Taking care of your granite countertops is critical if you want to maintain the beauty, durability and longevity of this surface. Granite’s natural beauty makes it a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops, but its porous nature also makes it prone to staining and damage from acidic liquids. Here are 5 tips for taking better care of your granite countertops that will keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
1) Seal Your Granite Countertop Surface
Sealing your granite countertop surface is an important step in protecting it from liquids and other contaminants. Most sealants contain an acrylic resin that forms a barrier around the stone. While most granite counters come pre-sealed, they need to be resealed every year or two in order to maintain protection. When sealing your granite countertop, make sure you choose a product specifically designed for use on natural stone surfaces; using the wrong sealer can cause permanent damage to the stone.
2) Clean With Mild Detergent
The best way to clean your granite countertop is with a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners like steel wool or scouring pads, which can scratch the surface of the stone. After cleaning, be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel as moisture left on the surface could cause staining.
3) Blot Up Spills Immediately
As mentioned before, granite is highly absorbent so you need to blot up any spills immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel in order to avoid staining or discoloration of the stone’s surface. Even sealed surfaces are still vulnerable so do not allow liquids like oil, wine or juice linger on the surface as they can break down sealant over time and seep into the stone causing long-term damage if not addressed immediately.
4) Use Cutting Boards
To protect your granite countertops from scratches or chips caused by knives when cutting food items such as bread or vegetables, always use cutting boards made out of wood, plastic, glass or silicone instead of directly cutting on the surface of your countertop while preparing meals in your kitchen.
5) Regularly Check For Damage
Inspecting your granite regularly for chips, cracks or any other signs of damage will help you identify issues before they become more serious (and expensive). If you notice any kind of damage like etching (a discoloration created by acidic liquids), chipping/cracking or even just dull spots where sealant has worn off due contact with harsh chemicals then it’s important that you seek professional help right away as failure to do so may result in more costly repairs later down the line due to further deterioration that could have been prevented by addressing any existing issues sooner rather than later.
By following these 5 tips for taking better care of your granite countertops you should be able enjoy their natural beauty while keeping them looking their best without having too much difficulty! Using quality cleaners specifically designed for use on natural stones like those offered here at Granite Counter Care will ensure that all spills are properly addressed right away while also providing long lasting protection against future stains and discoloration! With regular maintenance and proper care there’s no reason why these magnificent surfaces won’t continue adding value and beauty to whatever room they’re situated in!
About the author:
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.