When homeowners decide to start a kitchen remodel, many of them can’t wait to upgrade their countertops. As a natural stone, granite is popular due to its durability and functionality. This beautiful material requires specific care to ensure it’ll last for years. Once your kitchen remodel is complete, follow these cleaning and maintenance tips to keep the granite slab looking new.

Do:

Seal them.

Adding a sealant is the best way to protect your granite countertops from coffee, wine, or fruit juice spills. Without this barrier, colored liquids will settle into the stone, creating stains. Once you apply the sealant, leave it alone and let it cure for 24 to 48 hours. If you use the surface before this time frame, you may smudge the sealant.

Use cutting boards.

Although granite is durable, you shouldn’t apply direct force to it. Always use a cutting board when preparing meals, so you don’t accidentally nick or scratch the stone surface. To enforce this habit, integrate a designated cutting board drawer into your lower cabinets. This will make it easy to remember and access the boards.

Don’t:

Use abrasive cleaners.

Avoid cleaners that include vinegar, lemon, or bleach, as they’ll eat away at the sealant and leave the granite exposed to stains. Instead, use hot water and a soft cloth to clean the surface. Never use a wire brush when cleaning, as it’ll create unsightly scratches on the countertop.

Set hot pans on the stone.

Setting hot dishware directly onto your granite counter increases the chances that it’ll crack under the heat. The stone retains heat long after you’ve removed the pan from the surface, and frequent exposure to elevated temperatures will weaken the stone. To keep your countertop looking new, use trivets or hot pads under dishware that comes straight from the oven or stove.

If you want to upgrade your kitchen remodel with a granite countertop, contact the team at Kauai Maintenance & Construction in Hawaii. These professionals provide homeowners from Kekaha to Wailua with beautiful granite surfaces for their kitchens, bathrooms, and walkways. Learn about their services online, or call (808) 635-5040 to schedule an estimate.