The Common Mistake That's Sure To Damage Your Precious Countertops

Cooking is a fun pastime to some and a necessary evil to others, but one thing we can all agree on is that it can be a pain when you don't have all the kitchen utensils you need. Cutting boards are vital to the chopping process, and a headache to deal with when without. Those of us who don't have one or two of them are equally guilty of resorting to hacking away at the food on our precious countertops. The common mistake of quickly butchering meat or chopping veggies on the counter might not make much of a difference right then, but endless cutting and chopping on them will erode their surfaces and make them rough to the touch and the eyes. If you have a glossy finished countertop, cutting on it will make those areas choppy and dull.

Countertops are often made of expensive materials such as stone or marble, so damaging them to prep the ingredients for a chicken noodle soup doesn't seem like a wise decision. Although they are made of stone that can take a punch — or, rather, a few knife jabs — these countertops are smoothed down to give you that perfect finish you want. Some people even go as far as using their stone tops to sharpen their knives. Other countertop materials such as laminate are far less durable and can't withstand knife action. There are better solutions to these problems that won't render your countertops worn and torn.

Cutting boards are non-negotiable in the world of cooking, and there are various designs and materials to choose from. Wooden ones are some of the best, but if you want, you can opt for this $23 clear acrylic cutting board with a non-slip feature from Amazon that can rest on the countertop, just waiting to be used. You don't have to go looking for it every time you want to use it, because it also comes with a lip that keeps it in place. It's clear so you can still showcase the actual countertop underneath, so there's no sacrificing your décor.

As for those who are fond of whetting their knives on their stone countertops, this leads to jagged edges over time. Instead, just get a whetstone. Simply soak the stone for 15 minutes before using it so that it can last longer.

If you've already been using your countertops to chop and cut food, it's not the end of the world. There would be damage sustained, but you can remedy the situation. If your counters are made of real stone, you can buff them down with a hard abrasive like sandpaper or steel wool. Gently focus on those rough spots until they are smooth. Wipe off any stone debris with a damp cloth or running water. For the finishing touch, you can visit Home Depot for a stone sealant to polish it. With a little effort, you can keep your stone countertop looking its best.

If you have a laminate countertop, the process is a bit different. You can use a laminate repair kit from Amazon to fill in superficial scratches quickly. If there's any major damage, you may have to get your laminate countertop replaced by a professional. Maintaining your countertops is light work, but you have to be intentional about it. Let everyone in your household know the new rules: no knives or sharp objects on the counter.