Karen’s friend Patty came by to drop off her casserole dish from last week. And she was impressed! It turns out Karen did not get new countertops, but she has been putting in some work to keep them looking amazing. Karen wants to share the joy of fresh looking countertops with everyone, so we’ve gathered some tips and tricks here.
For Scratches
- Always use a cutting board when cutting up your food.
- Be careful with heavy objects. Such as a Kitchen Aide mixer can get pretty heavy, and some of the attachments have sharp edges too.
- Don’t use abrasive materials to clean or wipe stone surfaces like a rough sponge or a magic eraser.
- Don’t use abrasive chemicals either- contact your stone dealer to find out what best to use for your specific type of natural stone surface. But many of those anti-bacterial wipes and cleaners can and will ruin the sealant on your countertop, so steer clear from those harsh products.
For Stains
- Make sure your stone surface is sealed. This protective coating fills into the pores of the stone, making it tough for stains and bacteria to get through. Not sure? Try a water test – if a few droplets of water on the countertop soak up and darken the stone, it’s time for a reseal. But if the water beads on the surface, your stone is protected.
- Treat your stains as soon as they happen. Having a solution on hand before it happens will ensure better success. Or try an organic technique with a baking soda and water paste. Let the solution sit, do not rub it in, as baking soda is abrasive. Let it sit for five minutes on the stain to let it soak up the stain, then rinse away with a soft cloth.
For Cracking
- Avoid putting hot plates, dishes, or cooking trays on the stone countertop. Use a trivet, or place the item on top of the stove to allow it to cool off properly.
- Avoid heavy objects on the surface. Natural fissures in stone can “open up” if the opportunity presents itself. Be cautious with your investment, and it will last for years to come.
Karen has been using these tips since she had her countertops resealed and she is very satisfied with the results. She only uses warm water and a soft cloth to clean the surface, and once they are free of any debris, she gives them another once over with the soft cloth to keep the polish looking fresh. Do you have any tips for your natural stone countertops? Share in the comments below.