Stone benchtops are renowned for their strength and durability. Having said that, they are not indestructible, and this is true no matter whether you have a cheap price stone benchtop, or whether you have gone with a more expensive option. There are some particular ways in which a stone benchtop can be damaged, and some of these might not be immediately obvious. So what do you need to avoid in order to keep your stone benchtop looking beautiful and new? 

Placing Hot Items Onto the Benchtop

In theory, you can place a hot item onto your benchtop without damaging it, but only if it's a granite benchtop. A marble benchtop can become discoloured with excessive heat, and it can even crack. Granite does not have this problem, but remember that the granite will absorb the heat, and will even conduct it to a certain extent. The area directly beneath the hot item will heat up to the point where it can cause injury. This is particularly true if you were to place a hot saucepan straight from the stovetop onto the benchtop. While it won't cause damage to a granite benchtop, the usual safety precautions should be followed.

The Stone is Porous

There are numerous things which can stain a surface. There are the usual suspects, such as coffee, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and cooking oil. When these items are spilled onto a laminate benchtop, you simply wipe it off. It's the same with a stone benchtop, but you are racing against the clock. It's vital to not let a staining agent sit on the benchtop for too long. As stone is porous (even the engineered stone used to manufacture your benchtop), a tiny amount of the spilled liquid can penetrate the stone, making the stain rather difficult to shift. It's much easier to wipe up a spill as soon as it occurs. But if you were to find a small food-based stain, how should you remove it?

Be Careful When Removing Stains

Removing stains from a stone benchtop requires a slightly different approach than when cleaning other kitchen surfaces. You must use a cleanser that has been specially designed for use on stone. Many household cleansers are simply too acidic, and these can easily discolour a stone benchtop, particularly when coupled with friction (such as when you rub at the stain). For this reason, you should also avoid certain types of natural cleaning agents, like vinegar or lemon juice. Opt for a specialised cleaner that will not discolour the stone, and a cream cleanser (again, use one designed for use on stone) might be more effective at shifting heavier stains.

While stone benchtops are extremely strong, it's important to remember that they can be damaged. Fortunately, it's not so difficult to avoid this damage!