The kitchen is the heart center of a home. It’s no wonder the kitchen is given the most attention when building a home. Currently, granite countertops are the trend – if you do not have one, then there is a high chance that your next-door neighbor probably does.
The popularity of granite comes from its stylish and sophisticated look as well as its ease of maintenance. But you are probably wondering what granite’s heat tolerance is. Can you put hot things on granite? For example, can you get a hot plate of cake directly from the oven and place it on your granite countertop surface? Let’s find out.
Do Hot things Damage Granite Countertops?
In normal circumstances, you can not damage your granite surface by placing a hot pan on it. Granite has a rank of 6 on the Mohs scale -which means that it has a high enough heat resistance.
In fact, granite is an igneous rock formed over a million years through a process of extreme heating and cooling to form a complex and dense natural material. As such, granite can withstand temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees or more and will not melt even when a direct flame is applied.
However, it is not a good idea to continuously place hot things on your kitchen counter. Although a hot pan can not scorch the surface, it can leave scars and other types of damage on your precious counters.
Long-term exposure to heat combined with other factors causes granite to react, which can harm your granite surfaces’ clean finish. A few minutes at a time will probably not leave any visible damage, but if you continue placing hot items of the same spot, you will notice some changes after some time.
How to Protect Your Granite Countertop From Heat Damage
To ensure that your granite countertops’ beauty is timeless, you must avoid actively placing hot items on the surface. This way, your granite will last for generations while still maintaining its eye-catching beauty and splendor. Here are tips to help you along the way;
- Allow pots and pans time to cool down before placing them on the counter surface.
- Use heat-resistant countertop protectors (trivets, hot pads, potholders, and cutting boards) to protect your surface before placing hot things on it.
- Often re-Seal your Granite Countertop. Re-sealing your countertops at least once a year helps keep numerous household hazards away.
How to Repair Heat Damaged Granite Countertops
There are a few ways you can salvage a blemish from your granite countertop.
- Apply baby oil. Baby oil helps soak out the stain and leave the surface looking better than before. Apply baby oil on the part of your countertop that has damage and leave it on for 24 hours and then rinse it of using water and detergent.
- Apply banking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste. Generously apply this paste to the damaged area, cover it neatly with a cling film and leave it on for 24-48 hours. Once dry, scrape it off using a rubber scraper and rinse off the area with water and mild detergent.
- Apply peroxide poultice. Follow the same procedure as with baking soda paste. However, since peroxide is a harsh chemical, ensure that you wear the necessary protective gear while carrying out the process.
Conclusion
Although granite is tougher than natural and engineered stone countertops Potomac, it can react to heat and leave stains when heat is applied continuously. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is better to avoid placing hot items on your granite countertops.