Granite countertops are durable and beautiful, but you’ll need to take some extra steps to make sure they last as long as possible and don’t get damaged. But if you have ever searched online for how to care for granite countertops, you know there is a lot of information out there. That is why we came up with our top five tips on how to care for granite countertops so you can make sure your countertops look their best for the years to come.
Why You Need To Care For Your Granite Countertop.
No one wants to spend hours scrubbing their countertops clean, but granite countertop care is important for ensuring that your counters last as long as possible.
Regardless of the maintenance requirements, all-natural stone countertops need consistent attention if you want to keep your granite surface in top shape. So keep reading to learn about our best tips for caring for your granite countertops.
How To Keep Your Granite Countertop Clean
Keeping your granite countertop clean is not a difficult task. With just a few basic supplies, you can easily and safely clean spills and prevent scratching and staining.
The first thing to know is that granite is porous. This means even when it is sealed, stains can settle deep into the material and become nearly impossible to remove without special products.
To prevent staining your granite countertops, you need to clean up any spills immediately so you can avoid any potential damage, like discolouration, to the granite surface. This means that every time you cook make sure to diligently wipe up spills.
We recommend you use a mild soap and a soft cloth. It’s not necessary to use a special soap, regular dish soap will do the trick. Lather up your wet cloth or sponge and gently wipe up any spills.
What Not To Clean Your Granite Countertop With
Now that you know what to clean your granite countertops with, it’s time to talk about what not to use when cleaning your granite countertops.
Don’t clear granite countertops with Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach. Frequent use of these types of cleaners can dull and break down the granite sealant over time.
Also, don’t use abrasive cleaners on your granite countertops. These can scratch the surface of the granite and destroy the sealer. Even if you don’t have any sealer on your countertops, it is still best to use a gentle solution of dish soap when cleaning your countertops.
How To Prevent Staining Or Scratching Your Granite Countertops
Try not to cut anything directly on granite countertops because it can cause particles of food or knife oils to get lodged into the pores in the stone which could lead to staining or deterioration over time.
Avoid placing hot pans or dishes directly onto the granite countertop and always place them on trivets or heat-resistant mats in order to avoid leaving burn marks that are difficult to remove later down the line.
Also, don’t put any acidic liquids on your counters; this includes wine, fruit juices or other drinks that contain citrus fruits. Acidic substances like these can create permanent stains on your granite that cannot be removed without professional intervention.
We always recommend you always use coasters. This helps protect your stone from not only drink spills but potential scratches, which are sure to happen when having guests over or while entertaining in the kitchen. Coasters will definilty help preserve the natural beauty of your countertop.
What To Do About Granite Chips and Cracks
Although some granite types never seem to pit or chip, others may chip or pit easily. When small bits of minerals come loose or are knocked out due to an impact on the granite surface you can get pitting or chips.
Granite chip repair is often done by filling the hole with a color-matched epoxy. This does work but the repair spot is often noticeable.
A better method is to fill the pits or chips is with a clear acrylic which is nearly invisible to the eye.
When it comes to finding a crack in your granite countertop, although this isn’t a disaster, it no easy task to repair and depends on the type of crack you have. Hairline cracks often can be left alone because they won’t cause problems or get worse.
Having said that, separated cracks need definitely need repair. These type of repairs can be very visible if the repair is not done well. That’s why you need an experienced stone repair specialist who can repair and refinish the granite so the repaired crack is essentially invisible.
Follow Your Granite Manufacturer’s Instructions
It’s important to follow your granite manufacturer’s instructions because granite can be prone to staining and scratching. When you take care of your countertop in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll be able to keep your stone looking shiny and new for years to come.
When it comes to sealing your granite countertops, not all countertops need to be sealed. Some stone is so dense that sealing can be optional. Just try this simple test: just place a drop of water on the surface. If it doesn’t darken the stone after several minutes, a sealer is optional. However, if the area under the drop becomes dark the stone is then porous and should be sealed.
Remember that this tough stone still benefits from daily cleaning and that for granite countertop maintenance, a soft cloth and mild soap are the key. If you find yourself asking how to care for your granite countertops, just follow our suggestions and your countertops will look beautiful for years to come.
Visit our website for more tips on how to care for granite countertops. If you have questions about granite or need help with designing using granite, get in touch with us. We are the granite experts in Medicine Hat.