What Can I Do to Extend the Life of My Granite Countertops in Midland, MI?

September 20, 2019 Published by Leave your thoughts

Your countertops are one of the most expensive and aesthetically important elements of your kitchen. Considering the investment you’ve made in them, it is important you do what you can to extend their lifespan as long as possible.

Granite has become a particularly popular material for countertops. It is 100 percent natural stone and sealed up for smoothness and protection of the underlying stone. Because of the unique patterns in granite, no two slabs used for countertops are exactly alike.

Here are just a few steps you can take to keep your granite countertops in Midland, MI looking great for years to come:

  • Keep them clean: Spills and splashes are unavoidable in your kitchen, and your granite countertop will certainly be able to withstand them. However, when something spills, you shouldn’t just let it sit there. Wipe it up promptly, because spills can eat away at the finish on the countertops. Once the finish is compromised, it becomes far easier for the granite to stain, because it is a porous material. Wipe up spills when they occur, and clean the counters regularly using a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap, then dry with a soft dish towel.
  • Use the proper cleaners: Using only mild soaps and cleaners designed specifically for granite countertops is critical. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning that come with the countertops, and ignore most of the special granite countertop cleaning tips you find online. The manufacturer will know exactly what’s best for the material and how you can keep it clean and shiny for years to come.
  • Store chemicals elsewhere: It’s a good idea to store chemicals, especially solvents and other caustic substances, in an area away from your countertops so they don’t accidentally spill and eat away at the finish on the granite. You can keep them in kitchen cabinets or under the sink, or in another room entirely.
  • Use cutting boards: Just because granite is a highly durable material doesn’t mean you should be using it as a substitute for a cutting board. You probably don’t have to worry about scratching the granite (it may do some damage to the sealant, or maybe not), but you do need to worry about damaging your knives. You should always use a cutting board for anything you’re chopping.
  • Don’t stand on it: Again, granite may be durable, but it still wasn’t designed for excess weight, so avoid standing or sitting on your countertops. If you need to get up higher into overhead cabinets, keep a stepstool handy rather than relying on your countertops to get you up high.
  • Reseal: Every now and then you should reseal your granite to make sure it stays stain resistant and keeps a nice attractive sheen to it.

For more information about the various steps you can take to keep your granite countertops in Midland, MI looking their best for years to come, contact the team at Nowak Cabinets of Midland today. We look forward to assisting you!

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