6 Things You Should Never Do on Your Granite Countertops

                   image source:https://www.pexels.com/

  Granite countertops are known for their durability, but durable doesn’t necessarily mean that these beautiful countertops are indestructible. In fact, there are many things that can harm granite, and some of them are things you might be subjecting your countertops to without giving them a second thought.

1. Sit Hot Pots and Pans
Hot pots and pans may seem harmless to tough granite countertops, but they can do more damage than you might think. Prolonged exposure to heat can damage the sealer on the granite and even crack the stone. Scorching is also a possibility when granite is exposed to intense heat.
To protect your granite countertops from heat exposure, you can use potholders or trivets to hold hot pots and pans above the stone.

2. Handle Raw Meat
 It may seem easier to work with raw meat right on top of your granite countertops than breaking out a cutting board. However, it is important to remember that granite countertops, although really good at keeping bacteria at bay, aren’t 100 percent able to prevent the transmission of foodborne illnesses. Granite is porous, and if the seal of your granite isn’t perfect, these microscopic bacteria can weasel their way into tiny holes in the stone.
While raw meat won’t damage the granite, it could make you or your family very ill if it ends up on other food items. Additionally, you don’t want to use harsh cleaners on your granite countertops, so it can be harder to ensure that any bacteria that does get on your countertops is properly killed and wiped away.

3. Cut Food Items
 Many people believe that you can cut food directly on your granite countertops without worrying. Unfortunately, prepping food right on the granite is a great way to dull your knives, which could lead to injuries in the kitchen. Also, clean up can be more challenging, which increases the risk for the transmission of foodborne illnesses to your family. Instead, just use a cutting board that you can get properly cleaned after each use without ruining your knives.

4. Leave Spills
 Spills are bound to happen on countertops. When something is spilled on your granite countertops, the best thing you can do is make sure that you get the mess cleaned up right away. Spills that sit for a long time are more likely to lead to etching on your stone’s seal. Once the seal has been eroded away, your granite is at risk for staining and other significant damage. Use hot, soapy water or granite cleaner to clean up spills as soon as possible.

5. Sit on the Countertop
 Sitting or standing on your granite countertop may not seem like a big deal. Granite is hard, right? Well, remember that granite countertops aren’t super thick, and the fissures and veins in the stone are points of vulnerability. If you sit or stand on one of these weaker points, you could crack the stone. If you need to get something that you can’t reach, use a ladder instead of standing on your countertops.

6. Use Acidic Substances
 Granite is especially vulnerable to acid. While granite is very durable, acids cause a lot of damage to the stone. Avoid letting vinegar, citrus, soft drinks, perfume, lotion, soap, and other acidic products sit on the surface of your countertops where they could lead to etching and other damage.
Acidic substances are also likely to break down the protective barrier that your sealer provides, which makes the granite even more vulnerable to staining and additional damage from acid. Keep these items off of the countertop by using trays or baskets that won’t allow the products to seep onto the granite. If there is a spill, get it cleaned up as soon as possible.

 While granite countertops are a great option for people who need a durable countertop material, the stone isn’t impervious to damage. Take the necessary precautions to make sure that you keep your granite countertops in tip-top shape for decades.