3 Things You Need To Know About Caring For Your Countertops
Posted on: 24 March 2017
Installing stone countertops is one of the best things you can do for your kitchen. They hold their value, they are durable, and they look great. Many homeowners and potential homebuyers want stone countertops, so you can be confident that when it comes time to sell, you will get your money back for what you put into them. Here are some things that you need to know about caring for your stone countertops.
1. Seal The Countertop Every Couple Months
One thing that many people don't realize is that the countertops are not user-ready when they are first installed. You can use them of course, but you could damage them. The stone is absorbent to moisture, so any time you spill or put a hot pot on the countertop it will cause the stone to soak it up. Instead, you should put a sealant down before you use them the first time, then continue to reseal them every couple months. Usually most sealants recommend somewhere around twice a year to reseal.
The sealant can be put on by the homeowner—it requires no professional expertise, and you can just purchase the sealant at the store and spray it on the counter. Usually you should do it at night or when no one is home so that it has plenty of time to dry before anyone uses it.
2. Use Stone Cleaner
Another important thing about caring for your countertop is uses a cleaner that works on stone. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that all-purpose cleaner will work on the counter. All-purpose cleaners can damage the countertop and stain it. This is the same for things that have bleach in them. In addition, they won't clean the stone like they should, so your counters won't be as clean as they should be.
Instead, purchase a special cleaner at the stone. Since stone countertops are so common now, you can generally get the cleaner at any convenient store.
3. Use Caution
Although your countertops are incredibly durable and you can cut on them and put hot things on them, you should still use caution. If you want to prolong the life of the countertop and the stone, use cutting boards every time you cut, and always use a hot pad before setting things on the counter. This will only protect the countertop so that it looks and feels nicer for longer.
By doing these things you can protect your countertops. To learn more about stone countertops, contact a company like Artisan Granite & Marble.
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