How to Maintain
Natural Stone Slab Surfaces Requiring Care in Toronto
One of the most common misconceptions Toronto homeowners
have about natural stone slab surfaces requiring care in Toronto is that they
are difficult to properly care for and maintain. However, this is simply not
the case. While there are a few precautions and restrictions when it comes to
cleaning, homeowners can preserve the timeless beauty of their natural stone surfaces
with a few simple steps.
Take Care of Spills
Immediately
Most natural stones tend to be porous materials, which means that they are prone
to absorbing spills and other liquids, which can lead to potential stains.
There are two types of stains homeowners should be worried about. Regular
staining defaces the stone by leaving a mark, spot or perhaps changing the
colour of your stone surface. Etching is a scratch that can be left on your
surface if spills are absorbed by your stone surface. Etching can also occur if
your surface comes into contact with acidic foods, beverages or cleaning
materials. Some of these include items commonly used in the kitchen, such as
certain fruits, carbonated beverages, alcohols and household cleaning
solutions. When a spill occurs on your natural stone surface, it is important
not to wipe the spill, which can cause the damage to spread. Instead,
homeowners should blot up spills using a paper towel or other cloth. Day-to-day
cleaning and sanitization is simple; just use a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
Rinse thoroughly and dry your countertop with a microfiber cloth for a stunning
streak-free shine.
Use Heat Pads
Though natural stones do provide added resistance against high temperatures,
continued exposure to hot pots and pans can leave a mark on your stone,
especially if it is not properly sealed. To prevent physical damage from
occurring on your stone surface, it is recommended for homeowners to use heat
pads when placing hot pots and pans on the countertop.
Keep Coasters Readily Available
The use of coasters on natural stone slab surfaces requiring care in
Toronto helps protect your countertop against two of the main causes of
etching. Drinks that are left on the countertop often leave a trail of
condensation and minor spills behind. If a drink is sitting unattended on the
countertop for long enough, the moisture can begin to sink into your
countertop. While homeowners may be conscious of protecting their stone
surfaces, keeping coasters readily available helps to promote their use by
children and visitors.
Use Cutting Boards when Preparing Food
Natural stones are also lauded for their utility and ability to be hard
surfaces that are resistant to scratching. Many homeowners cut on their
countertops and natural stone surfaces. Depending on your type of stone, you
may be putting the items in your kitchen at risk. Homeowners could be leaving
their natural stone surface prone to physical damage such as scratching and
cracking. However, even if the countertop is holding up fine, homeowners are
likely to dull their knives and other kitchen utensils.
Natural stone slab surfaces requiring care in Toronto are a great way for
Toronto homeowners to bring timeless beauty and long-lasting durability into their
homes. Proper maintenance and care can help to preserve the sheen of your stone
for years to come. Stones should be resealed on a continual basis to ensure
they are receiving maximum protection.