Sourcing Granite Countertops in Bucks County, PA can be time-consuming due to how in demand the granite is and how it will need to be properly prepared before it can be fitted into a beautiful countertop for your kitchen. Once you have your granite, quartz, or marble countertops fitted you will want to make sure that you care for them properly in order to not damage them. Therefore, there are simple things you can do in order to protect your countertops.

Can Granite Stain?

Even though granite is one of the most durable and sought-after materials to use as kitchen countertops, it can still stain if it is exposed to the wrong ingredients and conditions. There is no material that will fully be resistant to all kinds of heat, scratches, and staining. Granite is a hard stone and therefore it is more resistant to stains but you should still be delicate with the stone as it is fully natural.

Can Marble Or Quartz Stain?

Both marble and quartz are very different materials. Quartz has a man-made element to it as the natural stone is mixed with resin. This means that quartz is a tough material that is resistant to stains and scratches. Quartz would be the better material to choose if you want a material that is not hard to upkeep. Quartz will not be fully stained and scratch-proof as no material is.

Marble is more delicate when compared to quartz as it is more porous. This means that marble will need more care as stains and scratching are more common on this kind of stone. If you are having trouble deciding what stone may suit you and your kitchen needs best, call in at Marble Concepts where you can sit down with a professional who can advise you.

What Stains New Countertops?

Here is a list of what to avoid in order to not stain or damage your kitchen countertops:

• Avoid heat
• Use appropriate cleaning products
• Avoid acidic products and foods
• Do not scrub your countertops
• Consider weight
• Do not overwater
• Avoid sharp objects and knife use

1) Avoid heat

Even though materials such as granite and quartz are heat resistant, they are not heatproof. This means that if anything too hot touches the granite of quartz, you could be left with burn marks on your stone which is permanent and not repairable. As these materials can burn, it is best to not place any hot pans or pots on the kitchen counter itself. The heat from the pots and pans can make the stone expand very quickly and then shrink when it cools, which can cause cracking and burning.

2) Use appropriate cleaning products

Using harsh cleaning products that contain bleach can stain and erode your kitchen countertop stone. You should avoid using disinfectant wipes on your granite or quartz as this can cause erosion, especially as the ingredients are left on the stone rather than washed off with water.

3) Avoid acidic products and foods

Acidic food and cleaners can cause stains and strip your kitchen countertops, especially if your kitchen countertop is made from granite. Ingredients such as vinegar, lemon, orange, soft drinks, and cleaners made from citric acid should all be avoided especially on stones that are fully natural. The strength of the acidity in these types of foods can cause erosion to not only your sealant but your actual stone too.

4) Do not scrub your countertops

Choosing a scrubbing cloth rather than a microfiber smooth cloth is the easiest way to cause severe scratch marks on any kind of kitchen countertop. If you find that you have got stains on your countertops, there are other DIY methods for getting the stains out rather than using a harsh scrubbing cloth. If you use a harsh scrubbing cloth on your quartz or laminate kitchen countertop, you may find that the scratches will be permanent.

5) Consider the weight

Even though the materials used for kitchen countertops are durable and hard, if they are under extreme weight this can then cause pressure on the stone. If enough pressure is caused to the stone it could cause the stone to crack. It is rare that this will happen to your kitchen worktop but we would advise that you avoid heavy weight on your surface if cracks do appear, you may need to replace your kitchen countertops entirely rather than repair them.

6) Do not overwater

If you have chosen to have laminate kitchen countertops, it is best to not use too much water when you are cleaning them. Near the seams of the laminate, water can get under the material and cause damage. This water damage can show as swelling or cracking of the laminate. Water is a better choice of cleaner than any kind of bleach-based product but it needs to be used sparsely.

7) Avoid sharp objects and knife use

Using sharp cooking utensils or knives on any kitchen countertop will cause large scratches to the surface. Knife marks can show more on materials such as laminate but they should still be avoided on materials like granite, quartz, and marble. It is advised that you purchase a small cut out of granite or quartz to use as a chopping board to protect your large piece of stone on your kitchen or kitchen island.

How To Protect My Countertops

We would advise at Marble Complex that you always follow the care instructions given to you after your countertop is fixed. Even though the stone may be made from hard and quality material, the stones will not be resistant to all conditions and therefore it is best to be able to prevent damage rather than aim to repair it.

Always Follow Care Instructions

Knowing how to properly take care of your kitchen worktops will reduce the level of user damage that occurs across the years of use. Following the care instructions will be vital after your granite, marble, or quartz kitchen countertop is fitted. Call Marble Concepts to cut and install your stunning granite, marble, or quartz countertops today. Get your kitchen or bathrooms renovated with quartz today. Give us a call at 215-396-7393 today to learn more.