Granite countertop is one of the most used countertops. The beauty, variety and its durability make it one of the most used kitchen countertop and bathroom vanity countertop. However, there are a lot of debate and myths surrounding the countertop material. In this article, we debunk the myths and give you advice on what you should avoid making sure your countertop last a lifetime.
Things You Should Avoid on Your Countertop
- Avoid Pouring Acidic Liquid on the Countertop
The acidic liquid can make your granite countertop to etch and damage the seal on the countertop. Liquids such as vinegar, citrus drinks, and some perfumes are acidic and may destroy your granite. In the bathroom ensure your perfumes are well sealed to avoid pouring.
- Clean any Spills as soon as possible
In case of any spill ensure its as clean as possible to prevent your countertop from etching. Clean the countertop with mild detergent and warm water. If the spills are left for long they will cause the kitchen countertops to become stained and etched.
- Avoid using knives directly
Granite is a hard material but to ensure it last a long time looking shiny and gloss avoid using knives directly. while cutting any foods make sure you use cutting boards to avoid leaving marks on the countertop
- Avoid sitting on the countertop
You may be tempted to sit on your kitchen island especially if you have a lot of guest in the house or stand on it while trying to reach things from the upper cabinets. Granite is likely to crack under pressure. avoid placing any weight in the undersink that would cause pressure on the granite.
Debunking the myth’s
- Hot pans will destroy Granite countertops
One of the most commonly asked question is whether hot pans will damage your granite counter top. Granite is formed as result of pressure and extreme heat in earth surface and it’s, therefore, able to resist heat from pans. Granite is made from heat ranging from 1300 to 2400 degrees and it’s, therefore, able to withstand heat from pans without getting damage. it’s however important to place the hot pans on a cloth because the heat may destroy the sealer allowing stains to penetrate the countertop.
Normal kitchen activities such as baking, and cooking don’t produce enough heat to destroy the granite, but as a good maintenance practice always use the heat coaster to protect the granite. Extreme high temperatures will, however, damage the countertop.
- Granite Countertop Will Stain easily
Granite kitchen countertops are resistant to stains. Any liquid spilled on the countertop will not cause a stain if wiped immediately. if liquids are left on the countertop for long, may cause the countertop to discolor.
- Granite is hard to maintain
Granite countertops require sealing after every two years. After sealing all you need to do to keep the countertop shinning and elegant are mild soap and warm water. Clean the top regularly and in case of any spills wipe immediately. The expert at the granite company will advise you on how often you should polish your countertop. To debunk the myth, we can confidently say that your granite kitchen countertop is easy to maintain.
- Granite will harbor bacteria
Granite is porous and that’s why it requires sealing. Once the sealing is done that will keep out any bacteria and that makes it safe for use in the kitchen. It’s therefore untrue that your granite will harbor any bacteria. Keep the countertop clean and that will ensure there are no bacteria in your food.
- Granite is indestructible
Granite is one of the hardest natural stone and its resistant to chemicals, heat, stains, and scratches but only to a certain level. While granite is heat resistant, its only resists heat to a certain level. Your countertop can also get stained if the liquid is left for too long on the surface. Although its scratch resistant, the harder object may scratch the countertop. Granite can be destroyed by too much force and it’s important that take care of your countertop
Granite countertop remains one of the best and easy to maintain kitchen countertop. When professional installed by the granite countertop Raleigh installers and properly maintained you can be sure your countertop will last a lifetime. Granite is one of the best kitchen countertop material and with proper installation and maintenance it will last you a lifetime