The proper care is essential to keep your granite counters looking new for years to come.
The good news is that maintaining granite counters is easy as long as you keep a few simple steps in mind. Here are 5 cleaning and maintenance tips to follow for your granite counters.
1. Use a Solvent-Based Sealer
This product, also called an impregnator, provides an extra layer of protection for your granite counters for up to three years. Simply wipe it on, allow to dry for a day or two, and then repeat with a second coat. While this method doesn’t protect your counters from every kind of damage, it does allow you extra time to clean up acidic spills that could otherwise mar the countertops. In addition, it keeps the stone from absorbing even the most innocuous spilled items, like water, that could cause a stain.
2. Avoid Acid
Acidic substances like orange juice, wine, and vinegar can damage your counters, so avoid spilling these items directly on the granite. If an accident does happen, wipe with a wet sponge right away to prevent staining. Never use acid-based cleaners like window spray on your granite counters.
3. Keep it Simple
For your daily cleaning routine, just spray your counters with a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish detergent, then wipe with a soft cloth. Specially formulated products designed to clean natural stone are also a good choice. While this method will kill most germs, you can more deeply disinfect the counters every week or two with a 50/50 mixture of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray it on the surface and let sit for up to five minutes, then clean with water and a microfiber cloth.
4. Beat the Heat
Never place a hot pot or serving dish directly on your granite counter for more than a moment or two. Prolonged heat exposure can damage the stone. Using a hot pad or trivet provides a heat barrier that will protect the granite.
5. Provide Protection
Use a barrier when placing anything on your granite that could cause a scratch. These means using a cutting board when chopping veggies and coasters when placing glasses or cans on the surface.
By taking some precautions and treating your granite with care, your counters will be beautiful for many years.