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How to Keep Your Natural Stone Countertop in Perfect Condition
Installing a natural stone countertop in your kitchen or bathroom is a major investment. Like any investment, you want it to retain its value and to continue looking pristine. The good news is that with a little bit of care and caution you can keep your natural stone countertop in perfect condition. Here’s how:
Follow Your Contractor’s Instructions
Your contractor is the most familiar with the specific material used for your countertops and the exact sealant that has been used. Some natural stones are more porous than others and require more frequent sealing and maintenance. Your contractor will be able to tell you the best way to take care of the stone, the ideal maintenance schedule, etc.
Practice Good Habits
If you have purchased a home that already has natural stone countertops installed and you aren’t sure about the contractor’s instructions, there are other things you can do to keep your natural stone countertop in perfect condition. Simply practicing good habits in the kitchen and bathroom can go a long way in protecting your stone.
Don’t Leave a Mess
Clean up any spills immediately to reduce any staining or etching. Even leaving water sit on natural stone can damage it. Therefore, it is important to quickly wipe your counters clean of any debris including both liquids and crumbs (which could potentially scratch the surface of the stone). This is especially important for any substances that are acidic including spaghetti sauce, lemon juice, soda, and wine. Cooking oil can also stain natural stone surfaces and should be quickly cleaned up.
Use a Trivet or Hot Pad
One of the benefits of using natural stone for countertops is that they are heat resistant. While this is true, caution should still be used. While rare, natural stone can crack as a result of the sudden heat on the surface (known as a thermal shock). Additionally, placing a hot pan directly on the stone countertop will transfer the heat to the stone, potentially becoming a burn hazard once the pan is removed. The best way to reduce the risk of burning yourself with the stone or cracking your countertop is to simply place hot pots, pans, and trays on a trivet or hot pad.
Coasters are Your Friend
Just as you should not leave standing water on the counter, any sweating bottle, can, or glass will leave ring marks on your countertop and can potentially stain the stone. This can be avoided by simply using coasters with any glass, bottle, or can. It gives an extra level of protection for your stone and prevents water from building up and standing on the surface, potentially damaging the countertop.
Use a Cutting Board
While most natural stone countertops are durable, many can be scratched by using knives and cutting on their surface. Using a knife directly on your countertop can result in scratches, nicks, and dings on its surface. This can be a breeding ground for bacteria and can ruin the aesthetic of your stone countertops. Additionally, using a knife directly on a stone countertop will make the knife dull and can even damage the knife. The good news is that this can be easily avoided by simply using a cutting board whenever you need to cut something.
Don’t Sit or Stand
Sitting or standing on your countertop places direct pressure on a certain point on the countertop. Unlike other countertop materials, natural stone countertops do not have a plywood backing. While the stone is hard, it is not flexible. Without this backing, the direct pressure can cause the natural stone to crack. To avoid this damage, simply use a step stool to reach high shelves and cabinets rather than sitting or standing on the countertop.
Choose Your Cleaner Carefully
Natural stone countertops need to be cleaned carefully. Using hard chemical cleaners or cleaners that have an acidic base (ammonia, lemon, orange, or vinegar) can damage the sealant and even the stone itself. This can make your countertop more prone to stains and etching. Furthermore, the breakdown of the sealant makes your countertop a breeding ground for bacteria growth. The best way to clean natural stone countertops is to use hot water. A mild soap can be used occasionally, but repeated use will result in a build-up, causing your countertops to lose their sheen. In addition to the cleaner, you also want to think about what you are cleaning with. It is best to use a sponge or soft cloth. Avoid using any rough cleaning tools like steel wool, scrubbing pads, etc.
Seal as Needed
While not all natural stones need to be sealed regularly (ask your contractor how often you need to seal your countertop), it’s important to stay on top of this maintenance task if you want to keep your countertops in perfect condition. Using a sealer protects the stone from stains, spills, and water, and helps keep your countertops bacteria-free. While sealing your countertop can seem overwhelming, it is easier than you might think.
You want a sealer that will go deep into the stone. The deeper the sealant goes; the better protection it will provide. The best sealants for natural stone countertops are silicone impregnator sealers. To seal your granite countertops, you simply:
- Clean your countertops with a mild cleaner and allow it to dry completely.
- Using a clean dry cloth to apply the sealer. You simply wipe the sealant on the countertop as though you are cleaning it. It is advisable to use a lint-free cloth to prevent any lint from getting trapped in the sealant. Make sure the entire surface, including the edges and backsplash, are wet with sealant.
- Let the first coat dry for 10 minutes, then apply a second coat using the same method.
- Wait for 24-hours for the sealant to dry completely before preparing food or using the countertop.
This process is similar for all other natural stone countertops including marble, limestone, travertine, etc. Just be sure to read all instructions on the sealant you purchased and follow accordingly. Keeping your countertops sealed will keep them in pristine condition and prevent stains.
Keeping Up with Your Countertops is Key
Keeping your countertops in perfect condition is a continuous task but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just a few modifications to your habits can make taking care of your countertops a breeze. The most important thing is to make sure your countertop is sealed properly and to reseal as necessary. Sealing your granite countertop (as well as other natural stone countertops) will help the surface repel stains and keep them looking just the way they did when you first had them installed.
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