Your countertops play a big role in your home. While they might seem like a simple, standard home feature, when you step back and really look at how much emphasis is put on countertop space, it’s easy to see why homeowners put the time and investment into countertops throughout their homes. Countertops are the spaces where homework is completed, food is cooked, precious items are displayed and conversations happen around. For those in the market to buy a new home, counter space often becomes a determining factor in the buying process.
In many cases, counter space equates possibilities. The more counter space available in a home, the greater the statement that can be made when it comes to interior décor. Countertops can be filled, emptied, redone, made to look rustic or anything in between. They become testaments to personal taste and style and host those you invite into your home with food or simply a place to lean. Whatever job countertops do, it’s no surprise that they are an important aspect of the home and as such, require thought when it comes to installing the countertops that are right for you and your family.
Many homeowners choose to accent their homes with granite countertops, and for good reason. A naturally beautiful stone, granite can be gleaned into sleek countertops that mix swirls of earthy and bold colors and give a sophisticated edge to any countertop in the house. While they are undoubtedly beautiful, granite countertops are not self-sufficient investments. Naturally porous, untreated granite countertops would quickly absorb every liquid spilled and become littered with staining and soiling. Over time, an untreated or neglected granite countertop could succumb to sun or light damage and begin to fade. Like all quality products, granite must be specifically cared for in order to ensure that it will maintain its luster and brilliance for years to come. The following are a few tips and tricks for cleaning your granite countertops and keeping them sparkling, no matter how they play into your home’s function or style.
Don’t skip the prep work
Life gets busy and it’s easy to overlook small housekeeping chores in between running between practices, work and all those other factors that play into everyday life. However, when it comes to your granite countertop, upkeep needs to be worked into your daily routine if you want to make sure your luscious surfaces remain that way long into the future. Depending on what color of granite countertops you have, it’s especially important to prep a counter before it’s cleaned. Darker surfaces can be extremely difficult as they tend to hide small stains or soil spots that may accumulate during the day. Most professional cleaners recommend running your hand over the top of your granite countertops to be able to quickly identify problem areas that should be focused on with cleaning. Once you’ve done this, you’re well on your way to properly maintaining your granite.
Water-based solutions
While this is an easy maintenance fix, it can actually be one of the toughest to remember seeing as it’s so simple. Even when sealed, porous granite can be susceptible to damage that comes from chemicals. That being said, it’s extremely important to stick to mild soap and water when cleaning your granite countertops. It’s easy to reach for the generic spray when a spill happens, but it only takes a little ammonia-based liquid to cause big damage on your beautiful surfaces. Instead, keep a spray bottle of water nearby and remind yourself to reach for this instead. For food or liquid spills, simply spray and wipe up with a microfiber cloth. Those who have darker granite countertops will find that microfiber cloth works best and won’t leave the streaks that tend to come with wiping up with paper towels or even regular towels. Additionally, there are several brands of specialized granite countertop cleaning solutions that won’t damage surfaces and are available at granite specialty stores nationwide.
Buffer dry
Once again, while granite is an exquisite aesthetic addition, its porous nature has to be taken into consideration and for this reason, it’s extremely important to not only wipe up, but dry up any spills that happen. Sticking with the microfiber cloth will continue to avoid streaking, but also won’t risk any type of scratching as you make sure that moisture is entirely absorbed.
Recognize the importance of routine
Like any other household task, if it becomes a part of your routine, it won’t seem like a chore at all. Simply make it a priority to wipe down your granite countertops daily and you’ll be a step ahead of any staining that might take away from their extraordinary shine! If you’re still worried about granite countertop upkeep, many homeowners have their surfaces sealed twice a year instead of just once, to make sure their countertops are in top shape no matter what comes their way.