Granite countertops are a new fashionable choice today as more and more counters are topped with granite. Granite is not only stylish to look at, it is also easy to maintain. Maintained properly; granite countertops can keep its original shape and appearance over time. Granite countertops come in a number of colors and designs, so you can choose from a wide variety to compliment your kitchen.
Even though granite kitchen countertops are popular choices, the use of granite in the kitchen has produced a fair amount of controversy in the recent past, due to the risk of radon contamination from granite. Since radon is hazardous, many people believe that manufacturers of competing materials like tile, marble, etc. have floated reports of alleged radon contamination with the use of granite countertops.
While the concerns about radon poisoning in granite countertops are ever-present, they don’t seem to affect the popularity of granite countertops. More and more households are opting for granite countertops and in fact, in a recently concluded survey it was found that every individual knows at least 10 or more households that have granite countertops in their homes. So, if you too are planning to install granite countertops, read on to familiarize yourself with your newly installed granite countertop.
A big advantage using granite countertops is that granite being an extremely solid material can support a substantial amount of weight and has an incredibly long life span. This makes it possible for you to store things under it, without fears of the countertop giving way. Another major advantage of granite countertops is that they look beautiful naturally. Though most of the granite countertops are polished, even if left unpolished, they look elegant. In fact some people like having the granite without polish as the polish can make it look a bit too formal at times. Granite countertops are also available in a number of colors and designs so you can choose which style suits your kitchen best. While selecting a granite countertop, you must ensure that the granite countertop matches the décor of your kitchen. In other words, the color of the granite countertop must match the color of the walls, the cabinets, doors and windows for synchronicity and overall charm. Even, a beautiful granite countertop, if mismatched with the rest of the kitchen, can look rather strange and spoil the beauty of your kitchen.
A slight drawback of granite countertops is that granite, being a porous stone, stains easily. If you leave a dish that is dripping or a coffee mug that is placed without a coaster on granite countertops, there is a chance the granite countertop will become stained. However, there are some quick home remedies that you can use to remove the stains from granite countertops.
* First and foremost, clean the stain as soon as you see it. Leaving the stain untreated for a long period of time makes it more difficult to remove later from the granite countertop.
* Always use a soft cloth to clean granite countertops. A cloth with a rough surface can leave scratch marks on the granite countertops.
* If the stain is really hard to remove, try making a paste with flour, dishwashing liquid and water and apply it to the stain. Cover the area with a cloth or a plastic strip and leave it overnight. Peel off the cover next morning and rinse. You will be surprised to see how well this works!
* Never use the regular disinfectants and cleaning solutions on or near a granite countertop. There are specific kinds of disinfectants and cleaners available that are especially made for granite countertops and you should only use those recommended.
Granite countertops are beautiful but need special care. So if you have installed or are planning to install granite countertops, remember to follow the above instructions at all times. Granite countertops are in fashion now and for good reason too. They are stylish, durable and will completely change the look of your kitchen counters and the overall kitchen too. So if you are remodeling your kitchen or are building a new one, you can certainly consider installing granite countertops. Be careful and stay informed about the various hazards of granite countertops and you should not have any troubles in the long run.
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