Granite countertops are an investment to increase the value of your home. They have a beauty that cannot be duplicated. No two houses have exactly the same granite. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They go well with any decor. They are extremely durable, sturdy and age beautifully. They will outlive you and your house. Think of the pyramids in Egypt. Same stuff.
That said, they still require careful maintenance to make sure they always look their best. This included stain removal, stone sealing and daily cleaning. Be sure to use a mild cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap and a synthetic scouring pad. If something is spilled on the granite, clean it up immediately with mild soap and water, rinse, and then dry with a soft cloth. If you need to remove a stain from granite; Mix 1 cup of flour, water, and 1-2 tablespoons of mild dishwashing soap. Put the mixture on the stain, then place plastic wrap over it and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrape up the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse.
Granite countertops should be resealed every 6 months to 2 years to retain their color and clarity. There are two different types of sealant that you can use. One is called a penetrating sealer. After you put this on your pimple, let it absorb for 3-4 minutes. When almost dry, add a little more sealer and rub with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure you only do one section of the granite at a time. Wait two hours and then apply a second coat. Look for a penetrating sealer that says it’s an oil-repellent primer. This will prevent the oil from seeing the stone.
The other type of sealer you can use is called a topical sealer. It comes in removable or permanent. Both will form a film on the surface of the granite. It is preferable that it be removable. In most cases, perming is not recommended for granite. Once you have finished sealing your granite, you can do the sealing test. Pour some water on the granite and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then clean it. If you leave your countertop darkened, the granite isn’t sealed enough. If water gets into the stone, it will begin to harbor bacteria.
So, we’ve talked about what to use on granite countertops, now let’s talk about what not to use. Avoid acid products. Anything with lemon, vinegar, orange, alcohol or ammonia. Use coasters under cups that are filled with an acidic liquid. Using harsh chemicals, such as bathroom cleaners, tub or tile cleaners, or grout cleaners, on granite will dull or even etch the finish. Use trivets or heating pads under pots and pans or risk your granite cracking from the heat. Never cut directly on granite. Always use a cutting board.
Do not use bleach, glass cleaner or degreaser on granite. It will degrade the sealer and then your granite is more likely to stain. Do not sit or stand on countertops. Although they are strong, you can still break them. If you have granite in a bathroom, don’t store hair products, perfumes, lotions, etc. directly on the granite to prevent them from spilling and causing damage. If you take care of your granite countertops, they will stay beautiful for many years.