Owing to their versatility, practicality, and longevity, countertops are easily amongst one of the most widely used surface materials. Maintaining them is easy and they can be seamlessly used for desks, near seating areas, food preparation, and windowsills among other uses. But most importantly, they do not encourage bacterial growth. 

Although they require minimal maintenance and care, here are some tips to ensure your countertops last longer and keep their shine. At Tops Kitchen Cabinets, we know how important your kitchen is, which is why we have brought you some tips and tricks to help you take care of your countertops better. 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Solid surface countertops can easily get damaged by harsh chemicals and cleaning agents which are typically used for other equipment like ovens and grills. Ensure you are using only the recommended types of cleaning agents for your countertops to avoid damaging the surface. The manufacturer will provide you with a list of suggested cleaning agents but if you misplace them, get in touch with your fabricator who helped you install the countertops. 

Protection Against Heat

We often do not realize in the heat of the moment but leaving hot pans and other utensils on the countertops can damage them. The repercussions of exposing your countertops to heat can vary depending on the material. Some solid surface countertops have significant tolerance towards heat, but nonetheless, they can still crack or develop holes. To keep this from happening, use a sink mat or a trivet underneath hot utensils before you place them on the countertops. 

Always Use a Cutting Board

Depending on the material, some countertops can be easily scratched so always use a cutting board while chopping vegetables or cutting meat. Some of you may not know this, but most solid-surface countertops have a renewable top surface. In other words, smaller scratches can be easily repaired with soft scrubbing using special sandpaper. For better results, check the instructions that came with your countertops to make sure you are not using incorrect methods to clean. 

Do Not Sit or Stand On Them

When it comes to countertops, quartz and other solid-surface countertops can endure a lot of pressure without developing cracks. However, granite can easily crack at some spots under too much weight. If you need to reach top cabinets, using a ladder will always be an all-around safe option. 

Periodic Sealing

If you have granite countertops, you will need to periodically apply sealants to maintain its shine. They usually come pre-sealed, but after a few months, you may start noticing stains and minor cracks on the surface. To ensure your countertops look their best all year round, use granite sealant periodically. The manufacturer will suggest the right type of sealant for your granite countertops as well as the recommended intervals at which you should be using them. 

Treating Stains

To restore the original shine and glow of your countertops, use a solution of household cleaner or soap to wipe the surface off any stains. A sponge or microfiber cloth is your best bet when cleaning glossy countertops. Once in a year, you can also use furniture polish or any other food-safe polish to renew the shine. 

Clean Up After Every Liquid Spill

Liquids cannot penetrate most countertop surfaces but they still may leave a stain. Watch out for spills like tomato ketchup, coffee, tea, or gravy, which can stain the surface of your countertops. If your kitchen remains exceptionally busy on most days, frequent cleaning with a soapy solution can get rid of most stains and keep your countertops looking smooth and shiny. 

At Tops Kitchen Cabinet, we understand your kitchen is the heart of your home. That is why we offer a wide selection of countertops which can be part of your dream kitchen! With the highest quality of materials, our countertops are durable and reliable. Contact our amazing team so we can assist you in your kitchen remodeling journey!