The upcoming season is usually full of family gatherings and plenty of cooking. This means your home, and specifically your kitchen, will see a lot more traffic than usual. You may not realize it, but your countertops can take a big hit over the holidays —and we want to help you protect them! Keep reading to learn how to prepare your stone countertops for holiday gatherings, how to clean them, and how to prevent stains!
Clean Your Counters
The best way to keep your counters in mint condition is to clean them regularly. Ahead of the holidays, consider deep cleaning your kitchen and countertops. Use a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner to clean your counters. Avoid anything harsh or abrasive, like bleach or vinegar, that may affect the function of sealants. For most countertops, it is essential to dry them after cleaning to avoid water marks and streaks. During your holiday feasts, we recommend keeping a towel nearby to quickly wipe up any spills to prevent stains from setting in. After the holiday passes, consider refreshing your counter with a deep clean to remove any residual food or stains.
Avoid Heat
The kitchen is usually the busiest room in the house during the holidays, and it can be challenging to keep track of every pot and pan you use. We encourage you to utilize trivets, hot pads, or heat-resistant mats to protect your counters. No matter what your countertop is made of, too much heat can cause discoloration, resin damage, or, in some cases, even significant cracks. This holiday season, create a clear “hot zone” in your kitchen, lined with heat-resistant protection, to ensure a designated place for these hot items. Protecting your counters from hot plates and kitchenware will help extend their lifespan and reduce the likelihood of damage. With the proper precautions, you can keep your counters spotless for years to come!
Preventing Scratches and Stains
As you or your family prepare meals this holiday season, remember the number one rule: do not cut anything on your countertop without a cutting board. Even though some countertops are durable and can withstand chopping and dicing, it’s always safer to proceed with caution. And – cutting directly on some countertops can even dull your knives! Prepare your kitchen by having all of your cutting boards out and easily accessible. Keep stains from becoming permanent by resealing your countertops before the holiday. The key to keeping your counters clean and sparkling is to protect them from damage, stains, and scratches!
We want your holiday season to go as smoothly as possible—and for your countertops to last as long as possible! The professionals at C & C Stoneworks can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about your countertops. Whether you are unsure about sealing or resealing, or you’ve got damage to your countertops and it’s time to upgrade or replace them, our team can offer expert advice to help you make the best decision! Contact our team today at 252-902-5535 or visit our showroom at 6144 NC Hwy 43 South in Greenville, North Carolina. We can’t wait to see you!


