Things You Should Avoid To A Granite Countertop
Granite countertops are often viewed as indestructible because granite is a hard stone. While granite is tough, you can destroy it. Taking a little extra care when cleaning and using a granite countertop can make all the difference in the world to keeping the stone safe and beautiful for many years.
– Don’t Leave Spills Uncleaned
Allowing a spill to sit for a long time means you risk damaging the seal and stain of the stone. Letting a spill sit can leave a dark spot on the surface of your granite and ruin the look of the countertop. Light-coloured granite is also easy to stain, especially with dark or red liquids. Instead of risking damage to your countertops, just wipe up spills as soon as possible to avoid stains or seal damage. If water won’t fix the problem, use an appropriate cleaner.
– Don’t Use All-Purpose Cleaners
Many of these cleaners contain acids, bleach, alkalis, and other chemicals that can cause damage to the sealer used on your countertops. Once the sealer is damaged, the chemicals can stain and further damage the stone underneath. When it comes time to clean your granite countertops, use products specifically designed for cleaning granite, such as non-abrasive and non-acidic cleaners. Cleaners with vinegar, citrus, or ammonia are all best avoided on granite.
– Don’t Cut Food on Granite
While you likely won’t damage the stone, cutting food directly on the granite can quickly dull your knives. Dull knives are more likely to cause injury, which makes it dangerous to use knives on granite. Plus, the slick surface may cause slipping of the knife, which could lead to injury as well.
– Don’t Let Acids sit on Granite
Acidic cleaners and food ingredients can quickly eat through the sealer. When acid eats through the sealer, you are left with an unprotected countertop. Lemon juice is especially harmful to granite. If you happen to get lemon juice on your counter, it is best to get it cleaned up right away.
