Stone surfaces, whether in the kitchen, dining room, or throughout your home, provide beauty and durability—but they also require some care, especially during the busyness of cooking and entertaining. With a little planning and some protective measures, you can preserve the condition of your stone countertops, backsplashes, and floors while still creating a welcoming, functional space for meals and gatherings.
Here are some evergreen tips for preparing your kitchen and entertaining areas with your stone surfaces in mind, ensuring they stay beautiful throughout the year.
1. Use Chopping Boards and Cutting Mats
While stone surfaces like marble and granite are known for their strength, they aren’t immune to damage. Sharp knives can leave scratches, and heavy chopping can cause abrasions or dents. To avoid this, always use a cutting board or chopping mat when preparing ingredients. This not only protects your stone but also gives you a stable, safe surface for food prep.
Pro Tip: Keep a few different-sized cutting boards on hand—one for vegetables, one for meats, and one for pastries—to help streamline food prep and protect your stone.
2. Utilize Trivets and Hot Pads
During meal preparation, hot pots, pans, and baking sheets are common. Placing these directly on your stone countertops can result in heat damage like discoloration or cracks, especially with heat-sensitive stones like marble. Always use trivets, hot pads, or oven mitts to protect your surfaces when moving hot cookware around.
Pro Tip: Keep trivets or hot pads near your stovetop or oven to easily grab them when removing hot items from the heat.
3. Prevent Oil and Staining Spills
Oil, grease, and food stains can be particularly damaging to porous stones like marble and limestone. Oils can seep into the stone, causing dark stains that can be difficult to remove. Be mindful of where you place greasy pans or utensils, and always keep a towel or absorbent cloth nearby to clean up any spills right away. Consider using slip-resistant mats under cookware to prevent direct contact with your stone.
Pro Tip: Sealing your stone surfaces before cooking can help protect them from stains and make cleanup easier.
4. Beware of Wine and Acidic Liquids
Wine, coffee, vinegar, and citrus juices are staples in many kitchens, but they can cause damage to stone surfaces. Wine can stain porous stones like marble, and acidic liquids can etch the stone, leaving dull spots. Always clean up spills immediately, and consider using coasters or mats for drinks to prevent direct contact with the stone.
Pro Tip: In the event of a wine spill, blot the area (don’t rub) with a clean cloth, and rinse with water to reduce staining. For persistent stains, consult a stone care professional.
6. Sealing and Restoration Services
While these tips can help prevent damage, sometimes your stone surfaces will need extra care. Regular sealing helps create a protective barrier, making stone more resistant to staining and damage. If your stone surfaces have already suffered from spills, stains, or etching, professional restoration services can restore their beauty.
Pro Tip: Consider sealing your stone surfaces before hosting major events, or book a restoration service to refresh your surfaces after a mishap.
By incorporating these tips, you can protect your stone surfaces and keep your kitchen and entertaining spaces beautiful, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply enjoying everyday meals, with a little extra care, your stone surfaces will remain a stunning and durable feature in your home. And if you need help with sealing or restoring your stone, professional services can ensure your surfaces stay in top condition for years to come.
Take these steps, and you’ll enjoy both beautiful and functional stone surfaces—perfect for cooking, entertaining, and daily living.
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Have stone surface damage from oil, cooking or wine spills? Call us today (248) 220.1672, we can help restore your surfaces.
We are based in Troy, MI and service the Detroit / S.E. Michigan area, but often work outside of our area on more substantial projects.
