Five Tips on Maintaining Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo countertops look beautiful in your kitchen and are also very durable. You can keep them looking as beautiful as the day they were installed if you maintain them correctly. This article will give you a few tips for maintaining terrazzo countertops.

Cleaner

Like virtually any countertop, you will need to clean it frequently to keep it looking beautiful. The same holds true for terrazzo. However, it's important that you don't use your standard household cleaner on terrazzo countertops. They typically contain either acids or alkalies which can cause damage. Make sure you use a pH-neutral cleaner instead.

Stains

Now that you know that acid can cause damage to terrazzo countertops, it's important that you clean up certain types of spills immediately. Tomatoes, citric fruits, and other types of foods can cause stains. Acidic foods aren't the only culprits though, since natural food dyes can also lead to problems.

Sealing

It is very important to have your terrazzo countertop sealed. You will need to re-seal it frequently also. This goes a long way towards preventing stains. You should try to re-seal your countertop at least every month or two.

Scratching

You should only use soft materials when cleaning terrazzo countertops. If not, you may scuff or scratch it. It's best to use a soft cloth or sponge. If you do happen to scratch the countertop, then you can try buffing it out with a chamois.

Heat

Terrazzo countertops are pretty heat-resistant. However, it's still best to use something beneath hot cooking pans to protect from the heat. You should also use coasters if you put a drinking glass on them.

These are a few tips for maintaining terrazzo countertops. Make sure you only use soft materials while cleaning to prevent scratches. It's also important not to use a standard household cleaner since it may contain alkalies or acids.