|
The newest trend in American kitchens is natural stone, especially marble countertops. Sandy Springs, GA, homeowners are like the rest of the country, updating their kitchens with beautiful countertops. But some people are hesitant because of concerns with maintaining the countertops. Caring for marble countertops does take a little work, but it's not back breaking work. Avoid the Acids One of the biggest foes of marble is acidic foods. The counters may look stained, but they have actually been etched by the acids in the food. Things like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and even alcohol will dissolve the chemicals in the marble. This etching leaves the affected area a different color than the rest, making the counter look stained. Any acidic foods should be handled on cutting boards or plates to avoid contact with the marble. And, any spills should be cleaned up promptly to avoid giving them time to eat away at the marble. Soap and Water But, the problem doesn’t end there. There are several commercial cleaners that use citric acid or vinegar or a number of different acidic solutions. These can create the same problems as the foods. Cleaning a marble countertop with a mild soap and hot water is the easiest and also the safest for the marble. A sealed countertop is naturally non-stick, so there is nothing that cannot be cleaned off with a cloth rag and soapy water. Seal the Counter One of the best ways to prevent the etching and staining is to seal the marble. Like wax on wood furniture, the sealer will create a barrier on the marble. This barrier will not always prevent a stain, but it gives homeowners more time to get a spill wiped up before it eats into the marble. Topical sealers can be brushed or sprayed on and provide a thin barrier of protection for the marble. These are water based and work well in food prep areas. Penetrating sealers will soak into the marble and last longer, but the chemicals in the sealer are toxic and should not be used in the kitchen. Repairing an Issue If the marble does become stained or has etching problems, there are a few ways to fix the problem. For stains, the best way to remove them is with a poultice. This is a simple mixture of water and baking soda with a thick, pasty consistency. The poultice is applied liberally over the stain and seal with tape and plastic wrap to soak the stain out for a full day. For lighter marbles, hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove the stain. Etching requires a little more work, but only for shallow problems. Surface etches can oftentimes be polished out. If the grooves can be felt, they need professional help. In order to polish these deeper ones out, the whole countertop needs to be worked to keep an even appearance. While marble is a beautiful choice for any kitchen, it is a soft stone that can easily be stained or chipped. Before installing marble countertops, Sandy Springs, GA, homeowners should know the proper ways to clean and maintain the material they choose for their countertops.
Related Articles -
Marble, Countertops, Sandy, Springs, GA,
|
