Proper Maintenance
and Care of Granite and Marble Slabs Popular in GTA Homes
Many homeowners choose granite and marble slabs popular in
GTA homes for the impeccable beauty and elegance that they can bring to any
living space. Whether implemented as a floor or countertop, natural stone
surfaces can add to the aesthetic appeal of any home, driving up its resale
value. However, it can take a lot of work to maintain the original beauty of
the stone. To keep the granite and marble slabs in your GTA home looking like
they did the day you installed them, it is important to take the necessary precautions
and measures to care for them. Part of this due diligence involves
understanding what can potentially harm your surface. Granite and marble are
both hard and very durable stones, able to last a lifetime in your home with
proper maintenance and care. However, both of these types of surfaces are not
impervious to physical damage and natural wear-and-tear.
Granite is the more durable of the two surfaces. More resistant to scratches,
stains and heat than marble, granite has become very popular as a utilitarian
surface in many kitchens and bathrooms. Many people who own granite or marble
countertops are very weary about the best way to go about cleaning their
natural stone surface. While some people believe that you need special cleaning
solutions or household cleaners, this is not the case. Whether you are worried
about disinfecting the surface or leaving a streak-free shine, here are some
tips that will help you maintain the beauty of the surface of the natural
granite and marble slabs in your GTA home.
Start by Removing Loose Debris
If you’re cleaning up after preparing a meal or you just so happened to have a
bite over the counter, start by removing any crumbs, garbage or loose debris
that may be on the surface. By removing the loose debris, you will prevent any
materials from etching or staining your surface while cleaning.
Blot Spills Immediately
Blotting spills is different from wiping spills. If you choose to wipe a spill
on a natural stone surface, you will be at risk of spreading the spill to
different areas of the stone, increasing the potential for damage. Blotting up
spills involves simply letting a cloth absorb the liquid. In doing so, you are
absorbing the liquid as quickly as possible (before your stone surface does)
without spreading the spill.
Use a Wet Cloth and Mild Dish Soap
Now that your surface is clear, it is ready to be cleaned. Use a damp cloth and
mild dish soap to clean your surface. Flush the area with plain water and a
mild dish soap and rinse several times. For a streak-free shine, try using a
microfiber cloth to dry the area.
Marble countertops are more susceptible to etching
(scratching) as a result of coming into contact with acidic foods or liquids.
It is especially important to take care of your marble surfaces in this manner,
rather than using any potentially harmful household cleaners. Granite and
marble slabs popular in GTA homes give Toronto homeowners the elegant beauty
and appeal of natural stone. These stones are durable enough to last a lifetime
for interior home use, and with proper maintenance and care, you can preserve their
beauty for years to come.