Taking care of your granite countertop is no big deal, despite the many myths and misconceptions that create confusion amongst readers. Once you learn our simple tricks for effective maintenance you will soon come to that conclusion.
This article is a simple guide to the much simpler task of granite countertop maintenance. We will be discussing some do’s and don’ts on the subject, so make sure you stick around for it.
What You Need to Know
First off, It’s safe to say that we must introduce you to granite countertops and how to maintain them.
We mentioned that there are a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding the matter. Some are true, but some are dead wrong. Having the ability to distinguish truth from lie will serve you well if you want to be a granite countertop cleaning pro. So without further ado, let’s start.
Granite is stone, which means that it’s extremely durable and it will outlive you and your home. But granite countertops can be damaged; luckily for you, repairs are a piece of cake and are always possible.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding granite countertops is whether they need sealing or not. Granite and many other stone countertops are extremely durable to heat and scratches, but they do require sealing.
So, we’ve covered the things you need to know, now let’s get into the do’s and don’ts.
Do’s and Don’ts of Granite Countertop Maintenance
Do: Blot Up Spills
Stains from coffee, wine, tomato sauce, juices, sodas, etc, will not etch granite, as opposed to marble, countertops. However, they can leave stains that can be potentially harder to clean if not dealt with immediately. If you leave stains while cooking or preparing lunch, breakfast, dinner, make sure to clean time in time.
Do: Seal Them Up
According to DiligentChef.com, sealing granite countertops is a piece of cake. While it is very durable it is also porous, which means that through longer periods of time, the spills can damage it, but not to the point of no return. This is why you can have the surface polished, cleaned, and protected, through the use of granite countertops seals.
Do: Use Coasters
It’s always recommended that you use coasters for any type of countertop, not just granite. This is because glasses, bottles, and cans of liquids can leave stains that stick to the countertop through time. But more so, coasters are an excellent practice to protect all kitchen and bath countertop surfaces.
Don’t: Use Generic Cleaning Products
Products that can be used for various types of cleanings such as bleach, glass cleaners, and other degreases are very bad for granite because they contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that degrade the material through time. They also go through your sealer which makes your countertop even more vulnerable.
Don’t: Sit or Stand on It
Granite countertops are very durable and can withstand heat, pressure, and scratches. However, granite is far from flexible, which means that it can crack if too much weight is applied to it. This is why most experts will always suggest against sitting or standing on your granite countertop.