Granite is a luxurious stone, albeit an expensive one. It’s a great investment for your kitchen as it can increase the resale value of your home. As a natural stone, granite is a hard material. It is resistant to heat, dents and scratches, which is why it is the preferred material for kitchen countertops. Granite is able to maintain its pristine appearance for many years. However, for it to remain in good condition, granite requires regular care and maintenance.
The following tips will help you care, preserve the robust and chic character of granite:
#1 Daily Cleaning
For clean up on a daily basis, use a soft, damp cloth and dip it in some diluted dishwashing soap. Wipe it down with another soft cloth and your countertops will be clean. Over time, soap will leave a haze on the granite’s surface. This will be more evident if it is a dark stone. A granite cleaner that is pH neutral is your best option. Do not put any acidic or basic on your countertops.
#2 Spot Cleaning
Clean up spills as soon as they occur. Avoid rubbing the stain off as this can spread the stain. Blot it off instead. Depending on the type of stain, if left unattended it may penetrate into the stone. Stains caused by coffee or red wine spills are most likely to leave a stain.
#3 Regular Sealing
As hard as granite is, it is also porous. This means liquids can easily penetrate its surface. To prevent this, apply a sealer. To apply the sealer, you must first wipe down the granite countertop and then apply the sealant. This treatment must be repeated at least once per year.
How does the sealant work? It forms a barrier between the granite stone and anything that spills on it. This means liquids never actually come into contact with the granite because of the sealant.
There are different types of sealants. Typical sealants are easy to apply and remove. They require reapplication. Enhancer sealants are applied to improve the look of your granite stone. To determine which type of sealant to apply, you must speak to your natural stone provider.
Regular sealing is absolutely necessary to protect the finish on your granite countertops.
By taking regular maintenance steps, you will preserve the look and longevity of your granite countertops.
