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11 Ways To Ruin Granite Countertops & What To Do Instead
By KRISTEEN CHERNEY
Spills
Granite is porous, and the inevitable food or drink spills, especially red juice or wine, can ruin its protective seal, potentially staining it permanently if left to sit.
Promptly blot up stains with a paper towel, then clean the granite countertop thoroughly as soon as possible with hot water and a mild soap, or a granite-specific cleaner.
Pressure
Avoid kneeling, standing, or sitting on your granite countertop, or placing any heavy objects on it, as this can cause it to crack or even give way and cause falls.
Oil
Vegetable, canola, olive, and avocado oil can stain and damage granite if they splash on it during cooking or run down the sides of your bottles when left on your countertop.
Put paper towels under bottles, and use oil covers on pots and pans. Treat stains by applying a paste of equal parts cornstarch and water, and leave it overnight to absorb the oil.
Heat
While granite should withstand heat from a hot pot or pan placed directly onto it, frequently doing this can weaken the sealant, making it prone to cracks and stains later.
The same applies to placing hot flat irons or curling irons on bathroom granite countertops. Instead, use potholders or trivets to protect your granite from repeated heat exposure.
Toiletries
Prevent toiletries like shampoo or facial cleansers from coming into contact with your granite countertops — store them in a container or underneath the sink instead.
Cover your granite countertop with paper towels before using acidic products like nail polish or nail polish remover on it, and clean up spills immediately
if they occur.
Instead of regular bathroom cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, or abrasives that damage granite, use soft cloths, warm water, and soap, or granite-specific cleaners.