Tips Everyone With Granite Countertops Should Know
Are you planning to get granite countertops installed in your home? If so, it helps to know how to care for the material so that it continues to look great over the years. Here are some tips that everyone should know if they own granite countertops.
Avoid Bleach Cleaning Solutions
You may think that bleach-based cleaning solutions are going to get the counters clean, but they can do more harm than good. While these cleaning solutions will disinfect the surface, they will also wear away the sealant. The end result is that the surface will look cloudy. Your countertops may be clean, but you'll need to spend more time and money on resealing the surface.
Clean The Countertop Everyday
You should make it a habit to clean your granite countertops every single day, even if it is simply wiping them down to get rid of debris that is on the surface. The natural patterns of granite can make it difficult to see the debris that is on them, and it can easily be forgotten about if you are not cleaning the countertops each day. Do yourself a favor and stay on top of cleaning or you may accidentally set something down on food that you forgot was stuck to the surface.
Protect The Surface With Coasters
Granite is a natural stone, so liquids always have the potential to absorb into the natural stone in places where the sealant is worn down. It is best to always use coasters when placing drinks on the granite surface to protect the countertops. You don't want to end up with an odd-colored liquid penetrating the stone's surface and staining it for good.
If you spill a beverage on the granite countertops, it is best to clean it up immediately by blotting the liquid. This prevents the liquid from being spread across the entire surface when you attempt to clean it.
Always Use A Cutting Board
The tough surface of granite is capable of withstanding a sharp knife if you cut directly on the surface. Many people do this frequently since they know it is possible with granite. However, it is not the best idea over time. The knives can wear away at the sealant on the surface of the countertops, and the granite will wear down the knife. You are better off using a wood cutting board to protect the knife and the countertop.
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