Stone countertops are an excellent choice for adding sophistication to bathrooms, kitchens, or any other room in your home! Regardless of the material it’s composed of, it is crucial to know how to maintain and take care of them to ensure they last you a long time.
General Cleaning Tips for Stone Countertops
- Do not stand or sit on your stone countertops to avoid causing cracks and fissures.
- Do not chop or slice directly on a stone countertop.
- Do not put hot pans, pots, and dishes on the surface since too much heat can result in cracks and damages to the countertop.
- Clean or wipe spills immediately. Most stone countertops are sensitive to acidic foods like vinegar, citrus juices, salad dressings, or even wine.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions on when to reapply sealants on your countertops.
Cleaning Tips for Specific Types of Countertops
Not all countertops have the same cleaning requirements. To guide you, here are some helpful tips for you:
1) For Granite
Granite is one of the most preferred countertops because of its color and form variations.
Keep the granite countertops clean and shiny by cleaning them every day using a mixture of water and dishwashing detergent. Use a microfiber cloth after spraying the mixture and let it air dry after.
Avoid using harsh cleaners such as vinegar, bathroom cleaners, and lemon juice because they can give it an ugly finish! When removing tough stains, you can use a combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Carefully spread the mixture/paste over the stain and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it remain there for 24 hours. After removing the plastic cover, let the mixture dry completely before wiping it away. Do it again until the stain is totally removed.
2) For Marble
Another elegant and classic countertop material is marble. The only downside of this countertop material is that it can easily stain and is porous.
Prevention is the best way to ensure that this countertop is clean. Ensure that you wipe down the countertops daily using warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent. Use a soft cloth instead of a scrubbing sponge. Never use harsh cleaners, as well as vinegar or anything with anemia. Remove or wipe up drinks and food spills as soon as possible. You can also use the paste of the combined hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove rust marks and food stains. If you will remove etching and scratches, use marble polishing powder.
Reseal marble countertops every 3-6 months.
3) For Limestone
If you want to have a countertop with an expensive look at an affordable price, limestone could be your best choice. However, they require more care compared to other types of stone countertops. This is why you should apply the proper sealant to keep them free from scratches and discolorations.
Do not use acidic or harsh cleaners on your limestone countertops. You can use a commercial limestone cleaner or a combination of dish detergent and warm water. Do not use sponge scrubbers to prevent scratching the finish.
Avoid putting hot objects on it as well as getting stained with acidic substances like coffee, red wine, and black tea. Hard-to-remove stains can be solved by using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
If you notice deep scratches, make sure to buff them lightly with a car polishing compound or 0000-grade fine steel wool. Make sure to seal the area again after cleaning!
Conclusion
Your home can have a more appealing and sophisticated touch with the help of stone countertops. You can choose from various materials such as granite, limestone, marble, and others. Whichever you choose from these, it is essential to know how to clean and maintain them for them to last longer in your home!
If you’re looking for custom countertops in Birmingham, AL, make sure to contact Cutstone Company. We provide residential and commercial custom countertops in the area. Contact us today!
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