Granite countertops are an amazing and everlasting addition to your kitchen. That is, as long as you take care of them properly. There are certain things you need to do each day in order to ensure the quality and appearance of your granite countertops. Here, you will learn some tips and tricks for maintaining the natural beauty of granite countertops, including day-to-day maintenance and stain removal.
Daily Maintenance is Key
Each day your countertops are exposed to harmful materials, such as food, beverages, and maybe even cleaning products. If you have granite countertops, you need to be more careful in what lands on them and do need to perform daily maintenance. It is important that you clean your granite countertops with warm water and dish washing liquid on a soft dishcloth. Once you do so, you need to rinse the surface multiple times with the soft dishcloth, using clean water each time.
In Case of a Spill…
First and foremost, spills are going to happen. It is a good idea that when you have your granite countertops installed that you have them sealed properly to repel stains, as long as they are cleaned immediately. If you do spill something on your countertops, you need to blot it with a clean paper towel or a soft dishcloth immediately, ensuring not to wipe the area, as this could cause the spill to spread. Once you have gotten most of the spill blotted, clean with dish soap and warm water, rinsing thoroughly. Make sure to dry the area with a dry soft dishcloth.
Stain Removal
If you have tried cleaning a spill following the steps above, yet the stain is resilient, there are a few things you can do. You would want to use a poultice, which is a non-acid, fine, yet absorptive clay powder than can remove set-in stains. However, it is only effective on oil-based stains, grease stains and hazing cement grout. Unfortunately, however, there is a drawback to using poultice – it can dull the shine of polished granite, so you want to use it minimally.
Heavy Cleaning
It is important that you perform heavy duty cleaning on your granite countertops periodically. You should use a degreaser that is specifically designed for granite. This will ensure that grease, grime and dirt that can buildup on countertops will be removed. You should make sure, however, that you follow the directions very carefully to prevent any damage to your granite countertops while cleaning.
Sealers
As was mentioned earlier, it is important to have your granite countertops sealed when they are installed. In addition, it is recommended that you re-seal them every six months, or so, with no more than two years in between each re-seal. Following the directions of the manufacturer is a key element in sealing your countertops. Most products advise cleaning your granite countertops prior to applying the sealer. You will then need to let the sealer penetrate the surface for a few minutes prior to blotting, buffing and cleaning. In addition, you will need to let the granite dry for a minimum of 12 hours prior to using again.
General Rules for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are much different from any other type of countertop material. There are some things you can do that will not harm your countertop, such as place a hot pan directly on the surface, and there are some things you should avoid, such as placing ceramic dishes on them, as this can cause scratches. With that said, although it is safe to place a hot pan on directly on the granite, it is not recommended that you do this often, as extreme and constant temperature changes can be damaging to the granite. You should not allow hot pans to set for a long period of time. This is particularly true during the winter months when your countertops are colder. In addition, you should not stand on your granite countertops, as the uneven weight distribution could cause the granite to crack, damaging your entire countertop.
When it comes to granite countertops, they are fairly simple to care for. You just need to make sure you are performing routine daily maintenance – cleaning with a soft dishcloth and non-abrasive dish liquid. It is also important to remember to seal your granite countertops and to clean spills promptly to avoid any permanent staining. Performing period heavy-duty cleaning is also recommended, and you should never stand on your countertops or expose them to heat for long periods of time, although you can place hot pans on them occasionally without damage. Following all of these rules and tips for cleaning and caring for your granite countertops will ensure that they will last a lifetime. You will be provided with beautiful kitchen countertops for as long as your granite is in your home.
Image Credit: Bellagio Pools
