When it comes to kitchen countertop materials, granite is one of the most elegant and durable countertop options available. Long-lasting, durable, and attractive, this igneous rock offers a perfect marriage of simplicity, sophistication, functionality, and style. And of all of granite’s praiseworthy traits, one of the most appealing is how easy these countertops are to keep looking great.
In this post from the national cabinet pros at Boca Cabinets, we’re taking a look at everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your granite kitchen countertops. Check out these maintenance tips and then give us a call to learn about granite kitchen countertop options for your home or new build.
Day-To-Day Granite Countertop Care
Granite counter maintenance begins with your daily habits. Like any other natural stone surface, granite should be treated with a certain degree of care to avoid serious problems from arising.
Here are a few essential habits to get into when it comes to your granite countertops:
1. Get a nice set of coasters for use with your granite kitchen island or breakfast counter.
A kitchen island or counter is a great place for your family to come together for a quick meal or a snack. But it’s a good idea to use coasters for your beverages to protect the granite surface against etching and rings. Make a habit of placing a coaster under all cans, bottles, cups, and glasses. If you want to be extra careful, consider using placemats as well.
2. Use a hot pad or trivet instead of placing hot dishes directly on your countertop surface.
No matter what type of kitchen countertop surface you have, it’s always a good practice to place hot pads underneath hot dishes, bakeware, pans, and pots. Although it’s true that granite is igneous rock that is durable enough to withstand the heat of a hot dish, it is possible for any stone surface to be affected by thermal shock, causing the counter surface to crack. But thermal shock isn’t the only issue you need to worry about with a granite counter. If you’re in a hurry, you could easily trap hard grit underneath the dish that can scratch the granite surface if the pot moves. If this happens enough times, it could even lead to pitting, cracks, or deep scratches.
3. Don’t store oils, seasonings, and sauces on your kitchen countertops.
If you love to cook, your countertops can easily become the de facto storage for your favorite cooking oils, hot sauces, and seasonings. But in the frenzy of a great culinary moment, it’s easy to forget to wipe the bottom of the bottle and leave a ring on the countertop surface – a ring that can stain or etch the surface if the sauce is acidic at all. Instead of storing them directly on the counter, pick out a nice seasoning stand or tray for your supplies. Or we can even create a built-in spice rack for you!
4. Avoid standing or sitting on your granite counters.
If you’re short and you need something on the top shelf or cabinet that’s just beyond your reach, it can be tempting to turn the countertop into an extra ladder step. Besides being a dangerous maneuver, this is also potentially bad for the granite, which isn’t flexible enough to handle the weight of a full-grown adult. For the same reason, you should never allow anyone to sit on your countertops.
Cleaning Your Granite Countertops
Cleaning your counters the right way is an essential piece of countertop maintenance whether you’ve got granite, formica, butcher block, or marble countertops. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your granite countertops clean:
1. Clean up spills before they have a chance to do any damage.
Granite countertops might be non-porous enough to handle most spills, but leaving acidic liquids or cooking oils on a granite surface for too long could damage or stain the surface. Be sure to wipe up any spills right away, but be especially careful with sodas, coffee, tea, wine, tomato sauce, and fruit juice.
2. Use the right cleaner.
It might be convenient to just grab any old bathroom or kitchen counter cleaner, but be careful what you apply to your granite surfaces. Any type of abrasive cleaner or ammonia product can seriously damage your granite countertops. Likewise, all-natural cleaners that use citrus or vinegar can be damaging to your counters.
Liquid dish soap is a poor cleaner for granite because it can cause build-up on the surface over time. Instead, use a cleaning formula that is formulated especially for use with stone surfaces.
3. Use a gentle cleaning cloth or sponge.
Make sure to use warm water and sponge or soft cloth that won’t damage the surface of your counters. Be sure your counters are clear of debris and crumbs before wiping as these can also scratch the surface.
Order Your New Granite Countertops Today!
When it comes to sophistication, style, and durability, granite is one of the best options you can choose for your countertops. If you are thinking of installing beautiful new granite counters in your kitchen, give our kitchen cabinet installation team a call at 773-886-4686. You can also connect with our design pros virtually by stopping by our contact page. We can’t wait to transform your kitchen!