5 Ways To Care For Your Granite Countertops

Home & Garden Blog

Many homeowners prefer granite countertops because they are so durable. This does not mean that you can go wild and use your granite countertop however you want because they still require some proper care to keep them in great condition. Here are five tips for how to maintain your granite countertops.

Clean Spills Immediately

Even though granite is a hard material, it is still semi-porous. The surface will remain free of stains if you clean spills immediately, but some liquids left on the surface for a long time can cause staining to occur if you are not careful.

Pay extra attention to acidic substances like sodas, wines, and fruit juices. These liquids penetrate a granite surface quickly, and you run the risk of staining the granite if you leave them on the countertop surface for a long time.

You can keep your granite countertop shiny by blotting up the spill using a soft cloth or sponge.

Use Hot Pads

The heat resistant properties of granite make it a favorite among homeowners because you can set your hot pans directly on the surface without damaging it. This doesn't mean that you should be doing it all the time, however.

There may be rough surfaces on the bottom of your pans that can cause small scratches. Use hot pads whenever possible to prevent scratching from happening. It will also keep the surface cool and prevent you from being accidentally burned.

Use Cutting Boards

Granite may resist scratching, but you shouldn't use the bare countertops as a cutting board. It will create light scratches across the surface, and dull your knives in the process.

Avoid Generic Cleaning Products

You may be tempted to use generic cleaning products like bleach, a glass cleaner, or a degreaser. These products use alkalis and acids that will gradually degrade the sealer on your granite. This will cause the granite to be more prone to staining and other damage.

A specialized granite cleaning solution will work great to keep the sealant intact and prevent scratches from occurring. Resealing the granite every 3-6 months will help keep the protective layer working properly.

Don't Sit On The Surface

Laminate countertops are backed with plywood that give the material some added support and flexibility. Granite is hard, but has no flexibility to it. Putting too much weight on a single spot can cause the surface to crack if you are not careful.

By knowing how to properly care for granite countertops, you will be doing all you can to keep them in great condition. For more information, contact a professional like those at GranBrazil Inc.

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30 June 2015