Are you wanting to invest in granite countertops but unsure of the maintenance involved in them? Do you want to get your hands on natural stone countertops and keep them looking good? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about cleaning and maintaining granite countertops.
Doing so can set your kitchen apart from everyone else’s! Not only will you have beautiful surfaces in your kitchen, bathroom, etc, but it will keep its youthful shine for years to come.
See below for an in-depth guide on how to clean and maintain granite countertops from this point on.
Be Proactive With Countertop Care
Granite countertops can offer you several key benefits. They can prevent chipping, avoid scratching, are very cost-efficient for the luxurious effect, add tremendous value to your home, and are resistant to staining.
That said, you don’t want to leave them susceptible to stains, spills, etc. Remember, granite is a natural stone. Therefore, it’s up to you to prevent certain scenarios that might cause a spill or accident to occur.
Granite kitchen countertops are especially in danger of an accident. All it takes is one spill in the kitchen that goes uncleaned to affect the appearance of your countertops.
Fortunately, most of this can be prevented by simply being proactive. When you have drinks on the counters, always have coasters for you and your guests to set them on. If you’re serving up a buffet-style meal on your counters, make sure all pots and pans have pads underneath them.
Granite is heat and stain-resistant, but not heat and stain-proof. If you neglect the countertops, then they could become a victim of cracking due to excessive heat.
Follow these tips and you’ll never have a problem with maintaining your natural stone countertops’ appearance. If you’re looking for granite countertops in Amarillo, be sure to reach out to Alpha Stone Fabricators to help you create the perfect design.
How Should I Clean Granite Countertops?
If you’re looking to take care of Amarillo stone countertops (such as granite), then knowing how to properly clean them is key.
To think you’ll never spill something on your counter would be impractical. Accidents happen. The kitchen gets busy. Your uncle Sal has one too many glasses of wine during the family get-togethers; it’s part of life.
When those accidents happen, it’s important to take action right away. Make sure you have high-quality sponges and microfiber towels within reach. Keep a few stored in both your kitchen and bathrooms (where the granite countertops are installed).
Whenever you have to use a sponge or microfiber towel, try to refrain from using any cleaning solution—even dish soap if you can help it. All you should need is hot water to carefully wash out the spilled liquid.
When you go to clean up a stain, make sure you dab at the area, do not scrub it. Scrubbing the surface can cause the substance to get further into the stone and stain.
Most importantly, to clean granite countertops efficiently, you need to prioritize wiping them up as soon as possible. Don’t shrug it off and set it aside for later; stains can happen quickly.
The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid With Granite Top Maintenance
Before we let you go, let’s dive into some of the biggest no-no’s when it comes to proper granite stone countertop maintenance.
Don’t Use Cleaners
Shortly after installing your granite countertops, you will be placing a sealer on top of it. This will protect it from damage, as well as give it a beautiful and luxurious glow.
We mean it when we say that hot water is all you need to clean any mess. Using other cleaning solutions could tear down the sealer, as well as tarnish the granite itself.
We aren’t just talking about ammonia or bleach, either. Refrain from using any cleaner—that includes lemons, oranges, and even vinegar. Hot water only, people!
Don’t Crowd Your Countertops
Nobody wants to see a ring form on their granite kitchen countertops, but that’s exactly what will happen if you use them as a surface for liquids.
As a general rule of thumb, your granite countertops should be void of any items when they aren’t in use. Why would you want items blocking the beauty of your natural stone countertops anyways?
When you invest in Granite in Amarillo homes, keep a house rule of not setting anything on them for too long. If you do, then they must have a coaster or pad underneath them.
Don’t Cook on the Surface Directly
Far too many homeowners have a bad habit of cutting their food directly on top of their kitchen counters. This is a huge no-no for those of you with granite countertops.
Not only could the food cause staining on your surface, but you also risk slicing through the sealer on the granite.
Cutting boards aren’t just to protect the countertops, by the way. They’re also used as a way to protect you, as well as help prevent your knives from becoming dull. With a cutting board underneath the item you’re cutting, you’ll have more control and, thus, more safety.
Invest in Granite Countertops for Your Amarillo TX Home
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to clean and maintain granite countertops, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Take the time to read this article for more information on the most popular materials for countertops on the market today. To get started, please feel free to contact us by phone at 806-731-0540 and we will be happy to assist you further.
