When you install granite kitchen countertops, you want to keep them looking good for a long time. While this is the case, granite contractors note that some homeowners destroy their countertops without even realizing it. Here are some of the ways you might be ruining your countertops:

You place a lot of weight on the countertops

While they appear tough and indestructible, you will destroy the countertops when you place a lot of weight on them. When you place heavy objects near unsupported joints or edges, you will cause cracks, fractures, and ruptures that are expensive and difficult to repair.

Homeowners are more likely to place a lot of weight on the countertops when they are preparing food. Take care not to place a heavy microwave or any other heavy appliance on the countertops. You also should avoid standing on the countertops.

You constantly expose the countertops to high heat

When you repeatedly expose the countertops to high temperatures, you put the countertops at the risk of cracking or even discoloring. Regardless of how tough the countertops are, avoid exposing them to high temperatures. Instead, cover the surfaces with towels, placemats, and hot pads.

To avoid discoloring the surfaces, before you use any heat-generating appliances such as toaster ovens and slow cookers, take a look at the manufacturer’s recommendations.

While hot pans are meant to protect the surfaces, sometimes placing them on the surfaces can lead to cracking or even discoloration. Again, check the manufacturer recommendations before using the protective materials.

You place acidic foods on the countertops

Do you have marble countertops in your home? You should take care of how you handle them, as placing acidic products on them can cause them to be dull. The countertops are made of calcium carbonate, which is a base and highly sensitive to any acidic materials.

As you are preparing your food, a simple splash of wine, vinegar, lemon juice, or tomato source will etch the countertop surfaces. To protect the surfaces, always clean up the countertops immediately you spill anything acidic on them.

Cleaning the surfaces isn’t enough. You also should neutralize the stain by sprinkling baking soda on it.

You cut and chop directly on the countertops

If you have granite or quartz countertops, you don’t have to worry too much about damaging them when you cut directly on them as they are scratch-resistant. Unfortunately, you should be concerned about your knives as the tough countertops will damage the knives.

Do you have marble and other countertops that are prone to scratching? Avoid using the knives directly on the countertops as they will scratch easily, giving the countertops a cheap look.

When you destroy the surface sealant, you create holes on the countertops where bacteria can grow in.

You allow water to build up on the countertops

As long as you have sealed the countertops, you don’t have to worry about water accumulating on the surfaces, right? Wrong! Sealing the countertops prevents the liquids from seeping through and stains from coming about.

When you allow spills to stay on the countertops for a long time, you increase the chances of the countertops getting damaged. This often leads to white crusty build-up and stains coming about.

You don’t have to run to wipe the spills, but at the same time, you shouldn’t let the water sit on the surfaces for too long. For example, don’t let the water sit on the surfaces until they evaporate.

You allow a lot of sunlight to get in the house

A bright and sunny kitchen makes the kitchen appear large, spacious, and elegant. While this is the case, having a lot of direct sunlight can be harmful to the kitchen surfaces. For example, if you have laminate countertops, exposing them to a lot of sunlight will make them fade.

The sealant on wood and granite countertops is vulnerable to fading in sunlight. To protect your surfaces, close the blinds during the sunniest hours of the day.

You are using harsh cleaning products

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to use tough cleaning products to keep the kitchen countertops Durham clean. In most cases, you only need water and a piece of cloth.

To keep the surfaces in top condition, avoid supplies containing bleach or ammonia as they will remove the shine and any protective coating that might be present.