Buying your dream countertop takes both time to choose and a significant investment. The last thing that you want to see is stains from the foods you eat. You need to be cautious as stains can build up over time. You should also know that there is a list of items that could leave a stain on marble countertops.
Some of the most common offenders are tomato sauces, wine, coffee, and tea, citrus fruits and juices, as well as other food items with strong colors. These products can leave behind an orange-brown hue or marks. An acid in these foods can also penetrate into the countertop surface if left for too long. Oils from cooking and butter can also create a slick residue that will attract dirt over time.
To protect your countertop, it’s best to clean up spills immediately with a damp cloth. Blot the surface rather than wipe it to avoid pushing the stain into the material. If you need additional cleaning power, use a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner. Always test the solution on a small, out-of-the-way spot first before using it on your countertop.
You may also want to think about placing mats or towels under items that could cause stains, such as pots and pans. While most sealants can protect against some staining, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
While cleaning stains is not complicated, it can get repetitive, so you should be careful with certain foods.
Here are some examples of foods that can stain your countertops:
- Tea: The tannin in tea has astringent properties that can cause etching.
- Coffee: Tannin is also an issue with coffee, especially if ground coffee is allowed to sit overnight in a decanter.
- Citrus fruits. lemons, oranges, and grapefruits all have citric acid which can lead to a dull appearance on your granite surfaces
- Wine: Red wine typically has a pH level of between 3 and 4. It is similar to acid rain which is a known problem for natural stone.
- Tomato sauce: This is full of carotene and tannin, so you need to ensure it is not left on your counter surfaces for extended periods.
- Chinese takeout The ingredients used in Chinese takeouts such as soy sauce, cashew oil, curry paste, and ginger all need to be cleaned up quickly or you will risk staining your countertops.
- Mango: Certain types of mangoes when very ripe can have a pH level similar to citrus fruits and cause staining.
You should be aware of the potential stains that can happen if you leave these types of food on your granite countertops for an extended period.
By being vigilant in cleaning up spills and taking preventative measures, you can keep your countertop looking like new for years to come. Knowing what foods can stain your countertop will make it easier to take the necessary steps to protect your investment. With a little forethought and care, you can keep your countertop looking beautiful for years to come.
If you need new stone or granite countertops in the Dayton, NJ area, stop into Empire Granite today!