Stone countertops can be a beautiful addition to almost any home, but that type of material is going to require a little bit of maintenance. Without the proper maintenance, you might begin to notice any number of issues ranging from scuffs and stains to chips and cracks. To keep your countertops beautiful and undamaged, follow these steps for stone countertop maintenance.
Regularly Seal
Even though stone countertops are incredibly durable, they must still be regularly sealed. Sealing your countertops is going to create a strong barrier that prevents severe stains and other forms of damage. While every type of stone is slightly different, most countertops need to be sealed at least once a year. If your countertops are made from a porous stone, you might have to reseal them as often as once every four or five months.
It might sound daunting to seal your stone countertops, but it should be a very easy process. Usually, all you have to do is spray or rub the sealer on the counter and allow it to absorb before wiping away any excess. Depending on both the sealer and the stone, you may spray a couple layers before wiping it away.
Use the Proper Cleaning Products
While it might be tempting to use a generic household cleaner on your countertops, harsh chemical products could actually stain the stone. For granite countertops, you can clear away debris with mild soap and a soft sponge before deep cleaning with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and warm water. Non-porous stone countertops can usually be cleaned with nothing more than a 50/50 mixture of warm water and white vinegar.
Remove Spills and Stains Immediately
Allowing spills to soak into the stone is one of the worst things that you can do for your countertops. Even if they have been properly sealed, those stains could eventually make their way deep into the stone, and that will result in serious cosmetic damage that will be very difficult to get rid of. As soon as a glass is knocked over or some food debris falls onto the surface, you should immediately wipe it away with some warm water, soap, and a soft sponge.
If you need to remove difficult stains that have become set in, you can use hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of water and baking soda. Put either on the stain, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, clean the area as usual.
Avoid Abrasive Products
You might be surprised to hear that a wide variety of household products can permanently stain your stone countertops. That includes products such as certain types of makeup, perfumes, and harsh cleaners. When those products create deep stains, you might need to call in a professional who can resurface and reseal the stone. You must also avoid cutting directly on the stone because it could create deep etches.
If you have recently installed stone countertops and they came with a warranty, then you should ask the installation company what maintenance steps they recommend. In some cases, a company will void their warranty if the buyer does not follow very specific maintenance and care instructions.
