Your kitchen countertop is an investment and it’s therefore important that you take care of it. Simple cleaning tips will keep your granite countertop looking good and ensure it last long. Correct cleaning methods and proper maintenance practices will ensure the durability of your countertop and give your house and kitchen a regal effect. It’s important that you understand your countertop and that keeps your countertop looking fabulous for years. In this article, we tell you do’s and don’ts when using granite countertop Durham and simple cleaning practices that will ensure the longevity of your countertop.

Sealing Your Granite Countertop

It’s imperative that you seal your granite before using it. If you already have the granite countertop installed to make sure it sealed often. The number of times you seal your granite countertop will depend on how often you use the countertop. Talk to the granite countertop dealer and get advice on how often you should seal your countertop and the kind of sealant you should use.

Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning the Granite Countertop

It’s crucial that you follow the right cleaning procedure to prevent your countertop from being damaged. The right care and maintenance procedure will ensure your countertop last long. Below some tips on how to take care of the granite countertops and what you should avoid;

Granite Countertop DO’s

• Blot out spills immediately

Coffee, fruit juices tomato sauces may contain an acidic element which may etch the countertop. To minimize the chances of damaging the countertop make sure you blot out any spill immediately.

• Clean the Surface with a Soft Sponge and Cloth

To clean the countertop, use a soft sponge and a mild detergent. Don’t use an acidic detergent because that may ruin the sealant. Using the wrong soap may also cause the countertop to become dull. Regular dishwashing soap will cause the countertop to become dull.

• Use hot Pads and Trivets when using Hot Pans

Don’t take a hot pan and place it directly on the granite kitchen countertop. Hot pans may give your countertop a thermal shock and because small cracks Make sure you place hot pads and use trivets before placing hot pans on the countertop.

• Use Cutting Boards

Avoid cutting directly on the countertop, instead, use a cutting board to protect your countertop. Cutting directly on the granite will make countertop to have scratches and become dull.

Granite countertop Don’ts’s

• Avoid using bleach and other acidic cleaners

Any product that is acidic or contains harsh chemicals will destroy your countertop by downgrading the sealant. That will make your countertop more prone to staining. Use mild detergents to clean the countertop.

• Avoid Placing Heavy Objects on Your Countertop

Avoid sitting on the countertop or placing heavy materials because that will cause it to crack.

• Don’t Store liquids that can Stain the countertop on it

Liquids such as perfume, colognes and nail products may spill and cause your countertop to stain. If such liquids remain on the countertop for long periods that may stain the top.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

• Daily Maintenance

Make sure you wipe any spills immediately using a sponge and a mild detergent. Keep your countertop clean throughout the day. The granite countertop dealer will advise you on the best granite cleaner that you can use on a daily basis.

• Weekly Maintenance

Remove all the items on the countertop and clean the whole surface. Clean the edges and remove any dust that has collected around.

• Monthly

You can apply a granite polish monthly to make the surface of the countertop look more natural and enhance the shine.

• Yearly Maintenance

You can carry out the water and lemon test on your granite to see whether you need to seal your granite. The frequency will, however, depend on how often the countertop is used. Seal the granite if you notice that the countertop is absorbing water drops left on it. The contractor from the granite company will advise you on when you have your countertop sealed.

Its imperative that you ensure that you follow the care and maintenance practices above to keep your granite looking good for long. Simple maintenance practices will ensure that kitchen countertop looks good and you can enjoy preparing meals on it for years. The granite countertop installers will advise you on how often you should seal your countertop depending on how often you use the countertop.