Preventing Granite from Damage
Granite is the selection of counter tops, shelving, rest room sink counters and extra in inside and exterior use right now. It is a lovely pure stone and can present lengthy lasting enjoyment and appreciation.Granite can change into cracked or sag by way of simply the sheer weight of the overhanging granite. Cracking or sagging may also occur by way of weight utilized to the floor.
some of the most common ways your stone can get banged up by everyday use:
- Stains:
Rust can stain and discolor natural stone, so make sure to frequently check the bottoms of metal kettles, pots, pans, coffee makers, and other common kitchen containers or gadgets and remove any rust spots that may be forming.
- Disinfecting:
Most gentle dish soaps today contain antimicrobial chemicals that are safe enough to use on countertops, but you can strengthen these by adding a small amount (3-4 tsp) of isopropyl alcohol to a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray the solution on your counter, then wipe the solution away with a clean, dry, cloth.
How To Clean and Disinfect Granite Countertops:
- Wet your dish cloth with warm, soapy water: Fill the sink with warm water and a mild dish soap, then thoroughly wet a clean dish cloth.
- Wipe down the granite countertops: You don’t need us to tell you how to do this part. Just wipe away any spills or crumbs on your countertop!
- Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking: Dry and buff your granite countertop thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or soft terry cloth towel to avoid streaking.
- Shine and disinfect with a water and isopropyl alcohol solution: To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap residue, and restore shine, mix together a 50:50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray onto the granite, allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Daily maintenance will help keep your counters looking great for longer. Clean them daily with a damp cloth and a few drops of dishwashing soap. Rinse the countertop with clean water and then dry it with a soft cloth.
Don’ts:
- Don’t place very hot items (such as saucepans and oven pots) directly on any stone based bench top surface, as this can cause extreme THERMAL SHOCK. Damage may not be noticed immediately if this is done regularly, however over time hairline cracks may appear reducing the strength of the product.
- Do not use chemical products for cleaning such as acid like chemicals, on your new bench top.
- Lighter colored granites will be more prone to staining than darker ones.
- Wiping spills immediately will help avoid most potential staining.
- Products such as coffee, red wine, cooking oils, butter, lemon juice, tomatoes and anything else acidic should be wiped off the bench top as soon as possible.
- While cutting directly on granite surfaces will not affect the large majority of granites, cutting boards are recommended.
- Be careful of the weak part of the kitchen bench tops, these are normally; for example at the front & back of the sink and cook top. Downward pressure to these area’s will cause cracking or breakage.
- Although granite is a solid and strong material it will not expand or contract to any measurable degree and therefore should not be subjected to excessive weight, stress or extreme temperatures. This can cause granite to fracture or crack when used as a workbench!