Once you have chosen granite counters that go with your home’s decor, you will want to keep them looking great for the rest of the time you live in the house. That means you will need to be careful about some things on the counters. Keeping a few things away from the counters will ensure they last a long time to come.
Sharp Items
It might seem like granite is an ideal place to cut some vegetables, but it can still get chips and cuts in it. That can dull the surface quite a bit and make it look like it is relatively old. Plus, cutting on stone could ruin your knives. That means it is not as safe for you to cut directly on the countertop.
To keep the knives and counter safe, you should use a cutting board instead. You might want to put a nonslip mat on the countertop, so the board does not slide around and create a safety issue.
Items That Might Stain
You should also keep items that could stain, such as ones with a high concentration of pigmentation, away from your new granite counters. If you have kids, it might not take long until some juice spills on the countertops. Some Granite are relatively porous if not sealed properly, so it can absorb the liquid, even if there is a sealant over it.
To avoid issues, keep these items away from the counters. You also might choose darker granite to cover any stains that could occur. And you will want to wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. You should ensure you have the granite sealed every year, as well.
Raw Meat
Foods that stain are not the only ones to keep away from the granite. You will also want to keep raw meat liquids off the stone. Granite can absorb the meat's dangerous bacteria, causing the counter to smell bad or become unsanitary. Raw meat often has pathogens in it, so you should prevent it from touching your counter when possible. Use water-resistant cutting boards when preparing meals, and don't thaw the meat on the countertop itself.
Abrasive Cleaning Agents
If you want your counters to be clean, you might accidentally overclean them. However, granite is more natural than other countertop options, meaning abrasive cleaning agents might cause issues. Plus, they can discolor the countertops. They might dissolve the sealants that protect the counters. Or they could scratch the surface. It is best to avoid cleaners that include bleach, ammonia, or acids.
Look for special granite cleaners. Many of them can help you maintain the shine of the counters, keeping them in better condition. They can also resist spills and protect the surface a bit more. Or you can use the nonabrasive side of a sponge with some soapy water.
Closing Thoughts
No matter your reasons for getting granite counters, you will want to take care of the stone to preserve it as long as you can. That way, you can enjoy your counters for many years to come.
Sources:
https://www.artscountertops.com/7-things-to-avoid-on-your-granite-countertops/
https://www.granitegold.com/things-you-shouldnt-use-on-granite/
https://www.sinaarchitecturaldesign.com/2018/04/6-things-shouldnt-granite-countertops/