Granite is one of the most popular countertop options these days. It’s durable, beautiful, and easy to care for, thus making it a favorite for most homeowners. It is also relatively easy to keep your granite countertops clean and shiny, as granite is naturally non-porous. In addition, it is not very sensitive to acidic foods, making it resistant to kitchen stains. Keeping it like new doesn’t have to be a difficult task—here are a few tips and tricks for maintaining your Miami FL countertops.
Always Keep Your Countertop Dry
It is important to wipe up drips, spills, and messes as soon as possible. Keeping your countertop dry helps to prevent stains that can result from these spills and drips. Using a dry cloth to wipe up these spills will also help to prevent hard water deposits that can appear on your countertop.
Avoid Preparing Food Directly on Your Counter
Preparing food directly on the countertop can result in staining. Always use a cutting board when cutting meats or vegetables, particularly acidic foods like tomatoes or oranges. This will help to keep your granite countertop looking clean and shiny even longer. In addition, you should also store food directly on the countertop in sealed containers or a designated container rather than on the counter itself.
Use Your Countertop Only for Its Purpose
Most people store items on their countertops. However, this is not recommended for granite countertops since it can cause damage to your countertop if it is exposed to unnecessary weight. It is best to use the countertop for its intended use, such as cooking, preparing meals, or as a workspace in your kitchen. This will help prevent the countertop from scratching, getting damaged, or even breaking.
Seal Your Granite Countertop as Needed
Most granite countertops are not made for outdoor use. However, in case you need to use the countertop in your outdoor kitchen, it is a good idea to have it sealed periodically. Sealing a granite countertop will help to prevent stains from forming on the surface. In addition, you can have a professional seal your countertop periodically if you notice that spills or food prep have caused the surface of your granite slabs in Miami FL to lose its shine and luster.
Watch the Heat
Granite countertops can discolor when exposed to high heat, like on hot grills or in direct sunlight. It is important to ensure that the surface of your countertop is not exposed to excessive heat. Moreover, keeping your granite countertop as cool as possible is important to prevent moisture buildup and staining.
Use the Right Cleaning Tools
It is always a good idea to use the right cleaning tools to clean granite countertops. This will help to ensure that you properly remove stains and spills from the surface of your granite countertop that may cause discoloration over time. Furthermore, it is recommendable not to use bleach or abrasive products on granite countertops, since they can potentially damage its surface with prolonged exposure.
Final Thoughs
These are just some of the many tips and tricks that can be used to maintain your granite countertop in pristine condition. Keep these pointers in mind to ensure that your countertop remains clean and shiny for years to come. For more countertop care and maintenance tips, contact our experts at Best Granite for Less—we’ll be happy to help you keep your granite countertops in Miami FL looking and functioning like new!