As much as granite countertops are tough, there are some things you shouldn’t allow to sit on them for a long time as they damage the surfaces. These things include:
Spills
You shouldn’t let spills of any nature stay on your countertops for extended periods. This is because granite is porous, which means it is susceptible to staining if you allow liquids to penetrate the surface.
There is also the risk of the countertop surface etching or getting dull when you allow acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, or tomato sauce on your surfaces for a long time.
To keep your countertops stain-free, make it a habit to clean up spills as soon as they happen. When doing it, use an absorbent cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Once you are done, use mild cleaner or warm water and a soft cloth to wipe the area gently.
As much as you want the surfaces dry, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as these can scratch or damage the surface of your countertop.
Hot pans
It’s true that granite is tough and heat resistant. Unfortunately, it’s not heatproof. This means it’s bound to get damaged when you place hot pans and other items on it.
There are plenty of ways hot pans can damage your countertops. One is through thermal shock. This happens when a drastic temperature change causes the countertops to crack or even break.
Placing the hot pan on the countertop also puts the sealant at risk of damage. It’s customary to seal granite countertops which protects the surfaces from damage. When you place hot pans on the countertops, you damage the sealant, which causes the countertops to get more susceptible to stains and other forms of damage.
Sometimes you might even burn your countertops, especially if you are fond of placing the hot pan on the surfaces or you place an excessively hot pan on the counters.
Never place a hot pan directly on the countertops to prevent this from happening. If you have to, use trivets or hot pads.
To protect yourself from accidental burns, wear mitts when handling hot pans.
Yourself
The other thing you shouldn’t let sit on the countertop is you, your kids, your partner, or any other person.
You might wonder why this is so, as granite counters are tough and can withstand a lot of pressure, right?
While it’s true that the counters are tough, they sometimes develop cracks and other imperfections due to old age or other factors. As a result, they could break or even crumble when you sit on them.
Avoid sitting on your counters at all costs to prevent this from happening.
Many people sit on their counters while waiting for the food to cook. Instead of doing this, have a stool or any other seat in the kitchen to sit on.
Other people will stand on the counters as they reach the top shelf or replace the bulb. Instead of stepping on the counters, have a ladder or even on the above-mentioned stool.
Raw meat
As much as it appears harmless, raw meat can be dangerous to your countertops. One of the dangers is that water and blood can get into your countertops and stain them, especially when you let them sit on the surfaces for a long time.
Raw meat often harbors harmful bacteria, and when you leave it on your counters, there is the risk of cross-contamination through contact with surfaces and utensils. For example, when raw meat comes into contact with a cutting board or knife previously used to prepare other foods, it can transfer bacteria to those surfaces and utensils, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
To protect your kitchen countertops Raleigh and prevent cross-contamination, don’t leave raw meat on the counters for extended periods.
You can also be an agent of contamination, and to prevent this from happening, make it a habit to thoroughly clean your hands after coming into contact with the meat.
