If you are a homeowner in Maple Grove, MN and have been considering renovations to a kitchen or a bathroom to include natural stone countertops, there are a few simple tricks and strategies you can use to keep them looking wonderful for years.
Unfortunately, many people assume that natural stone is a lot of work. While that may be true if you don’t use any of these simple habits, the stone can be just as easy to clean and maintain as any other type of material. In fact, since they are very durable and long-lasting, they are actually easier to maintain even in busy kitchen areas.
To help keep your countertops made of marble or granite looking like new, try these easy to use and simple techniques.
* Wipe after use – use a clean, microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface area after using the area. Just use warm water without soap or cleaning for daily cleanups and then an approved natural stone countertop cleaners as needed.
* Clean spills immediately – even on sealed surfaces, get in the habit of immediately cleaning up any spills, water rings or acidic foods or liquids. This is particularly important on marble as this is the most likely to stain with items such as tomato sauce, red wine or fruit juices.
* Don’t use soap – never use soap on granite or marble as it will leave a dull, streaky surface look. Instead, just use warm water and buff with a dry cloth. An approved pH neutral type of special marble or granite cleaner can be used that will also disinfect the surface.
* Never use abrasives – do not use steel wool, scrubbing pads or powders or any type of abrasive material to clean the surface. This will actually remove the sealant and lead to staining or etching.
Most kitchen countertops will need to be sealed every few years. Your installation company can complete this, or you can even do it yourself. If you are going to make it a do-it-yourself project for your Maple Grove, MN home talk to the installation company and use their recommended products.
