It’s a great feeling when your new countertops are finally installed in your home. The great thing about natural stone like granite and marble is that they’re long-lasting, so you can marvel at them for years to come. But over these years, they’re bound to suffer some daily wear and tear, so you want to make sure you can keep them looking good throughout all this.
Marble and granite are pretty low maintenance materials, so we’ve got some tips to help you clean and maintain your countertops the right way.
How to clean marble and granite countertops
Cleaning your countertops daily will help to keep them shining and looking great. With both marble and granite countertops, you should avoid cleaners that contain harsh chemicals or acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. These can damage the surface and leave behind etches.
All it takes to keep marble and granite clean is a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Wipe it down with a soft cloth using this solution to wipe away any marks and residue. If you spill on your countertops, simply soak up the liquid and then wipe it down afterward to prevent staining.
To remove more stubborn liquids, such as cooking oil, or to remove stains, a combination of baking soda and warm water should do the trick. You can leave this solution to sit for a few hours to let it do its work before wiping the surface down.
Sealing your countertops
Granite and marble have porous qualities, which means they can be prone to staining or etching (more so for marble). Because of this, it is a good idea to seal your countertops with a proper sealant to help it repel liquid and resist stains more readily. Your countertops should be resealed occasionally to keep up this layer of protection.
Additional granite and marble maintenance tips
Although they’re tough materials, there are certain things you can do or avoid doing to help them stay in top shape. Granite and marble are heat resistant, but it’s always good practice to keep hot pans off the surface of your countertops. Constant changes in temperature can do damage to the surface over time. Putting coasters down under drinks left on the countertops will also help to keep excess moisture away from the stone.
A bit of basic marble and granite maintenance works wonders for your countertops, so keep them looking brand new by following these guidelines. If you’re in the market for new kitchen or bathroom countertops, then get in touch or come to our countertop showroom in Kernersville.
