Stone benchtops are becoming increasingly popular for their unique look and durability. They add beauty and value to any home. There are different types of stone benchtops, such as marble, granite, dekton, neolith, quartz and more. However, like all surfaces, stone benchtops require proper maintenance and care in order to keep them looking good for years to come. Here are some do’s and don’ts of how to care for your stone benchtops:
Do’s of Caring for Stone Benchtops
- Use coasters, mats or trivets underneath hot dishes, cookware and appliances. This will prevent heat damage to the stone surface. Trivets and kitchen mats protect your stone benchtops from burn marks, scratches and other heat damage.
- Clean up spills, stains and standing water immediately. Acidic liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar and wine can cause stubborn stains, discoloration or etching, if left on the stone surface for a long period of time. Use a paper towel to immediately blot the spill. Simply place a paper towel or cloth over the spill and allow it to absorb. Doing so will result in less of an effort and prevent further mess.
- Use mild detergents, like dish soap, to clean the benchtop surface. Make sure to rinse with clean water afterwards. To get the best results, use a soft cloth or sponge moistened with warm water and a mild cleaner.
- Regularly seal your stone kitchen benchtops with a quality sealant that is specific for the type of stone in question. This will provide extra protection against staining and etching. Natural stones are porous and can absorb liquids, acids, food colorings and bacteria; thus sealing them will help maintain their appearance.
Don’ts of Caring for Stone Benchtops
- Don’t use abrasive scrubbers, scouring pads, steel wool or any rough brushes on the stone surface. These can scratch and damage your benchtop.
- Avoid using harsh detergents and acidic cleaners like vinegar, bleach, and ammonia as they can damage the stone surface or strip away the sealant on your stone benchtops.
- Never place hot food, pans or appliances directly on the stone without using a mat, coaster or trivet first. Heat can cause serious damage to your benchtop and make it look aged.
- Don’t use glass cleaners on stone surfaces as they contain chemicals that can eat away at the sealant and discolour the stone.
- Don’t allow spill age to sit for a long period of time as this can cause permanent staining.
- Don’t use boiling hot water to clean the stone benchtop, as this could cause damage. Instead, use the warm water when cleaning the surface.
Ultimately, stone benchtops are a gorgeous addition to any home and have the potential to maintain their beauty for years with proper maintenance. To ensure that your surfaces remain spotless, avoid placing any food items with a potential to stain. Moreover, if something spills, make sure you clean up immediately! Before applying any cleaner to a stone surface, be sure to thoroughly read the label.
By following these simple do’s and don’ts of how to care for your stone benchtops, you can preserve its beauty and keep it looking great. If you are using a special cleaner, do a spot test first. If the stains are hard to clean and your stone benchtop appears smudged or grimy, call a professional to properly clean it and make it shine again like new.
