Dry
Vinegar is a good home cleaning solution, but not for stone countertops. When vinegar is left to dry out on a granite surface, it will erode the stone countertops that could cause dents or etch marks, or both.
5. Don’t Leave Spices and Canisters
Spices and canisters spread out on your counter may look aesthetically pleasing, but they’re not necessarily practical because they take up a lot of functional space. If you want to make the most out of your countertops, keep these spices and canisters neatly tucked away in shelves or pull-out trays instead. After all, those granite tops are made for working, not for display.
6. Don’t Leave Olive Oil
Olive oil will spoil when exposed to direct heat and light. Some people tend to have their oils placed on the kitchen countertop, usually next to the stove. If you think that’s convenient, wait until you pour spoiled olive oil into a pan.
7. Don’t Have Papers Lying Around
It’s natural for a lot of homeowners to have documents and other paperwork on the kitchen countertop. If it becomes a habit, you’ll end up with heaps of papers on your countertop that will reduce the functionality of your granite and pose a fire hazard. What you should do is to have a basket or a box to store your documents and keep them organized.
Conclusion
Maintain the beauty of your kitchen countertops, regardless of the material they are made of. A beautiful kitchen can say a lot about your home. Take care of your countertops as they’re a huge investment!
Looking for quality kitchen countertops in Seattle? We have a wide range of choices, and we only work with the best styles. Contact us today for an estimate.
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