Maintenance tips for your natural stone countertop

Natural stone countertops give your home a beautiful look and add a luxurious touch to your kitchen and bathroom; however, many homeowners assume taking proper care of natural stone is tiresome and challenging. Natural stone is one of the best choices you can make for your countertops because they are super durable, which means they are less likely to get damaged by scratches and stains. They are also super easy to maintain, which is something many homeowners are looking for.  

Oftentimes homeowners do not want a lengthy cleaning routine, which makes sense! Keeping things as simple as possible is the best way to ensure that you will keep up with cleaning and maintenance. Spending less money on a different countertop material may actually cost you money in the long run with repairs and replacements. Natural stone countertops will last you years with minimal maintenance, which makes it the perfect choice. 

On the contrary, marble, granite, quartz and travertine countertops are easy to maintain and can serve you for a long period when properly taken care of. Therefore, regardless of the natural stone you choose for your home, it's essential to learn how to look after it to avoid damage.

Here are some tips that can help you maintain your natural stone countertop.

Seal to prevent stains

Natural stone is porous by nature, meaning it can easily absorb staining agents from dropped food and spilled liquid. To avoid this, seal your natural stone properly and always re-seal if you notice any signs of wear and tear.

You can identify if your natural stone needs sealing by pouring water on the most used part to check for dark spots. Dark spots indicate the absorption of water by your natural stone; thus, sealing is essential.

Avoid damage

Most natural stone countertops are durable, but not indestructible. For instance, if you place hot pans directly from your stove on your natural stone, it can fade or even crack. Any acidic spills can also cause damage to your stone, reducing its lifespan.

Always use coasters to place cups and wipe up spills as soon as possible to avoid damage. Additionally, let pans cool before putting them on your natural stone countertop.

Clean with stone-safe products

Clean your natural stone countertop regularly with a pH cleaner that is recommended for your natural stone. You can also use mild soap and warm water to get rid of small food and drink spills. However, avoid using excessive amounts of cleaner to get the best cleaning results.

After cleaning, use a soft cloth to wipe off the excess water and let your countertop dry.

GMS Werks is a leader in countertops Omaha for your kitchen and bathroom. We sell both large and small blocks of natural stone, including limestone, granite, travertine and marble. We want to help you create your dream space and we think that is finished off with natural stone! We want to help you through the process from start to finish. That includes planning, picking construction all the way to the final result. If you need help picking out the perfect natural stone for your space, contact us today to get quality kitchen countertops.