A granite countertop is a luxurious addition to any home. Granite’s natural beauty and durability make it a go to choice for many avid home cooks. The material is also popular for families who know that life gets messy, and granite can handle the mess. As tough as this stone is, it isn’t entirely maintenance free, though. The high end look and feel of granite requires very little effort, but there are some basics that all homeowners should keep in mind. In this article, you will learn about the basics of caring for a granite countertop. We will also introduce you to a few of the best granite countertop cleaning products on the market.
Before you start using your granite countertops, apply a coat of granite countertop sealant. You can find this at many home improvement stores, or through the company that installed your granite countertops. Using a rough cloth, buff and polish the countertop when the sealant dries. Although it may seem like a purely aesthetic move, granite countertop sealants do more than enhance the shine of the stone. They also protect the countertops from staining. Of course, a little extra sparkle never hurt, either.
Granite countertops are durable and largely stain-resistant, but there are some items that can damage them. Also avoid the preparation of acidic foods directly on the countertops. Citrus foods like limes, lemons, grapefruits, and oranges, and other acidic fruits including cranberry and pomegranate, should be cut on cutting boards. Any juice spills should be immediately wiped up. Vinegar and other liquid acids should be stored on shelves, not on your countertops. Acids can harm the stone and cause staining, while also damaging the sealant coat.
One interesting fact about granite is that it is actually somewhat absorbent. It’s a good idea to use a cutting board, both for your health and the durability of your granite countertop. Using knives on granite can transfer bacteria into the stone, which could make you sick later on. It can also damage the stone and the knives. Granite’s ability to absorb makes placing meat, poultry, or fish directly on it an unhealthy move, too. Just as the bacteria from food that you cut on a granite countertop can get into the stone, the same is true of the bacteria from meat, poultry, and fish.
Granite’s capacity to absorb is one of the key reasons that oils should not be applied directly to the surface. Oils, like olive oil and canola oil, can soak into the stone, permanently staining it. This process can take place slowly over time, and you may not even notice the damage at first. Just take our word for it, and keep your oils off the counter.
To prevent scratches and chips, don’t place hot pots or pans directly on the surface. Remove diamond rings when you cook, too. Diamond can chip or scratch granite. Lastly, to keep your granite countertop clean, use warm water and soap, and make sure to completely dry the countertop when you finish cleaning it. Cleaning with a wet sponge or dishcloth is perfectly acceptable, although microfiber tends to do a better job of absorbing excess moisture and ensuring a dry finish.
There are a few excellent cleaning products for granite countertops on the market today. The first rule when choosing a cleaner is to make sure that it is not acidic. No citrus or vinegar based formulas should be used to clean your countertops. As mentioned earlier, microfiber cloths are an excellent choice for daily spill cleanup and polishing. For more intense messes, you need a heavy duty product, however. Be careful when choosing a cleaner. Read the ingredients carefully – some products that are marketed for cleaning granite can actually contain harmful acids that damage the stone or the sealant coat.
The well-known Method cleaning brand offers a daily maintenance spray called The Daily Granite which is well-loved by homeowners. Another favorite is the Weiman brand line of granite countertop cleaners. Some granite countertop owners also make their own formulations, often with an alcohol and dish soap base. When you need a truly strong and trustworthy granite cleaner, check at the shop that handled your installation to see what they recommend, or if they offer a cleaning and care product line for your countertops.
Although there are numerous products on the market, the best way to keep your countertops clean and free of stains is by caring for them daily with soap and water. Another important step toward keeping your countertops in the best shape possible is cleaning up spills when they happen, so that the stone doesn’t absorb the spill and discolor as a result. Make sure to reseal your countertop according to the installer’s recommendations, as well. By following these simple steps, your family and you are guaranteed to enjoy the beauty of your granite countertop for decades to come.