At first glance, countertops may seem like a very basic aspect of any home. Look again and instead, you’ll find that countertops have the uncanny ability to represent a variety of personal styles, tastes and living habits. The type of countertop you choose for your home can indicate what’s most important to you, what you love to do and how you enjoy living. Think that’s going too far to say? Just take a moment to consider all that countertops hold and do and you might just change your mind.
On any given day, a countertop can place host to a number of activities. In the morning, it can be the place school bags are set out to remind kids to take what’s important along with them. It holds cereal bowls at breakfast and is often the designated surface for completing homework in the evenings. In the afternoons, countertops are regularly used for cooking activities minor and ambitious alike. From mixing bowls to cutting boards, your countertops have a lot to hold up under, and for those that entertain—they’ve got to hold up while looking spectacular! Recognizing that countertops are places to eat, cook, lean, share a laugh around or lounge around-many people look for surfaces that are not only sturdy, but sophisticated. That’s where granite comes into play.
Renowned for it’s strength, longevity and manageability, granite countertops make a sleek and sturdy addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Available in an array of colors and hues, granite countertops are a long-lasting investment guaranteed to turn any drab room into a fabulous testament to style and efficiency. However, like anything of value, granite countertops must be maintained on a regular basis in order to last well into the future, and continue to impress aesthetically as well. Luckily, the rules for granite countertop care and maintenance are easy to follow. Just a few simple steps can lead to a long lasting countertop that best represents the home you love.
Seal it up
Granite countertops are stone surfaces at their most basic level. For this reason, they face the same risks for damage that any other natural material would. Granite is inherently porous, and therefore, must be sealed in order to be protected from water and moisture damage that comes naturally in environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. Countertops are especially prone to accidents such as splashes and spills, so sealing your granite countertops is a must when it comes to long-term upkeep. Granite countertops are often pre-sealed upon delivery and installation to a home, however, many choose to have them sealed again, either by professionals or by the homeowners themselves. It’s highly recommended that granite countertops be sealed every 6 months to a year. This keeps the sealant fresh and strong and guarantees a longer lifespan for your countertops. Many people prefer professional assistance in this department in order to ensure that sealing is done properly and evenly, however, some do choose a do-it-yourself route. That being said, no matter if you decide to go with a professional service or try your own hand at it, it’s recommended that you consistently use the same brand or type of sealant. This is thought to prevent countertop deterioration that might occur from mixing different chemicals.
Stick to sponges
No matter how daunting a spill looks on your granite countertops, dig deep and stick to a soft sponge, soap and water to wipe it up. Towel dry the surface as soon as you’ve handled the mess and let the granite and sealant do their job of not absorbing anything you might have missed! Sponges, warm water and gentle soaps are recommended for granite countertop clean up as general surface cleaners with acid may break down sealants and eventually the stone itself over time. So stick to a safe and gentle option when it comes to those inevitable messes and your scratch-free countertops will continue to thank you.
And if you forget…
It’s ok! Every once and a while, an acid-based surface cleaner may accidently make its way onto your granite countertops by an unsuspecting guests or absent-minded moment. It happens without fail, and when it does, there is nothing to panic about, simply a few factors to consider. If the cleaner has already been applied, go ahead and wipe over the tops of it with soap and water to remove any excess cleaner that might be present. Additionally, check to make sure that the surface cleaner is food safe, as your countertops will most likely be playing host to food again sometime in the near future.
Caring is the key to longevity
Granite countertops are a strong addition visually and practically to any home. Taking the time to properly maintain and care for them is a sure way to keeping them in your home for years to come!