When many people think of installing granite or marble countertops in their Minneapolis home, the first thing they are concerned about is long-term wear and tear. This is particularly true for busy homes where there is a lot of traffic, cooking and entertaining and there may be concerns about the durability of granite countertops.
The good news is these concerns are not an issue with today’s granite. Once professionally installed and sealed, these granite countertops for the kitchen as well as the bathroom will stand up to a lifetime of use and still look as beautiful as the day they were installed.
The key to maintaining granite counters, as with any type of countertop, is to just follow some simple, easy, daily routines.
Use Trivets
Always use trivets or cutting boards to keep hot pots and pans from the stove off of the surface of the counter. While granite is very durable, high heat can be problematic, as with any surface.
Wipe Up Spills
Granite, marble and other natural stone countertops have some level of porosity. The sealer applied to the countertops acts to dramatically reduce the ability of spills and liquids from seeping into the very tiny pores.
Over time, as the sealer wears, the porosity will become a factor. Until the sealant is re-applied, there may be a risk of staining. To avoid this, simply get in the habit from day one of wiping up any spills of liquids or other items from the granite countertops as soon as they are noticed.
No Harsh Cleaners
Never use any types of abrasive cleaners or cleaning products on natural stone. This can wear off the sealant and result in dulling of the countertop. Additionally, only use a pH neutral cleaner or buy a special granite cleaner for more deep cleaning requirements.
Most stains and materials can be easily removed with a microfiber cloth and warm water. Dry wiping the counters each day can also help to keep them shiny and lustrous.
