Table of Contents
1. Using the countertop as a cutting board
One of the easiest ways to cause unsightly scratches on your granite countertop is using the surface of your counter as a cutting board.
Granite countertops are beautiful and durable. However, even an action as simple as cutting on it can scratch its shiny surface. Granite countertops can be marked by all kinds of knives – from butter knives to ceramic knives, and it is not worth the risk to your counter’s finish to use your countertop as a cutting surface.
Repeated cutting on the surface of the granite countertop can result in lots of tiny cut marks that eventually will lead to dull, rough surfaces.
2. Placing heavy equipment on the countertop
Heavy items that need to be moved should not be stored on the countertop. Dragging these items across the surface of the counters can cause deep gouges in the countertop’s surface or, at minimum, cause scuff marks that are hard to buff out.
Items such as cast iron pans, skillets full of food, or non-kitchen items can all cause damage to your countertop.
Using your counters as a crafting surface can also cause scratching. Moving these activities to a tabletop or designated work area is best. Even something small like nailing some nails to a board or using power tools to fix a small project could leave lasting damage to your counters. When in doubt, use another surface!
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3. Solid items
Using the counter as a catchall for hard or sharp objects can cause scratches on the granite countertop surface over time.
While it might not seem that a keyring of keys can cause much damage, continued abrasion by keys being tossed on the counter over weeks, months, and years will cause flat areas on the granite counter. These dull areas are a series of minor hairline scratches on the granite surface but build up over time.
Children’s toys or decorative items with sharp edges can also cause issues for granite countertops. Before storing things on the countertop, be sure that you know the bottom won’t scratch your counters. If you’re worried, you can always purchase small felt or cork stickers to put on the bottom of these items to protect your counters.
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4. Using abrasive products
When cleaning your granite countertop, make sure you are using the right cleaning tool. Metal scrapers, steel wool, and wire brushes will cause extreme damage to your countertop’s glossy finish.
These tools can cut into the surface of your countertop, leaving a marred, dusty-looking surface. This is the result of hundreds of tiny scratches left behind. Your counters can be damaged just by one use of an abrasive product.
Likewise, abrasive cleaning products can etch the surface of your granite counter. Products that contain ammonia, bleach, vinegar, citrus cleaners, or hydrogen peroxide should be avoided. These products have powerful bases or acids that can strip the coating on the granite, exposing the stone surface to damage.
How to prevent granite countertops from scratching
Use a cutting board
Using a cutting board instead of your granite counter is one of the easiest ways to protect your granite countertops from scratching. A cutting board offers a hygienic surface to prepare food on and provides a cushion for your knife to prevent damage to your blade. Repeated contact with hard surfaces can damage a blade’s sharp edge.
Cutting boards come in all shapes and sizes – some that are more decorative, others more practical, but regardless of the cutting board you choose, remember to use it instead of your granite countertop.
Use a trivet mat
Trivet mats are multifunctional kitchen necessities that will protect your granite countertop from damage; it also helps when transporting and handling hot and heavy items. These mats come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. Some trivet mats are simple knitted, crochet, or sewn mats that can be easily stored in a drawer or even used to handle hot pots.
Other trivet mats are more substantial, made out of metal or wood. If you are buying one of the metal or wood mats, make sure that the bottom of the mat has a protective surface to save your counters.
Use a soft cloth instead of steel wool
When cleaning granite countertops, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind. First off, avoid using any abrasive cleaning tools. Avoid steel wool and wire brushes. Heavy-duty cleaning sponges such as the melamine type can also cause micro-scratches on the granite surface. Some scouring pads, especially those not labelled “scratch-free,” should not be used on granite.
Finally, note that some cleaning products can be chemically abrasive as well. Ensure that the product you are using is either specifically formulated for use on granite countertops or that it only includes mild detergents. If you don’t have anything handy to clean up a mess, you can also use warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
