Granite Countertop Maintenance

Granite countertops are an investment to increase the value of your home. They have a beauty that cannot be duplicated. No two houses have exactly the same granite. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They go well with any décor. They are extremely durable, strong, and age beautifully. They will outlast you and your home. Think of the Egyptian pyramids. Same material.

That said, they still require careful maintenance to make sure they always look their best. This included stain removal, stone sealing, and daily cleaning. Make sure to use a mild cleanser like Murphy’s oil soap and a synthetic scrubbing pad. If anything spills on your granite, immediately clean it up with mild soap and water, rinse, and then dry with a soft cloth. If you need to remove a stain from granite; Mix 1 cup of flour, water, and 1-2 tablespoons of a mild dish soap. Put the mixture on the stain, then wrap it in plastic wrap and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrape up the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse.

Granite countertops should be resealed every 6 months to 2 years to retain their color and clarity. There are two different types of sealant that you can use. One is called a penetrating sealer. After putting this on your pimple, let it absorb for 3-4 minutes. When almost dry, add a little more sealer and rub with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure to only do one section of the granite at a time. Wait two hours and then apply a second coat. Look for a penetrating sealer that says it is an oil repellent impregnator. This will prevent the oil from seeping into the stone.

The other type of sealer you can use is called a topical sealer. It comes either removable or permanent. Both will form a film on the surface of the granite. It is preferable that it can be removed. Most of the time, permanent is not recommended for granite. Once you have finished sealing your granite, you can do the sealing test. Pour a little bit of water over the granite and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then clean it up. If you leave the counter darkened, the granite is not sufficiently sealed. If water gets on the stone, it will start to harbor bacteria.

So, we have talked about what to use on granite countertops, now let’s talk about what not to use. Avoid acidic products. Anything with lemon, vinegar, orange, alcohol, or ammonia. Use coasters under cups that are filled with an acidic liquid. Using harsh chemicals, such as bathroom cleaner, tub or tile cleaner, or grout cleaner, on granite will dull or even etch the finish. Use trivets or hot pads under pots and pans or risk the granite cracking from the heat. Never cut directly on granite. Always use a cutting board.

Do not use bleach, glass cleaners, or degreasers on granite. It will degrade the sealer and the granite is more likely to stain. Do not sit or stand on the countertops. Although they are strong, you can still break them. If you have granite in a bathroom, do not store hair products, perfumes, lotions, etc. directly onto the granite to avoid spilling and causing damage. If you take care of your granite countertops, they will stay beautiful for years to come.