The simplest way in cleaning granite countertops and maintaining it is to keep away from bad habits that can harm it. Solid surfaces, quartz, soapstone, limestone, travertine, marble, and granite are comparable in a lot of ways. However, their dissimilarities require different amounts of maintenance. If you apply the following tips, you can get rid of several troubles without ever needing to worry:

* Blot up the spills right away. Acidic elements such as sodas, tomato sauce, fruit juice, coffee and wine will not scratch granite as they do marble. However, they could possibly blemish the surface. If not cleaned up, cooking oil can leave a blemish as well

* Clean the surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge. Use a specially devised stone cleaner such as Stone Plus, which is suggested in order to keep your countertops in the finest condition and shield the sealer. On the other hand, hot water can do for rapid clean ups. Dish soap will not spoil your granite permanently, but recurrent use of it will cause build up and dry the shine of your countertop. Thus, using dish soap for a typical granite countertop is not suggested.

* Use coasters beneath all cans, bottles and glasses. Again, granite will not scratch and utilizing coasters on solid and/or accurately sealed granite isn’t a complete requirement as with marble. However, utilizing coasters is merely a fine habit in order to shield all the surfaces.

* Use hot pads and trivets under pans and pots. You may get a hot pot from the stove and place it directly on the granite countertops without troubles. It is probable for the granite (or any quartz or stone) to undergo crack and thermal shock, but this rarely happens.

However, you should consider other problems, as well. Gravel that gets stuck between the countertop surface and the pot may etch the surface, even with granite. Granite is extremely tough and can endure a lot of mistreatment without any great damage. But it may develop small surface etches or holes in the highly used areas about the cook top and sink.

It may not be frequent, but it can happen. But if it does occur, do not worry too much. Most scratches and chips can be fixed, but it is best to keep away from them. Additionally, when you get the hot pan from the top, the surface may get extremely hot and can burn.

* Utilize cutting boards. Steer clear of the probability of etching the countertop surface and defend your knives. The edges of your knives can quickly dull or damage if you cut on stone.

* Dust-mop your natural granite floors frequently. Utilize a spotless, dry, non-treated dust mop. Some individuals opt to utilize a vacuum cleaner. However, be very cautious. Damaged parts or gravel stuck by the wheels can etch the granite surface.

* Place door mats outside and inside along with area rugs and runners. Sand, dirt, and grit brought in by the shoes are rough and can scratch and wear the surface so make sure to regularly clean these rugs.

Author Bio: Richard Dinae is an architect, providing information and directories about home improvement, bathroom countertop, laminate countertop and onyx countertops

Category: Home Management
Keywords: countertops, countertop, home improvement, home decor