Dos and Don’ts: Caring for Your Countertops

The kitchen is the first area in the house that we should always keep immaculate. This is where we prepare and cook our food, so it should always be squeaky clean if we don’t want to get ill from the improper handling of food. The way we prepare our food and the things we use to prepare it determine if we will serve clean food or otherwise. Kitchen countertops are one of the most used fixtures in the kitchen. Having said this, they must always be in pristine condition. They can be expensive, but they will also last for years with proper care. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind so that your kitchen countertop remains clean and safe.

Dos 

When you look at a website that sells kitchen countertops, you will find a helpful list of things that you can do in order to maintain your unit. Keep in mind that they come in contact with anything you place on them, so it’s necessary to know how to care for them.

• Use only stone-safe cleaning agents. You cannot just use any cleaner you think is appropriate. Some are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of the countertop and expose it to seepage and cracks. Your installer will tell you what type of cleaner you can use for your particular stone countertop. Avoid hydrogen peroxide, acetone, bleach, and They will deteriorate the sealer that protects the surface.
• Submit it to regular stone polishing by a professional contractor. It will restore the shine of your countertop to immaculate condition.
• Clean your countertop with mild soap and water. They are not too harsh and can do an excellent job of getting rid of dirt, germs, and bacteria from the surface. Use a soft cloth to prevent scratches.

Don’ts

• Do not place hot appliances directly onto the surface of the countertop. Use a mat or rack. The heat will melt the sealant.
• Do not use the countertop as a chopping board. It is not sanitary, and the knife will leave marks and scratches on the surface. These scratches can absorb liquids and seep into the stone.
• Do not leave spillage unwiped and uncleaned for too long. Even just a few minutes of letting liquid spillage sit on the countertop will affect it. Stains may develop, and the liquid may seep into the stone, contaminating food that touches the surface. This can cause illnesses.
• Do not let kids and adults sit and stand on the countertop. This is for the safety of everyone in the family. It poses a danger such as falling, and the countertop can crack with the weight.

Whether your kitchen countertop is new or a few years old, it is never too late to take steps to care for it, not only to keep it clean but to make it last for more years as well. If you clean your countertop every time you use it, you will not have any problems in the future.