When you move into a new home or install a new kitchen, you need to know how to care for granite countertops in order to get the best from them. Properly cared for, granite countertops can last a lifetimes, and if you’ve splashed out for granite, you’ll definitely want them to!
Luckily, properly installed granite countertops are reasonably easy to care for. They’re durable, but not impervious to damage, which is why proper care need to be observed. Special attention should be paid to the correct way of cleaning them so you don’t make any mistakes early on that will cause them to need replacing down the line.
Ideally, the granite suppler should provide personalized instructions for care with each slab, since all granite is made up of many different minerals. Even if two different stone slabs come from the same part of the world, there will be variances in the granite that require different kinds of attention.
The Importance of Learning How to Care for Granite Countertops
Proper care ensures the longevity for what is considered a premium product. Granite countertops look beautiful in a carefully styled kitchen, and you want to keep that beauty up. A polished finish is recommended for kitchen use, as it will be sealed specifically for purpose and won’t show spots of wear and tear like a stylised unfinished surface would.
If you learn to properly care for your granite countertops, they’re likely to last as long as you want to stay in your home. The polished surface can be a little delicate, so learning to preserve it should be top priority.
How to clean granite countertops
As granite is a high shine surface, very harsh cleaning products should be avoided. Anything abrasive will cause micro scratches, causing the polished surface to break down. This will create dull patches over time.
Warm soapy water (use a dish soap that cuts through grease) is enough to properly clean the granite countertop. Microfibre cloths are great for buffing the surface once cleaned to create a streak-free shine.
How to care for granite countertops day-to-day
Care for a polished finish begins with daily attention to what is placed on the surface. Granite countertops are hard and can withstand a falling can of soup, but the polished surface is a bit more delicate.
Never use the granite as a cutting surface, always use a cutting board. Avoid allowing acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar and soft drinks to be left on the surface for any amount of time, as they can etch the surface.
Although granite is extremely hard, some of the minerals in it may be very soft. The existence of different minerals is what makes the granite easy to scratch, be chipped or break along the grain. In order to protect the surface, it is recommended to avoid dragging pots, pans or appliances across the stone. Scooting something across the countertop that has even a grain of sugar under it will scratch the polished surface. Scratches allow stains to mar an otherwise beautiful surface.
Maintenance for granite countertops
Once a year, a penetrating sealant should be applied. Regular polishing will keep the finish gleaming. Use a penetrating sealant recommended by the supplier or the home builder. Avoid using a stone sealer that will not penetrate the stone, as it will create a cloudy surface that will have to be removed by stripping the entire countertop, using harsh solvents. Remember, the glossy shine isn’t caused by a coating on the surface, but by expert polishing using diamond polishing tools.
How to touch up a granite countertop
If there is minor damage to a granite countertop, it can be resolved by the homeowner. If a pot or pan leaves a grey or black mark on the surface, it can be polished out using fine steel wool. If a glue-like substance is stuck on the countertop, it is possible to scrape it off with a credit card or single sided razor blade. Small marks made during the removal can be polished out with a fine steel wool. If the granite is chipped or cracked, a professional should be called in to perform invisible repairs.
In addition to its strength, granite is a very beautiful stone that adds colour and warmth to any kitchen. With just a little care to protect their beauty and utility, granite countertops will last a lifetime.
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