4 Common Care Mistakes To Avoid With Your New Granite Countertops
Posted on: 3 May 2018
Whether you've recently had granite countertops installed in your home or are planning on doing so in the near future, one fact remains: granite is one of the most in-demand and durable countertop materials you can choose today! Still, because there is no such thing as a 100% maintenance-free countertop, there are still some basic care and maintenance steps you'll need to follow. Even more specifically, there are some common care mistakes you should be careful to avoid that could damage your brand new granite countertops.
1. Neglecting to Seal/Reseal Them as Needed
One of the most important maintenance steps you'll need to take to protect your granite countertops is that of having them sealed as needed. This will most likely be done for you when your counters are first installed, but you will generally need to reseal them at least once every few years. Failing to do so could expose the naturally porous granite to the elements, making it more prone to staining, crumbling, and cracking.
2. Using Abrasive Cleaners on Them
While granite is a very durable material, it is also naturally porous and can be damaged if you use abrasive cleaners on it. With this in mind, it's important to be extra careful about the types of cleaners you buy and use in your kitchen. Ideally, you'll want to purchase a cleaning product that's specifically designed to be used on granite. And when using a new cleaner on your granite countertops, always test it in a small area before you begin using it widespread.
3. Confusing "Scratch Resistant" with "Scratch-Proof"
Granite is known for being resistant to scratches, but don't make the mistake of thinking this means your new counters are 100% scratch-proof. You should still always use a cutting board when chopping up vegetables or otherwise cutting up food on your counters. Otherwise, surface scratches could appear and worsen over time.
4. Not Protecting Them From Excessive Heat
Finally, while granite is more resistant to heat than many other countertop materials (such as laminate and butcher block), it's still important to protect your new counters by setting down a towel or trivet before putting scorching hot pans or pots onto them. While you're unlikely to cause damage to your granite countertops using heat alone, it's better to be safe than sorry--especially when you consider the fact that granite countertops (like all other stone countertop options) are not cheap to install, repair, or replace.
To learn more, contact a company like Artisan Granite & Marble.
Share