Caring for Granite Countertops

Keep the beauty of the granite countertop. Photo Credit: Innovative Tile

A granite lover’s guide to quick maintenance

While granite countertops may be perfect for that classic kitchen appeal, they also mean a little added headache when it comes to cleaning.  But don’t worry, we’ve done our research and can help ease the burden of those stains and coaster rings.  Follow this list of do’s and don’ts, and you’ll soon be on your way to fully enjoying those classy countertops.

First and foremost:

A sealer should always be applied to any natural stone.  While this won’t make any countertop 100-percent stain-proof, it will give you more time to clean up messes before the stone actually stains.  How often a sealant should be applied depends on how porous the stone is, the quality of the sealer, and how well it is applied in the first place.

After the sealant is applied, here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts to make cleaning a breeze and prevent those dreaded scratches.

Do:

• Clean up stains, especially those from acidic substances, right away.  This will ensure that the granite doesn’t stain.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean in order to prevent scratching.
• Utilize hot pads under pots and coasters under glasses. 
• Absolutely always use cutting boards.

Do NOT:

• Use generic cleaning products.  Not only will they break down the sealant, but they’ll increase the chances that your countertop will stain.
• Along the same lines, don’t use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange cleaners.
• Don’t sit on your countertop.  Granite doesn’t have much “give” to it, so the added pressure can lead to cracks.
• Don’t place toiletries on granite countertops.  The ingredients make these bottles prone to leaving rings.

Most importantly:

When in doubt, research!  Let the experts tell you what’s best to use on your granite countertops, and of course, spending a little more goes a long way for maintenance.  Make the best of this investment – it’ll be worth it.

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