A short guide to caring for your countertops

If you just had your gorgeous new stone countertops installed, then you certainly want to keep them in pristine condition for as long as possible.

Luckily, there are some effective tricks to help you maintain your precious countertops and avoid the most common problems such as etching, staining, or cracking.

There are also certain rules to follow to increase their lifespan.

The number one rule is: choose the material that is most suitable for your cooking habits.

This list of characteristics for each stone available at Zsolt Granite can be especially useful for this purpose.

But if you are wondering what mistakes to avoid while using and cleaning your countertops, this article is for you.

Sealants are your countertops’ best friend

The sad truth is, even the most durable stones like granite can get damaged if not sealed properly.

Quality sealants help your countertops cope with everyday wear and tear, so resealing your stone countertops every once in a while (every year or two if possible) is a step you don’t want to miss.

Without sealing, your countertops can

absorb water,
stain or etch easier,
and collect bacteria.

Engineered stones like quartz and porcelain don’t need resealing to stay in good shape, so if you want to avoid the hassle, we recommend you go for engineered stone countertops.

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No harsh chemicals, acidic liquids, and abrasive cleaning tools

The best tools to use for cleaning your stone countertops are regular soap/mild dishwashing detergent and water.

Wipe the surface of your countertops with a non-abrasive sponge and microfiber towel.

Before using any detergents on your countertops, check for any acidic or corrosive ingredients like ammonium, vinegar, or bleach, as they can remove the sealer and make your countertops prone to staining.

Also, make sure to immediately wipe off any water spills or excess water during cleaning!

Acidic liquid spills such as vinegar, citrus juice, or wine are especially harmful to marble (which is essentially calcium-carbonate) countertops, as they can cause etching.

Keep such acidic liquids and foods away from your marble countertops!

Natural stones are heat resistant – but only to some extent

Heat makes the material rapidly expand and shrink which can lead to cracks as well as discoloration and heat stains.

Always let your hot pots and pans cool down on the stove before placing them on your countertops, or simply use trivets and coasters to serve hot drinks.

Avoid physical impact

It probably goes without saying that you should not ever sit or stand on your countertops as putting excess weight on them may cause cracks.

Even a single crack can spread over your countertop’s surface if you don’t take care of it, which can lead to a split.

And the best way to “fix” a split slab is to replace it.

Furthermore, to avoid scratches, always use a cutting board when preparing food.

Premium quality materials with a 15-year sealer application, only at Zsolt Granite

In addition to our wide selection of beautiful materials and top-quality services, we also offer a 15-year sealer application for all our natural stone slabs to make your future countertops maintenance-free.

Schedule a showroom appointment with us today, and let’s figure out which material is best suited for your needs together!