After you spend so many hours looking through magazines, bringing samples home, and checking the way they look under different lights, you have finally chosen your countertops. You have ordered them from the quartz countertop installer, paid for them, and are now just waiting for everything to finish. The hard part is protecting them from everyday use. With the time, work, and money you spent on acquiring the countertops, you want to be sure that you do what you can so they will always look clean, new, and fresh.

Among the first things, people or prospective buyers notice when they enter a home are the countertops. They come in different materials, each having its own care instructions.

Material

Most kitchen countertops are made of granite or quartz, and they normally have a polished finish making them beautiful, but delicate as well. Even if granite is tough, you should never cut onto the surface directly. You should be careful not to drag pots and pans on the surface because it can scratch the polished finish. Spills have to be immediately cleaned to avoid stains since granite is porous that can absorb liquid easily. Certain foods in particular – acids such as vinegar, citrus, and soft drinks – will leave etches in granite. You should use gentle washing detergent to dampen the cloth to clean the kitchen counter and not abrasive or harsh cleaners.

Do Not Use Your Countertop as a Step Ladder

Even if countertops are known for their durability, they might not have the strength to hold your weight as you look for a pot in the cabinet or change a bulb. In terms of safety, you should not stand or step on the countertops. If countertops become cracked or chipped, you should contact a repair company right away.

Wipe up Spills Immediately

Regardless if it is soda in the kitchen or a contact solution, you should clean up spills right away. When you leave them sitting on the kitchen counter, even for a couple of minutes, it will allow time for them to soak into the countertop and leave a residue.

Make Sure that the Stone is Properly Sealed

Stone countertops are popular for their low-maintenance nature. Therefore, a lot of people have the tendency to forget that many kinds of stone are porous and might absorb liquids that can lead to stains. You can avoid this issue if you periodically seal your counters. When you have the right products, sealing can be simple.

When you have soapstone counters, they never have to be sealed. Soapstone is extremely dense and will never absorb water. However, you might want to oil it to make sure that the stone patina is developed evenly.

Avoid Damage

There are a lot of things you can do to protect stone countertops and help prevent any damage. You should have your guests use coasters to avoid spilled liquids or drink rings. It is suggested that you place them out so that they can easily be accessed. This will also encourage your guests to use coasters, without getting prompted.

Another way you can avoid damage is to use pads that are heat-resistant. These handy kitchen essentials are excellent for pots and pans, together with casserole dishes, crockpots, and a lot more.

Even if this is given, it should be said that you must always use a cutting board when you prepare food. Sharp knives will leave etches on stone countertops, which normally cannot be repaired so you should be careful.

You can contact granite countertops Montgomery County MD anytime if you want to have the best countertops installed.