Lengthen The Life of Your Countertops
Granite is the most durable, long lasting and natural material suitable for kitchen countertops. Due to granites hardness, minimal absorption, heat and scratch resistance it can withstand multiple years of use with very little aging in appearance and feel. Whether you are a beginner or an excellent chef, granite is a classic favorite for the kitchen for many reasons. Its durable material makes it ideal for rolling out dough and withstanding extreme heat. In fact, you can take hot dishes out of the oven or stovetop and place them directly onto the countertops without fear of damage to the granite. It is more scratch resistant than any other surface, which means you can cut directly onto the countertop without damaging the granite.
Natural Stone Countertop Care
Natural stones are characteristically porous surfaces, which simply means they are easily penetrated by water, oils, and chemicals. In order to minimize staining, granite should be sealed. At the time of installation, Rock Fin will seal your countertops with an impregnating sealer. Resealing your countertops is a quick, simple, and affordable process that should be done annually. In fact, many homeowners do it themselves with ease. After the countertops are clean and dry, wipe the sealer on the surface with a cloth. Allow the sealer to dry for at least 30 minutes before using the countertop again. For your convenience, SureSeal sealer is available for purchase at Rock Fin.
Providing care and maintenance will enhance and lengthen the life of your natural stone countertops. Apart from the annual resealing of the countertops, regular upkeep is super simple. In addition to dusting, you should clean natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a mild cleanser. Abrasive cleaners should not be used under any circumstance. Avoid using cleaners with ammonia, bleach, acids and/or all-purpose cleaners. Only cleaning solutions made specifically for natural stone should be used. These cleansers are mild and do not contain harsh chemicals, which can be damaging to natural stone over time. B&R Natural Stone and Grout Cleaner is also available for purchase at Rock Fin.
Cleaning Countertop Stains
It is important to clean all spills and avoid leaving unwrapped foods on granite surfaces. Utilizing coasters under glasses, especially if they contain citrus juices or alcohol, will also help with the prevention of staining. Use a paper towel to blot up spills as quickly as possible. Avoid wiping the spill area as it will only spread the damage. Once cleaned, a soft cloth should be used to dry the area completely. If a stain remains, it is important to determine the type of stain since different types have various removal processes. The most common types of stains are organic (coffee, tea, food, cosmetics), biological (mold, fungus, mildew), metal (rust), ink (pens, magic markers), and oil (grease, cooking oil). Poultice powders can be used for the safe removal of specific stains. Poultice powders are designed to re-absorb a stain out of a stone that cannot be removed with a liquid cleaner. Follow the directions on the labels of the products you purchase for the correct usage of these cleaners. You can find these cleaning products at most home improvement stores.
Please feel free to contact us with any additional concerns you may have in regards to the care of your natural stone countertops.