Kitchen countertops and vanity tops are some of the great ways to enhance your home, but if not properly maintained, it can be messy. Some consider them troublesome and strenuous since you can only clean which is available within arm's reach, or don't clean at all. As a result, scratched surface, marks of dried up liquids, and acidic stains.
Small maintenance tricks that keep the stone surfaces clean can avoid some people to buy new countertops to hide a nasty looking mess. Here you will learn some DIY maintenance tips to save your natural stone from directing to trash.
Sharp and heavy objects should be in racks
Natural stones varies from soft ones such as soapstone and travertine to harder ones such as granite and quartz. Softer ones can easily attract scratches, while the harder ones have more resistance and durability. Always be careful in placing sharp objects. This also applies to heavier and harder ones such as vessels on your kitchen surface. A better option would be to use chopping boards to cut vegetables, coasters for placing wares on countertops, and racks for utensils.Keep acidic juices away
Acidic juices like orange and grapes are beneficial for your health, but not for your kitchen countertop. Keep it away or as much as possible wipe away the spilled juice from the countertop surface immediately, because the longer it stays, the deeper the stain gets.Maintain periodically
If you do not want to throw a lot of money in maintaining your kitchen countertops, but you still want it to look great, hot water and a soft cloth will do the trick. Wiping this will remove oil residues and dirt from your kitchen countertops, thus eliminating sharp materials and the chances of having scratches on your countertops.Neutral cleaners
As countertop or vanity top fabrication involves using natural, engineered, or solid surfaces neutral cleaner are a safe bet. As stones such as limestone and travertine, marble, and granite are vulnerable to acidic solutions (in the decreasing order), avoid cleaning them using vinegar, lime juice, ammonia or any other strong cleaners. There are neutral cleaners which remove scars and stains and do not etch. Remember not to clean mirrors on vanity tops using strong solutions as splashes or over sprays can affect the surface.Clean soft rags over scrubbers
Most of the scrubbers and detergent powders have materials that can leave scratches on your vanity surface. Use a clean soft rag along with neutral cleaners to wipe clean the surface. Removing dirt using a vacuum cleaner and then with hot water and neutral soap, before using scrubbers on stubborn build-ups ensures scratch-free surface.Sealing for shielding
Once your vanity top is clean, you can use penetrating sealers protect the surface and prevent stains getting deeper into it. Drop a little water on the stone countertop and see; if the water forms a wet mark on the stone, the vanity needs sealing.Stainless steel or engineered surfaces such as quartz are an alternative to natural stone surfaces, which lacks pores and would not stain. Regular cleaning using hot water is enough to keep the surface safe from dirt. As strong solutions can stain your countertop, immediately cleaning the spilt surface helps avoid future troubles.
If you're looking for a trusted kitchen designer that specialises in kitchen countertops and vanities, contact Kellyville Kitchens today.
