What Not To Do With Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous stone. Having weathered the Earth’s strongest natural elements, it doesn’t come as a surprise that granite counters are very durable in the kitchen. However, there are still certain things that must be avoided to keep your counters clean and quality-maintained. These include:

 

# Not using undermount sinks as bathtubs for kids

Although under-mount kitchen sinks seem strong and sturdy, giving your children baths in them is not advisable since they can come loose and damage your granite countertops in the process.

 

# Not exposing your counters to acidic materials

Acidic substances like vinegar, citrus, sodas, perfume, lotions, nail colors, and soaps can damage your granite seals, exposing them to more scratches, chips, and stains. You should place your personal products in cabinets or baskets which are secured against spills or leaks in the bathroom. Similarly, use cutting boards and coasters for food and drink respectively to keep your kitchen counters safe and clean.

 

# Not placing raw meat on counters

Sealed granite counters are impervious to most bacteria, but you still shouldn’t risk salmonella by chopping raw chicken or meat on your counters. Although the look of the granite is retained, poor sanitation can lead to a buildup of unhygienic materials that can adversely affect other food preparations. Cleaning the counters with strong chemical products like grocery-store cleaners after every use is also going to make matters worse by damaging the sealing further and causing discoloration and staining. Make sure to use cutting boards and clean your counters with simple mineral oils and soft cloths after every use.

 

# Cleaning any spills immediately

Liquid, oily or acidic spills if left for a long time can seep through unsealed stone and leave stains while also causing wet or chemical damage. In case of sealed counters, the seals can be damaged by the liquids which can cause stains and unhygienic conditions. Make sure to clean every spill as soon as possible to prevent this.

 

# Not cutting things directly on the counters

Granite is too hard for your kitchen knives to work properly on. Not only can it dull the knives, but the chopping is also less efficient directly on the counter than with cutting boards.

 

# Avoiding standing or sitting on the counters

The beautiful granite veins can easily crack under immense weight. Avoid climb granite counters to reach things, change bulbs, or to use as a stand. It’s better to use stools or stands for such work. Also, prevent your kids from sitting on these counters during cooking time.

Being igneous, granite counters can easily handle the average heat-related appliances and work in kitchens. However, seals can be damaged by excessive heat exposure. That’s why you should use proper potholders and trivets during kitchen work, and wipe away any hot liquids and spills immediately.

Besides these few restrictions, granite is the go-to choice for most kitchen counters that can be used with little stress and great enjoyment.

If you want to upgrade your home I will suggest you use our Natural or Quartz stones tops in your home, we offer the largest selection of countertops stones. Hurry and set up a free in-home consultation at Granite Brothers by calling 508-925-0431 no obligation free estimates. We will offer you premium quality, at an affordable price.We will deliver the best service in the industry and our clients are raving about working with us check out our testimonials. We also offer an excellent selection of Wholesale Kitchen cabinets and RTA cabinets in Massachusetts and take the opportunity of our Free Kitchen design when you purchase a new kitchen from us.