Granite countertops are a great addition to any kitchen. They look aesthetically impressive, are easy to install, come in all shapes and sizes, and are often cheaper than most countertop options available in the market today. But for all the functionality and aesthetics granite brings into the kitchen, certain things can ruin your countertops. And here are ten of of them.
Working with raw meat on a granite countertop: You must have seen chefs at cooking shows or your mom working on the countertop with raw meat. While it might be okay to do so, there are certain risks involved in such a scenario, and you can certainly avoid them by not doing this very often.
Leaving hot pans on the kitchen counter: You know that hot pan of soup your child just spilled over his shirt? And now he is screaming like crazy about how much it hurts? Yes, we all agree that kids aren’t as coordinated and careful as adults, and accidents will happen, but you are making things worse by leaving those burning pans right where they fell? It’s better to place something between the heat source (pan) and whatever material (granite) that could conduct heat efficiently; otherwise, you might have a nice-looking countertop with blisters and cracks.
Leaving stains on the granite: Granite may be a budget-friendly option, but it’s not that cheap. It requires proper care, just like any other stone or tile in your kitchen. It’s very easy to leave stains behind by using chemical-rich cleaners without rinsing them properly. The good news is that most of these marks can be removed if you use baking soda as an abrasive scrub followed by a dishwasher liquid solution. Also, avoid leaving those coffee cups upside down directly onto the surface because they will surely stain it unless you want this kind of look!
Using knives directly onto granite: You must have seen chefs use knives on granite countertops to chop and cut vegetables. But what you might not know is that when you place a knife directly onto the surface, it will leave permanent scratches in its wake. Of course, this isn’t an issue if you plan to have such marks left behind (like creating your unique design), but why take that risk?
Using bleach or other harsh chemicals: Granite has pores that are susceptible to damage by certain kinds of chemicals like chlorine bleaches, ammonia, drain cleaners, among others. These products may also contain acids which can corrode the sealer used in the installation process and cause discoloration! The best way around these issues would be to use mild dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water and a soft cloth.
Using steel-wool pads directly onto granite: Most people use scouring powder mixed with water for scrubbing tough stains off natural stones like marble, among others – don’t make the same mistake with your countertops! It’s common to use steel wool pads directly onto the surface to clean stainless appliances and remove burnt-on food from pans or pots. But doing so will leave permanent scratches on your granite and cause etching which can be almost impossible to remove without professional help.
Dropping heavy items on granite: While granite is sturdy and durable, it can’t handle the same kind of weight that solid surfaces like concrete or stone can. You must be extra careful when placing heavy items on your countertop. Make sure you always use a cutting board as an intermediary between the object itself and the countertop.
Avoid using silicone-based products for sealing granite: You should know by now that certain types of adhesives shouldn’t ever touch natural stones because they will damage them in various ways. This also applies to silicone sealants used in bathrooms. These substances affect the quality of granite’s appearance over time, depreciating its value.
Making DIY repairs: It’s always better to leave minor scratches and chips alone because it’s complicated (if not impossible) to repair them without making the situation worse than before! For instance, if you try buffing out a scratch with sandpaper, removing the first layer will expose an even larger area, which is much easier for water or other stains to seep into! Minor dents and marks on granite countertops aren’t such a big deal, but deep gouges must be repaired as soon as possible.
Avoid using furniture polish: While most people recommend cleaning marble with lemon juice mixed in olive oil followed by polishing with a soft cotton cloth, this isn’t the best way to take care of your granite countertops. This will leave behind an oily film which is difficult to remove. Even if you remove the residue, there’s no guarantee that the protective layer won’t wear off and lead to even more damage! The best solution for cleaning these surfaces would be mild dishwasher liquid solutions followed by thorough rinsing.
Granite countertops are very popular with homeowners because they look beautiful and don’t show signs of wear or damage easily. However, there are certain things you should never do on your granite countertop, which include dropping heavy items onto it, using harsh chemicals in cleaning solutions, and a few others. Always make sure that cleaners or polishes you use when maintaining these surfaces do not cause any further problems down the road.