How to Maintain Granite Countertops

Natural stone is a popular countertop material, and granite is one of the most highly sought after natural stones. If you have ever cooked in a kitchen with granite countertops, it’s easy to see why it’s such a favorite. The material is beautiful, durable, and resistant to abrasion, heat, and bacteria.

You might have heard that granite countertops require maintenance, including occasional sealing. Fortunately, these steps are easy and shouldn’t deter you from installing this beautiful natural stone in your kitchen or bathroom. Here’s how to maintain granite countertops.

Seal Granite Countertops

As with other natural stones, granite is a porous material, meaning it absorbs spills. To protect your counters from staining, you may want to seal the granite. A sealant acts the same as car wax, preventing acidic or abrasive liquids from coming in contact with the stone.

Fortunately, sealing a granite countertop is simple. While you should follow the instructions printed on the specific product you purchase, here’s an overview of how to seal granite countertops:

• Wipe the counter with a soft cloth and a mild multi-purpose cleaner to remove crumbs and spills. Let the surface dry completely.
• Spray or pour the granite sealer onto the counter and spread it around evenly with a dry cloth, foam brush, or paper towel.
• Let the sealer penetrate the granite for five to 10 minutes. Then, buff the stone with a clean, soft cloth.
• Depending on the sealer you choose, it may last years or require reapplication every six to 12 months.

Protect & Maintain Granite Countertops

Keep your granite counters looking beautiful on a daily basis with these maintenance tips:

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner, such as dish soap and a soft cloth. Avoid bleach, window cleaner, and vinegar, and never use abrasive scrubbers.
• Wipe the counter often to remove crumbs, oil, and grime, and blot spills immediately.
• While sealed granite is heat resistant and durable against scratching, it’s still wise to place hot pads under pots and pans and use cutting boards to keep the smooth surface looking pristine.
• Avoid sitting or standing on your granite counters because too much weight in one spot could, in rare cases, cause the stone to crack.

Clean & Disinfect Granite Countertops

Even though granite is less likely to harbor bacteria than other counter materials, you may still wish to disinfect it on occasion. Just remember, bleach and other acidic cleansers can damage granite, so avoid using these. Instead, reach for 91% isopropyl alcohol and water. Combine these in equal parts, spray the solution onto the counter, let it sit for three to five minutes, and wipe the counter dry with a soft cloth.

Install Granite Countertops in the Newark Area

With these tips to maintain granite countertops, you have everything you need to ensure your investment stays beautiful for decades to come. To learn more about installing custom granite countertops in your Delaware or Maryland home, please call Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center at 800-282-8656 or contact us online to schedule a free design consultation.