Installing a stone kitchen benchtop during your kitchen remodel is a wise idea, as stone has a timeless beauty and lasting durability. Make sure you are ready to care for it properly as soon as the installation is complete. 

1. Clean Correctly

Proper cleaning is the main thing you can do to ensure your new stone benchtop remains beautiful and useful for years to come. Stone requires a pH-balanced cleanser that is formulated for use on stone. The good news is that simply wiping the bench down with a soft non-abrasive cloth and the cleanser is the extent of most cleaning, especially if you keep up with it daily. 

2. Prevent Stains

Stone is porous, which means stains can occur. Acidic substances like vinegar and deeply coloured substances like red wine are the types most likely to cause a stain. Cleaning up spills promptly reduces the instances of staining. It's also a good idea to keep a stain removing stone poultice on hand. These are applied over new stains so they can draw out the stain quickly before it sets. Your installer can recommend the best products for the type of stone you install.

3. Use Trivets

Some heat exposure won't damage stone, as it is fairly heat resistant. Repeated exposure to high heat can eventually lead to discolouration or weakening of the benchtop. This is especially true when the heat occurs on natural stress points, such as where two pieces of stone are joined together in the benchtop. Using a trivet or pad beneath hot pots and pans will easily ensure any heat-related problems are avoided. 

4. Cut Carefully

Much like heat, stone benchtops can also resist some damage from knives, but eventually, repeated exposure can lead to permanent etching in the stone surface. Further, cutting directly on the stone is hard on the knife blades as well. Always use a cutting board on top of the benchtop so scratches and gouges don't become a problem.

5. Reseal Periodically

One of the best things you can do for a stone benchtop is to have it sealed. Your installers can seal the stone at the time of installation, but it will need to be resealed every two or three years. If the stone absorbs water instead of causing it to bead on the surface, then it's time for a fresh sealant application. Sealing helps prevent staining, as well as protects against heat and knife damage.

Contact a stone benchtop service to learn more about prolonging the useful life of your new counter.