It is the most wonderful time of the year, but it may also be the most common time of the year to damage your countertops.
During the holidays, there are sometimes lots of visitors, lots and lots of baking and cooking, and many opportunities for spills.
Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your countertops preserved during this season, no matter what material they may be.
Clean Them Properly
Cleaning your countertops can often depend on the type of countertops in your home. At Capitol Granite we offer:
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartz
- Butcher Block
Some are easier to clean than others, but a good rule of thumb is to clean them every day with mild dish soap and water.
We also offer a 3-in-1 cleaner polish and protectant, also known as “Da-Good-Stuff.” Or you can use cleaners from local home improvement stores.
When cleaning your countertops, be sure to wipe them dry after cleaning to avoid water streaks.
Cleaners such as Windex® (without ammonia) or similar products can be used to clean up excess oil but are not recommended for daily use due to the acidic levels in the product.
Watch For Spills
When everyone is gathered around the kitchen island for a buffet-style Thanksgiving or holiday dinner, it may be easy to spill a drink, dish or drop a piece of food or gravy.
It is inevitable that there will be spills, but when you notice them, it is important to clean them up.
This is so no liquid, grease or food seeps through the type of countertops you have. Also so none of your kitchen countertops stay sticky or attract pests.
Keeping an eye out and wiping them up quickly can help avoid stains that could be a sore on the eyes and design of your kitchen.
Use Coasters, Pot Holders, and Cutting Boards
How often do you set your drink down, bring hot food out of the oven or cut meat on your kitchen countertops? Every time you do this, your countertop may be affected.
To help slow down the wear on your countertops, use protective measures. This includes coasters, pot holders, and cutting boards.
Be sure to have enough coasters for all members of the household and any holiday guests. They should be used on any countertop or table surfaces to ensure rings from the drink do not stain them.
Potholders and kitchen mitts can be used for more than just removing hot things from the oven. You should always avoid setting hot pots on your countertops but instead set them on potholders.
Some rules may change depending on the type of countertops you have, but when in doubt ask your installer. For quartz, it is recommended to use a trivet and direct heat is not advisable due to the chemical makeup of this material.
As for using your countertops as a cutting board, you should avoid it at all times. Some people and places say you can use darker granites or quartz as a cutting board, but we don’t recommend it.
Avoid this to avoid unnecessary scratches from sharp knives, and instead, purchase a matching cutting board to match your kitchen.
Need New Countertops?
Our professionals at Capitol Granite take both visual and practicality into account when helping you choose your countertops. We offer services such as:
- Countertop Installation
- Cabinets
- Commercial Countertops
- Kitchen Islands
- Sinks & Faucets
For more information about countertops and our services, contact Capitol Granite at (804) 265-4751. We are here to help you ensure your countertops are ready for the holidays. We are continuing to practice CDC recommended guidelines to ensure the health and safety of both our clients and our technicians.
