How To Clean Granite Countertops

While a granite countertop is relatively low-maintenance because of its natural aversion to scratches, stains, and other wear, it is still important to protect your investment by cleaning it semi-regularly. Granite countertops require regular resealing to prevent damage from moisture, although new sealants have drastically decreased the frequency with which this needs to be done. And while it's rare, occasionally scratches will happen. Fortunately, damage of this sort is often easily reparable. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining a granite countertop.

Granite is resistant to many chemicals and abrasive cleaners; however it is generally a good idea to stay away from these. Stone cleaner or water will do just fine and shouldn't have any adverse effects on the surface. Spray a light layer over the countertop and clean with a sponge. Use a hand towel or paper towel to dry the surface. Using a microfiber cloth to keep dust off the surface will help to keep a finish looking shiny new and make sure no dirt gets caught in the sealant.

Taking small preventative measures as you would with other, less resistant materials will also lessen the possibility of damage. While granite is incredibly heat resistant, grit that gets caught between a hot pan and the surface could scratch it. Using coasters for drinks will decrease the amount of abuse the sealant and stone take over time. Oils and acidic liquids like wine, juice, tomato sauce, and coffee should wipe right off with no damage, but can seep through the surface if left to sit over time. Part of the advantage of having a granite countertop is that it cleans so easily - make sure clean liquid and food spills when they happen to prevent unwanted seeping through and ensure that the sealant stays protective. Use cutting boards; while granite is unlikely to scratch, knives can damage the sealant. Also, cutting on granite will inevitably dull your knives very quickly.

To determine whether you granite countertop needs resealing; you can perform a test with a paper towel. Soak the towel, place it on the counter, and let it sit for about five minutes. If the area underneath the paper towel is dark it means that water is soaking into the granite and most likely needs to be resealed. Buy the appropriate sealer and uniformly apply it to the countertop using a clean white rag or bush. Let the sealant absorb into the stone for twenty to thirty minutes. When it is almost dry, apply another thin layer and rub it onto the granite with a dry rag. Apply to the whole countertop and let it dry. You will most likely want to add another layer in a few hours, depending on the drying time written on the label of your sealer. It may be wise to have your kitchen remodeler come back and reseal your countertop to ensure it gets done correctly.

Perhaps the greatest danger to granite is the fact that, unlike laminate countertops, granite is not flexible. Because of this, they are susceptible to cracking if place under large, uneven stress. Do not sit or stand on your countertop. While it sounds unlikely, it is possible for the stone to crack under unusual weight. For the same reason, use the utmost care to support your granite countertop when installing. Following these guidelines should assure you a countertop that will outlast your house.

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