Granite is a very resilient surface that can take some abuse. Minimizing this abuse can help extend the life of a granite countertop almost indefinitely. The dos and don’ts of granite countertop ownership outlined here can help old and new granite countertop owners in Nashville protect their investment.
A new granite countertop owner can put this up near the granite countertop after it’s installed to teach their family about proper care. Some of those in the Nashville area who had their granite countertops installed ten years ago can still use them as reminders of granite countertop dos and don’ts to new guests before parties, or during family gatherings.
Granite countertop dos:
- Clean up spills immediately by blotting, the longer they sit the more chance there is that it will stain
- Clean the surface with a mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth
- Dry the surface of any moisture right away
- Have cutting boards ready for all slicing
- Use coasters under all drinks to keep moisture off the countertop
- Seal your granite countertop regularly – every 6 months to 2 years depending on use
Granite countertops are pretty tough, and can stand up to most of what people in Nashville will throw at it on a routine day, but following these ‘do’ tips will extend its natural beauty even longer.
Granite countertop don’ts:
- Place hot pans directly on a granite countertop, thermal shock can damage it
- Wipe up spills, blot at them to try and soak them up rather than spreading them around
- Use abrasive cleaners
- Use chemical filled cleaners
- Cut directly on the surface
- Allow acidic drinks to sit; though not as sensitive as marble, acids can eat away at the finish if given time
Having granite countertops in your home
The list of dos and don’ts for granite countertops above should have given you an idea of how you can care for a granite countertop in your home. It isn’t too hard, and being prepared with the right accessories and cleaners helps.
If you’ve decided that granite countertops are right for your home, contact the design team at Stone World right now. If you still have questions about granite countertop dos and don’ts, you’re still free to call and chat about granite countertops, and how they’ll function in your home.
I like that granite countertops are easy to clean and are durable. I was unaware that abrasive cleaners can damage the granite countertops. Now that I know that I will look for granite cleaners to make sure to not damage the granite. Like you said, making preventing damage is better that fixing things after they break.