Granite is durable but it’s not completely invulnerable to damage. Try these tips to keep your countertops in immaculate condition.
Clean Spills Quickly
One of the main benefits of granite is its stain resistance. However, all types of natural stone can be discolored with prolonged exposure to oil or liquid. The resin seal on your counter is protective but it’s not always enough to prevent cooking oil and fruit juice from soaking through—especially if they’re left to sit.
Keep your granite counters clean by wiping up any spills as soon as they happen. Be especially careful with anything acidic or corrosive like tomato juice or vinegar. Oils are infamous for staining stone; watch out for both cooking oils and essential oils.
Use a Safe Cleaning Agent
Using the wrong cleaner on your natural stone counter can create tiny scratches or etching on the surface. Always clean with something mild and non-abrasive.
The best way to tidy up stone counters is with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. You don’t need a stronger disinfectant, dish soap breaks down bacteria and viruses. Always use a sponge or a microfiber cloth to avoid etching.
Never use lemon juice, vinegar, or bleach, on a stone countertop. Acidic or corrosive solutions will wear through the resin and damage the granite underneath. If you use a spray cleaner, check your local home improvement store for one designed specifically for natural stone.
Avoid Direct Heat
Granite is incredibly heat resistant. However, sudden changes in temperature can shock and even crack it. The sealer may also be far less heat resistant than the counter itself. Your granite will last longer and keep its natural beauty if you generally avoid exposure to direct heat.
Set down a trivet or hot pad down before you take a pan off the stove or out of the oven. Be aware of temperatures while you cook;
Polish When Needed
No matter how careful you are, accidents happen and your granite can become etched, chipped, or scratched. Luckily, your countertops are not ruined! Most damage can be polished away until your natural stone is smooth and shining again.
Consumer-grade granite polish can counteract minor etching If you have larger scratches, contact the company that installed your counters; the area can be sanded until it looks as good as new.
Apply Sealer Every Year
The best way to protect your granite countertop is to refresh the sealer on a regular basis. This ensures that you always have a thick layer of protection on your beautiful stone. Resealing also lets you check for damage and apply polish as needed.
How often you need to seal is specific to you. The sealer you use and how the surface is used determines when you need to reapply. Kitchen counters are high traffic and need annual resealing, while bathrooms may only need refreshing once every few years. Check with your stone fabricator for sealer options. There are many new products on the market that keep the maintenance for granite countertops simple and care free.
Homeowners love granite counters because they require minimal maintenance to stay beautiful. As long as you use the right cleaner and you reseal the counter on a regular basis, your natural stone will last well into the future.
