Granite countertops are among the best and most resilient natural stones on the market today. Not only are they cheaper than other popular materials of the same kind – we’re looking at you, marble – but the lighter process of maintenance also comes as a great advantage in the years following the installation. If you want to learn how to properly care for granite countertops and preserve their beauty, first we must go over some basic home tips.
How to care for granite countertops: Overview
Although highly resistant to temperature changes, granite surfaces are prone to eventual corrosion and casual stains from spills of all natures. Especially when talking about bathrooms and kitchens, the slightest attention to wipe out any daily liquid or food residue will definitely pay off. This will prevent you from spending future time and budget on drastic measures to save your countertop.
It’s important to know which cleaning products you can safely use, as well as every other common misconception you must avoid. To keep things as simple as possible, we’ll walk you through separate steps: the ones to be followed on a daily basis, and the ones to be considered every two months or so.
Everyday cleaning
First and foremost, getting your hands on a microfiber cloth – wet or dry – to dust off particles is the initial step to ensure effectiveness. This will remove any leftover crumbs that might damage the shininess of your countertop and even lure unwanted insects to your house. A clean environment is essential to maintain order and beauty!
In regards to chemicals, it’s always a good idea to establish a weekly routine of wiping down your countertop – including the edges – with a selected granite cleaner of your choice. These are usually formulated with a neutral pH for obvious reasons, so make sure to avoid harsh and abrasive products for this job. They will scratch the surface permanently and make the whole process pointless.
Stain removal tips
However, even under the right care and circumstances, you’ll find that occasional stains are unavoidable. Oily substances such as milk and grease will most likely be the cause, which is something to be dealt with. For that, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to the spot, and it’s recommended you cover it in a plastic wrap to let the paste sit for several hours. If you’re anxious because it’s a busy area in your home, doing this overnight could guarantee you some extra sleep.
Read more about alternative stain removers you can safely use here.
Eventual polishing
Although a common solution, “polishing” your granite countertop is not long-lasting. It is, in a nutshell, a powder or similar dressing whose only purpose is a temporary enhancement of the natural stone, eliminating apparent dullness and fingerprints.
It does, in fact, provide the stone with a little bit of protection, making it shiny and overall cleaner, but keep in mind that it does resemble waxing a car or floor. When it fades out, you will have to take the same measures again, so it’s up to you to decide what best fits your needs.
Sealing and resealing
Sealing is the reputable long-term solution to any kind of stone countertop. With granite specifically, water-based stains will most likely be common overtime due to the constant liquid excess on top of it. This is key to understanding why a sealer should be applied to your countertop if you’d like to make the most out of it.
You see, natural stones need to be sealed to create a non-porous finish and prevent those darker-colored spots from ever appearing on their flat surface. By not absorbing splashes, your coated granite countertop will have a healthy longevity and even boost your home’s resale value in the future.
Of course, sealing can be a tricky and delicate process for new homeowners, and even when done it’s recommendable that you inspect your stone at least once a year to look for cracks or shifts at the seams. Since delaying these repairs might cost you more money, professional help is always useful from time to time.
Get professional help from our team
Now that you know how to care for granite countertops, it’s time to check your possibilities. In case you’re in need of information or further assistance, contact Eagle Stones today to speak to one of our experts for free!
