How to Take Care of your Granite Worktop

Granite is a naturally tough building block with high resistance to dents or scratches. It can be able to sustain the high temperature environment in most kitchens without changing. However, granite countertops found in most kitchens can be affected by the high temperature from sizzling pans. This is especially true for high grade steel pans that retain much heat when cooking. Placing such utensils on the granite can result to scorching which appears as black markings on the surface of the counter.




It is therefore imperative to practice the following safe techniques when handling hot pans near granite countertops:




1. Never place hot pans on the granite surface to prevent spoilage from occurring.




2. Ensure you regulate the cooker temperature to minimal levels so the pan does not get too hot for the granite.




3. When cutting vegetables or fruits, use a tray or a cutting board placed on the granite countertop. This will prevent scratching and scuff marks which are not very pleasant to look at.




4. Ensure that any pots or pans placed on the countertop are cool enough. Also check the bottom of the pan for any soot or burn marks that may blacken the granite surface.




How to Restore Damaged Granite Countertops




Burn marks from hot appliances may either be surface only or both surface and subsurface. Surface markings can easily be cleaned using specialized creams and pastes recommended by the countertop dealers. Some Granite worktops dealers have their own factory made products for restoring the damaged sections. These cleaning products can help you in getting rid of stains, indentations and other markings or scratches on the board surface. Surface burn marks can also be scraped out gently with a knife then the surface cleaned using recommended creams or solutions.




Subsurface damage can only be rectified by professionals. Expert granite countertop technicians can cover such damages and can also repair dents and major cracks.




The best way of ensuring that your kitchen countertop remains safe is of course to take good care of it. Nonetheless, when you go to purchase any item, ensure you are given sufficient warranty in case of damage. Hence, if the counter gets accidentally chipped or dented, you can call the manufacturers for a quick restoration.