How to maintain and clean a granite worktop

How To Maintain And Clean A Granite Worktop?

Worktops are now a part of every kitchen, especially those made of granite. This gives the space a glistening look, and the kitchen looks more attractive than ever. Because of their toughness and strength, they will not be prone to deteriorate. But in fact, rough and careless use can hurt their dandiness. So, to make them everlasting, you have to treat them with care and not put too much pressure or heavy objects on them.

We will explain to you the best way to clean granite worktops and how you can increase their tenure and sparkle.

Cleaning granite worktops: coat the pores!

Cleaning granite countertops can be tricky sometimes, as it has pores that absorb liquids, stains, and detergents. When excessively absorbed, the detergents can dry out inside the pores and cause cracks in the granite slab. Even moisture can cause fungus in the corners if not cleaned properly, and without a protective coat, cleaning cannot be easy.

Seals or lamination, which can stay up to months or a year, are the best for this type. You can ask your supplier to tell you which type of lamination is suited for your granite kitchen top because all cannot be protected by the same one and for the same amount of time.

Learn to choose worktops for the kitchen

Your black granite worktop may differ from the rest and require less or more coating, depending on its nature of formation.

How to clean granite worktops? Is daily cleaning necessary?

This question comes to mind when you read that too much moisture is not good. But we are not talking about washing them. Just heat some water, take a sponge, and then clean the slab using a kitchen worktop cleaner to remove marks of spills. After that, take a dry piece of cloth and rub it on the surface to absorb the moisture.

If you encounter a stain that is not easy to remove, use a granite worktop cleaner, just a drop or two, or a spray to soften the tint, and then wipe it with the dried cloth piece. We shall remind you that dry cloth will remove the water lines on the surface because if left unattended, they can also cause smears on the slab’s surface.

The corners on the inner side

While cleaning worktops in a hurry, you may miss the inner corners, and the grim or dirt may stick there and accumulate for months. After a while, black granite worktops will start looking dull and untidy. This can also cause health hazards if you have kids in your home because it will include bacteria which can be harmful. What we do is use the granite countertop cleaner and granite worktop polish to deep cleanse the countertop every weekend and make sure the inner corners on the downside get adequately cleaned.

Can you put hot pans on granite?

Depending upon how you use the hot utensils or pots, placing them directly or with tri-stands, you can observe how they impact your granite countertops.

You definitely would have heard that cutlery or hot pots and pans do not affect the slabs of granite, but the pans can leave rustic stains or marks if you do not be careful enough. When the seasons change, the impact of things changes too. We recommend using heat-resistant mats, tri-stands, or even boards on the granite worktops where you directly place your heated-up cookers or dishes or cut your veggies to avoid any risk to their look.

How to clean granite countertops? How to look after quartz worktops?

Those who will provide you with the granite for your kitchen will also tell you tips to act upon. If you doubt their use or protection, ask your supplier, or if you plan on using some strong alkali for cleaning purposes, ask the experts. Experimenting by yourself can leave you with regrets in the case of your granite slabs.

Another pro tip is to give a bit of steam to the spills so they can soften, and then wipe them off because scrubbing is not good, and strong alkalis can leave marks if used again and again in the same area.

Here is a short list of what to do & what not to do for granite cleaning

Do’s

  • Act promptly to prevent stains from setting into the surface. Blot spills immediately with a paper towel or cloth instead of wiping through the surface.
  • Ask the seller where you need to use a quartz worktop cleaner and polish it before buying.
  • Hire a quartz worktop cleaner services provider company if things go out of hand.

Don’ts

  • Do not delay the coating; the more you postpone the granite cleaning, the more you risk your health because of the germ sticking on the worktops.
  • Don’t experiment with acids to clean their surfaces, as they tend to eat away the granite. If you accidentally spill anything of this nature, wash it off quickly.
  • You better not use a net or a wire object to scrub off the leftovers which you think are stuck on the surface.
  • Also, try not to use Tide pods or powders or anything having bleach as its main ingredient. This will make more mess than cleaning.

Conclusion

By following proper practices for cleaning granite worktops and using good-quality kitchen worktop polish, you can keep your granite worktops looking clean, shiny, and beautiful for years to come. Regular cleaning, choosing the best granite cleaner UK products, and addressing stains promptly is the key to maintaining their pristine condition.

Also, read which kitchen design fits in my house

Remember to take preventative measures and seek professional help when needed to ensure the longevity of your kitchen countertops. 

About Our Services

If you’re looking for the best quartz worktop in the UK, Solid Worktops is your best shot! 

We provide an extensive range of worktops to uplift visual aesthetics as well as functionality. Our skilled team manufactures and customizes worktops by employing state-of-art technologies in the plenitude of attractive designs, alluring shades, and enticing textures.  

Solid Worktops stands for quality excellence and 100%  customer satisfaction!

kitchen worktops

How To Choose The Right Kitchen Worktops?

A kitchen is one of the most significant parts of any home that makes or breaks an overall feel of the space. A well-designed kitchen requires the careful incorporation of multiple elements. Out of all the things one considers, choosing the right kitchen worktop is one of the most influential factors to conquer. 

The right kitchen countertop not only provides a functional surface for food preparation and cooking but also adds up to the aesthetics of the space. With numerous options out there in the market, selecting the perfect type of worktop can be a daunting task. Wondering which worktops are best for kitchens? Well, there are many, in fact! 

Learn top trends in kitchen worktops for 2023

The worktop you select for your kitchen might look right in your imagination, but there’s a chance the interior does not complement it or the other way around. In our opinion, the optimal way is to study the décor and interior of different types of worktops in detail and then check what worktop types go with it. 

Here, we’re going to explain to you the details which usually go unnoticed when choosing kitchen worktop options. 

Types of kitchen countertops available in the market

Looking for the best material for kitchen countertops? We’ve gathered plenty of worktop ideas for you below. 

Granite worktops: 

  • Known for their incomparable beauty & durability.
  • May need periodic sealing. 
  • A little expensive compared to other options.

Quartz worktops:

  • Engineered stone worktops with a super durable property. 
  • Multiple hues and patterns are available. 
  • Quite comfy to clean.

Learn about quartz maintenance

Corian worktops:

  • Another luxurious, non-porous option. 
  • The design blends well with modern kitchen themes.

Laminate worktops:

  • Versatile worktop material.
  • A comparatively lower price. 
  • Relatively low maintenance but can develop scratches. 

Solid surface worktops: 

  • Made from a blend of acrylic and natural minerals. 
  • A wide range of design possibilities. 
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Extremely durable.
  • Hygienic alternative. 

Learn solid surface worktops: how to measure and install

Stainless steel worktops:

  • A reliable choice for all kinds of commercial kitchens. 
  • The strongest of all with extreme heat resistance
  • The highest hygiene level.
  • The lowest maintenance requirements. 
  • Can be noisy to use and prone to scratches.

Wood worktop:

  • Develops a warm, natural, and cozy ambiance.
  • Can be sanded and re-oiled to restore the look and fade the scratches.
  • Needs continuous maintenance for water damage prevention. 

Glass worktops:

  • Gives a modern & contemporary appearance to your kitchen. 
  • Like stainless steel, glass worktops are non-porous and hence do not provide a habitat for bacterial growth. 
  • You need to take great care of these worktop types, as even a minorly hard object can cause damage in the form of breakage and scrapes.

Comparing various types of worktops to suit your kitchen best

When analyzing which kitchen worktop is best, you need to consider multiple factors to reach that decision. Let’s compare the different materials to determine the factors and decide how your work surfaces should be! 

Evaluate your considerations on the basis of the following: 

Durability & longevity

Granite, quartz, and solid surface worktops are super enduring and can easily tolerate day-to-day wear and tear. However, laminate ones are more prone to scratches and may require more continuous maintenance.

Scratches, stains & heat resistant worktops

When exploring heat-resistant kitchen worktops, granite and quartz materials are known for their unmatchable heat resistance. They are less likely to get harmed by hot pans or pots. Laminate worktops are susceptible to scratches. 

On the other hand, stainless steel countertops may generate blemishes over time. Glass or solid surface countertops are more resistant to stains, making them effortless to clean. 

Maintenance & care requirements for worktops

Laminate and solid worktops are somewhat low maintenance. They can be easily scrubbed with water and a mild soap solution. Granite and quartz, on the contrary, demand periodic cleaning to sustain their visuals and durability. Likewise, wood worktops need regular oiling to keep them away from water damage. 

Cost comparisons to find you the best match

When comparing the costs, laminate worktops are the most affordable pick, followed by solid surface ones. Quartz and granite material is more on the expensive side, while stainless steel and wood countertops fall into a moderate price range. 

Factors to consider while choosing the best countertops for the kitchen

Keep in mind the following aspects while buying the best worktop for the kitchen. All of these combined will help you make an informed decision.

Which style & aesthetics do you prefer?

Every personality has its own choices when it comes to selecting favorite shades, aesthetics, and patterns. Some like a vintage-themed layout, whereas others are more inclined towards new school or contemporary style. 

If you live in a mansion or a house with grandeur and magnificent looks and is very spacious, you would also want your kitchen worktops to display the same opulence with a mesmerizing beauty, and for that, different types of stone, worktops are out there like Corian, granite, quartz, or marble. 

Traditional kitchens with a joint family system would like their space to be homier and can opt for wood or stainless steel, or a combination of both. Besides, asking the designer for a professional opinion can help you decide the best kitchen worktop material to elevate your overall space.  

Preferred size & durability of the kitchen worktop

Professionals will first look at the placement of your electric appliances and other items before designing the kitchen worktop for you. This gives them the idea to estimate the required space.

One may like their things to be packed up in the cabinets; however, one may prefer everything to be displayed on the shelves and the slabs. For heavy burdens, Granite and Corian materials work as the best worktops for kitchens for the best results. You can effortlessly place your microwave oven, coffee machine, blenders, etc., on them without worrying about whether they will crack or demodify. 

Overall maintenance & care required for worktop

Analyze your willingness to maintain and care for the worktops. Some require regular sealing, detergent cleaners, or even oiling to upkeep them. Consider your lifestyle, normal daily schedule, and total time available for home cleaning. Yet, you will always want to go for a worktop material that does not require a lot of struggle to clean. For that, the best countertops for the kitchen are always those which require the least amount of daily maintenance. Just a single wipe should be enough to make the surface sparkling clean. Sweetening the pot, a low-maintenance kitchen worktop saves you from many hidden costs. 

Your budget & worktop cost analysis

We know that you want a glorious and magnificent place as your kitchen worktops. But you must also analyze your budget constraints and the prices of various types of kitchen countertops available.  

Keep in mind to consider the long-term value and durability of the chosen material. Draft a budget for the entire project and thoroughly explore the options available in the market that fit within your requirements and range. 

Final thoughts

In a nutshell, selecting the right kitchen worktop involves considering many important aspects. Every material has its benefits and constraints. The important thing is to find the one that compiles with your standards, desires, and budget. By carefully evaluating the above-mentioned factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best worktop for the kitchen to enhance both the beauty and practicality of your space.

Solid Worktops: your ultimate kitchen worktop solution!

When on a market haul for choosing from different types of worktops, always look for the provider that carries a backbone of high recommendations and guarantees. Solid Worktops is the leading provider of various types of worktops for kitchens and bathrooms in the UK. 

From professional suggestions and quality materials to expert craftsmanship and reliable installation service, we help you through the entire kitchen remodeling process.

Contact us now & plan a meeting! Let your dream kitchen be a reality!