The countertop is definitely the star of the show when it comes to cooking. In fact, it’s one of the most important work surfaces in your home, so you want to make sure you take good care of it.
However, in the midst of food preparation, constant cleaning, and rigorous cutting, your countertop might suffer costly damage.
The last thing you’d want is to replace your countertops every couple of years. That’s why we thought you could use some help in this sector, and we came up with a list of things that might accidentally ruin your countertop. This way, you’ll know what to do!
Excessive weight
You’d be surprised to find out how many hard surfaces crack under pressure, and yes, countertops are no exception.
You can place heavy objects close to unsupported edges or even joints, but it will eventually cause cracks, ruptures, and fractures that are really expensive and difficult to repair.
You’d better think twice before buying an extra-heavy microwave or even standing on the countertop to reach the higher shelf.
Harsh cleaning supplies
Harsh cleaning products are loaded with bleach and ammonia, which could ultimately cause stone and granite countertops to lose their luster.
If you want to prevent them from fading, you might want to use some soap and hot water on a daily basis. These cleanups might help maintain their condition.
Hot appliances
You need to check your countertop manufacturer’s recommendations right away before using all kinds of toaster ovens, slow cookers, and any other heat-generating appliances it.
You might be surprised to find out that temperature changes could cause some materials to crack. If you’re having doubts, you could place a trivet or even a cutting board between the appliance and the counter.
Acidic foods
Given that marble countertops have calcium carbonate in their composition, which is a well-known chemical base, they’re even more sensitive to acid.
In other words, it only takes one simple splash of vinegar, wine, lemon juice, and tomato sauce to cause some serious dull spots, or etches, on its surface.
If you spill anything acidic on your marble countertop, you need to clean it up right away with water, then neutralize the stain with some baking soda on top.
Water buildup
When we’re talking about pools of water, particularly mineral-rich hard tap water, we should know that it could ultimately cause stains and white crusty buildups, especially if they’re left on the kitchen counter.
After wiping up the spilled water, you want to make sure that the countertop is completely dried (you can use a towel) to prevent future damage and problems.
Cutting and chopping
I’m going to say something that we all knew in one way or another but have lowkey ignored so far: chopping, slicing, and dicing right on the surface of your kitchen countertop is definitely a no-go.
It doesn’t even matter if the surface is a butcher block or not. Fine scratches could easily disrupt the waterproof sealant on your countertops, which will make them more susceptible to damage in the long run.
Leaning on edges
Splitting and peeling edges are general issues when it comes to laminate countertops. You could easily reduce the stress on your counters by never leaning on the edges, and you should definitely refrain from opening a beer bottle on them!
Hot pots and pans
If you place a hot pan right on a countertop, it could cause discoloration and cracking. You might want to use trivets and pot holders as a barrier or even risk creating a burn mark that you might regret forever.
Sunlight
Everybody loves a sunny kitchen, but did you know that direct sunlight could cause laminate countertops to fade? Sunlight could also fade some sealants that are specifically used on granite and wood countertops.
You might want to pull down a shade during peak daylight hours so you can minimize long-term damage.
Repetitive motions
If you like preparing your meals in the same spot, you might notice how that specific section of the counter might suffer from scratches, etches, and other various signs of wear and tear.
If you have the option, you might want to migrate to different parts of the counter now and then.
Fight those bad habits!
After reading this article, you might want to reconsider all the habits that are contributing to the wear and tear of your countertops. It’s true that they are designed to be durable, but you can also help extend their lives by practicing better cooking and cleaning practices.
Now, if you have a granite countertop, you’ll probably need a good cleaner for it. That’s why we recommend you try the TriNova Granite Cleaner and Polish. It’s highly efficient and affordable!
If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: What Is The Easiest Way To Get Rid Of Mold In A House?
