Quartz and granite are two of the most popular materials for kitchen counters. If you’re looking into granite countertop installation san antonio, you’ll want to learn more about the steps you’ll need to take to keep your counters in great shape. With proper upkeep, you’ll be able to maintain your counters and keep them looking fantastic.
Clean Your Counters On A Daily Basis
It’s important to clean up spills quickly, but you’ll also want to wipe down your counters if you haven’t made a mess. Ideally, you should be giving your counters a light cleaning every day.
Avoid using harsh cleaning products or abrasive sponges on your counters; these kinds of products can be damaging. Simply wiping your counters with a soft cloth will be enough to get them clean. You can use a separate cloth or a paper towel to dry your counters after you’ve finished cleaning them.
Protect Your Countertops From Heat
Although granite is durable, it’s still smart to take a few extra precautions to protect your counters from high levels of heat. If you’re placing a hot pan on your counters, for example, it’s a wise idea to place a trivet beneath the pan. That way, you can protect your counters against damage.
These kinds of precautions aren’t always necessary, but they can prevent cracking or staining caused by extreme changes in temperature. When it comes to your counters, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Always Use A Cutting Board
Another basic precaution you’ll want to make sure you take is to use a cutting board when you’re slicing up items in your kitchen. Since granite is known for being resilient, you might think that it’s easier to cut up items directly on your clean counters. However, a sharp knife could wind up damaging your counters or your sealant.
Using a cutting board is a small step that’s more than worth the effort. Not only will it protect your counters, but it can also keep your knives in great shape. Knives can become dull when they’re used directly against granite.
Polish Your Counters From Time To Time
If you want your counters to look brand-new years down the road, it’s smart to give them the occasional polishing. You can buff your counters with cooking oil, but you can also use a polish that’s specifically designed for granite. There are a wide range of products on the market.
Polishing your counters will leave them looking better than ever, but it will also provide them with an additional level of protection. Polishing is an excellent way to protect your counters from water spots and fingerprints. It’s an excellent way to reinforce the sealant on your counters.
Have Your Counters Resealed As Needed
Your granite counters are protected by a sealant. It’s important to remember that the sealant isn’t going to last forever. You’ll want to make sure that your countertops of periodically resealed so that they always have the protection that they need.
How often do your counters need to be resealed? While recommendations vary, you’ll generally want to have your countertops resealed around once a year. If you have lighter countertops, you may need to have them sealed more frequently. If you have darker counters, you may be able to wait longer before having them resealed.
With the right care, you’ll be able to keep your counters in excellent condition for many years to come. Make sure you maintain your granite countertops and keep them looking their best. Your countertops are a big investment, and you should make sure you take the necessary steps to protect that investment.