Common Kitchen Countertop Mistakes

You've just had your new kitchen countertops installed and they look amazing! Now you just need to keep them looking that way. Below are a few common mistakes that are made that can age or damage your countertops. By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep your countertops looking beautiful for years to come.

Not Having Your Stone Countertops Sealed Properly

Natural stone countertops are porous and will absorb spills such as juice, cooking oil, wine, soy sauce, etc., if they have not been sealed properly. Depending upon the type of countertop and sealant used, you may want to have your countertop sealed every six months. If you are not sure whether your countertop is sealed or needs to be resealed, there is a quick and easy way to check, simply place a tablespoon of water on your countertop and leave it there for 15 minutes, then wipe the water away. If a wet spot is still there, this is a hint that your counter needs to either be sealed or resealed. By having your countertops properly sealed, you can also avoid stains caused by everyday use or spills.

Not Letting Disinfectant Sit for the Correct Amount of Time

Disinfectants are more important in today's world than ever. It is important to disinfect high touch areas, such as your kitchen counters. After handling raw meat or eggs, you want to be sure to clean not only your hands, but your countertops as well. However, if you don't leave the disinfectant on for the required time (dwell time), it does little or no good. A good example of this is Clorox wipes, they say to leave the surface wet for 4 minutes to ensure proper disinfecting to kill any harmful pathogens. Be sure to check your disinfectant to ensure you are using it properly.

Abrasive Cleaning Products

It is just as important to use the proper cleaning tools as it is to use the proper disinfecting time. The use of abrasive cleaning products and scouring pads can potentially scratch your stone countertops. You should only use a sponge or a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down your counters. 

If you find your countertops are stained, you can apply a poultice (a liquid cleaner or chemical mixed with a white absorbent material that forms a paste). The poultice is spread over the stained area to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch with a wood or plastic spatula, covered with plastic and left to work for 24 to 48 hours, to gently absorb the stain without harming your countertops.

Heat & Knives

You should never place a hot pan directly on your stone countertops. The high heat could cause your countertops to crack. You should always use a trivet or a potholder to protect your counters from potentially damaging heat.

Just as you should always use a trivet or potholder when placing a hot pan on your counter, you should also always use a cutting board to avoid cutting and damaging your countertops with a sharp knife. You should also take note that if you prepare food in the same spot on your countertop that this area will need to be sealed more often. Using a cutting board will also help protect your knife blade as the wood or plastic will prevent if from dulling as quickly.

Not Cleaning Under Countertop Appliances & Other Items

It is common to have appliances (microwaves, blender, crockpots, etc.) on your countertops. However, a mistake many people make is that they don't wipe under these appliances. This can mean that crumbs, spills, and water stains can sit untouched for long periods of time and cause damage to your countertops. It is important to make it a habit to move these items at least once a week to clean under them and ensure your counters remain free from stains and abrasive crumbs.

If your countertops have any of these issues, it may be time to replace them with an updated, damage free countertop. Contact our knowledgeable, professional team today to answer your questions and discuss your options.