The kitchen is the heart of your home, which means it’s one of the first things visitors will notice. And with all the time and money spent updating your surfaces, it’s important to keep them looking their best. Knowing how to protect your investment will give your countertops years of beauty and enjoyment.
In this 6-part series, we will be diving into extending the life of your countertops through regular maintenance and care. We’re kicking off the Countertop Series with a few things you should and shouldn’t do to keep them looking good as new.
DO know your stone: Every material has different needs. Some require regular maintenance, while others need minimal care. Soft stones (like marble, limestone and soapstone) should be treated with more care than harder stones such as granite. To keep your surface looking it’s best, be sure you know which surface you are treating and pay attention to its specific needs.
DO be proactive: Spills are bound to happen, but they also have the potential to ruin the surface of your stone. Anything from mustard to salad dressings can stain if unattended to. Be proactive and wipe up messes as soon as they happen to avoid residue or spots that can ruin the beauty of your new kitchen countertops.
DO take precautions: While some materials can withstand hot pans and cold beverages, many of them cannot. As a general rule, avoid placing any hot or cold items directly on your stone’s surface. Protecting your countertops can be as easy as using a pot holder under hot containers, or placing a coaster under your iced drink.
DO ask the experts: Stones are not perfect and sometimes damage can occur. If there is a problem and you’re not sure how to fix it on your own, don’t be afraid to seek advice from the professionals.
DON’T assume: There are certain cleaning solutions that are great for one countertop, but could be determinantal to another. Do your research and know what cleaning solutions are right for your stone. As a general rule, avoid cleaners that contain acids such as lemon, vinegar, bleach and ammonia on natural stones.
DON’T overdo it: Natural stones are very fragile and scrubbing can do more damage than good. If you need to deep clean a soft stone countertop to remove stubborn spills or residue, use a non-abrasive pad and add minimal pressure. If you are working with a harder stone such as granite, a premium cleaner will adequately clean and disinfect.
DON’T forget to seal: Many stones require maintenance a few times a year depending on the use and type of stone. Find out the requirements for your countertops and develop a routined schedule. Leaving a surface for an extended period of time can result in liquid seeping into the pores, causing permanent damage and discoloration.
Looking to begin your home remodeling project? Contact one of our experts today!
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