While countertops, walls, and other surfaces are quite durable, they can be marked or dirtied without the proper care. If you take care of your home surfaces, they can last you decades even while looking just as good as the day you installed them. By following these tips, you will enjoy having amazing looking surfaces.
General Tips
There are some things that should be considered for all surfaces. For instance, efflorescence (white, flaky salt deposits) can affect a range of materials, including stone, concrete, back, and stucco. You can remove any efflorescence you encounter through using a dry brush, water rinse, or power washing for more serious cases. Another great way to maintain your countertops is to wipe up any spills that happen as quickly as possible, as several types of surfaces can become stained or discolored by uncleaned spills. Furthermore, strive to keep your countertops as clean as you can. The more clean they are regularly, the longer they will last looking like new. Also, if you are still deciding on what material to use, consider carefully. There are debates over quartz vs marble countertops, marble vs granite surfaces, and other material comparisons. Make sure to choose the materials that best suits your budget and needs.
Granite and Marble
Marble and granite surfaces both have similar maintenance techniques. Whichever one you have, make sure it is sealed well. Sealing both preserves the finish of the material and gives it more protection from stains. Although surfaces need to be resealed, granite yearly, marble every few months, it is definitely worth it Additionally, should a spill occur, try not to use any harsh cleansers. The best way to clean is with a nonabrasive sponge or cloth, water, and a mild soap (such as dish detergent). However, if soap and water does not work, then it is perfectly fine to utilize bleach or more aggressive cleansers to clean the stains. However, you may need to reapply sealant after using harsher cleansers. Finally, seek to avoid using acidic products, oil, and wet containers on granite and marble countertops.
Also Read: Points to Consider While Selecting the Right Flooring Tiles
Solid Surface
Thankfully, solid surface countertops are pretty easy to clean and maintain. A damp microfiber cloth is perfectly fine for wiping them down, and for dirty spots, simply use water and some mild dish soap. Even solid surface texture is a cinch to clean. For removing extra difficult stains, abrasive cleaners can be used, and you can even buy professional solid surface cleansers from most home supply centers. In terms of general maintenance, be wary of excessive heat, strong chemicals, and knives. Through these tips, you can extend the great look of your solid surface countertops for years.
Wood
Wood kitchen countertops are affordable and beautiful, but their greatest flaw is that they require regular care. For longer lasting wooden counters, essential tips include avoiding spilling vinegar on them, washing them immediately after use, and oiling them periodically (once a month is best). Although oiling takes time, the process is relatively simple. First, remove any stains you see. Then, wipe down the entire counter, and lightly sand the surface until it is smooth. Finally, apply food-grade mineral oil onto the wood counter, rub it in, and let it soak for around 20 minutes. Through these steps, you will ensure that your wood counters will stay beautiful.
Concrete
Concrete is both durable and very budget-friendly, and with the right steps, lasts a very long time. The biggest vulnerability granite countertops have is staining, but you can easily mitigate this issue by ensuring that your concrete surfaces are properly sealed. With good sealing, you have a large amount of time to clean up spills before they start to stain the surface. One other thing to be wary of is salt damage to concrete. Yet, even that issue can be pretty easily taken care of. With its easy maintenance and strong durability, you should have little trouble taking care of your concrete countertops.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
