Installing marble kitchen or bathroom countertops in your Hays home will add a high-end look that will never go out of style, and natural marble will last a lifetime. However, unlike engineered stone, Marble Countertops in Hays, KS are porous and prone to staining and chipping if you’re not careful. Below are some tips for selecting and caring for marble countertops that will help you minimize maintenance and protect your new investment.
Consider Engineered Marble
Although beautiful, natural marble is highly susceptible to staining, chipping and water damage. If you have a busy household with pets and children, consider a cultured or engineered marble instead. These man-made marbles are stronger and more stain-resistant than natural marbles, and are much easier to clean and maintain. Cultured marble most faithfully replicates the look of natural marble, while engineered marble is more cost-efficient. The drawback? Cultured marble only has a life expectancy of around 20 years, according the the National Association of Home-builders. Quality engineered marble will last longer.
Opt for Impregnation
Traditionally, marble counters are protected by a sealer that will need reapplied periodically. However, many marble experts are now recommending an alternative protective procedure called impregnation. Although it’s a relatively new treatment, impregnation has proven to be highly effective at preventing stains and damage to delicate marble. How does it work? Instead of a simple surface treatment, impregnation products are actually absorbed into the stone, giving marble the ability to naturally repel unwanted stains.
Avoid Acidic Foods
To keep your Marble Countertops in Hays, KS looking their best, you should make sure they don’t come into prolonged contact with certain foods–especially highly acidic ones. Acidic foods like citrus fruit, tomatoes and rhubarb can be highly damaging to marble, so never handle them directly on your counters. To protect your marble, use a cutting board instead.
Clean Stains Promptly
Since marble is porous and prone to permanent staining, you should always clean spills immediately to avoid lasting damage. According to the Marble Institute of America, organic stains from food and beverages should be blotted carefully with a 12% hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with few drops of ammonia. Set-in water stains should be buffed out with a 0000 dry steel wool pad.
If you follow the tips above, you can enjoy your marble countertops without the fear of ruining them.
