The Do’s And Don’ts Of Natural Stone Worktops
When it comes to stone, no two variants are quite alike. Marble, quartz, granite and porcelain all boast their own unique look and feel, functioning as splendid additions to any traditional or modern kitchen or venue.
But despite their distinctive styles, there are some general maintenance do’s and don’ts that are applicable to all natural stone worktops. The more you know about upkeep, the better your surfaces will look for longer. Here, we cover some of the basic rules for keeping these materials in magnificent condition:
Do: Give your surfaces a wipe down
It’s true that certain types of natural stone require very little maintenance, but you’ll still need to take the time to give these surfaces a wipe down with a warm damp cloth – acting quickly if the stone is exposed to a spillage. This will prevent stains from setting and keep your worktop twinkling for the foreseeable future. Our team can also point you in the direction of natural stone cleaning solutions that will work a dream – all you need to do is get in touch!
Don’t: Use general purpose cleaners
General purpose cleaners often contain ingredients that are damaging to many types of natural stone. Abrasive materials can soak up the glossy sheen and leave behind unsightly marks, so save acidic home remedies (like lemon juice and vinegar) and standard bottles of kitchen cleaner for your other surfaces. Soap and water, more often than not, will suffice.
Do: Take care with what you place on top
For all its resistance, natural stone is still susceptible to scratches when hot or sharp items come into contact with the surface. That’s why you need to think carefully about what you store on these worktops. It’s advisable to grab a couple of placemats to spread out along the kitchen counter. This way, you’ll have a protective surface when you serve hot dishes or take cookware off the stove. Coasters for those morning brews are also beneficial, preventing the base of the mug leaving behind rings or scuffmarks.
Don’t: Gamble on fixing damage yourself
Accidents happen, and if your kitchen worktop is unexpectedly subjected to damage – be it from cooking heat, sharp knives or an inquisitive pet – you need to pick up the phone and bring in a professional to repair it. Restoring the integrity of natural stone requires an expert touch, and attempting to fix the damage yourself can often create additional problems. Don’t gamble.
Now you know what’s required to take care of stone worktops, you should find maintaining the appearance of your counter a much simpler task. As for the installation – let RC Coppin make all the necessary arrangements. We have a team of stone experts on hand to fit these gorgeous worktops to the highest possible standard, offering a helping hand in design and style recommendations if you require a little guidance.
Talk to our team today on 01376 550 009 for more information. We’d love to hear from you.