Granite is increasingly becoming a favorite countertop material by many homeowners or homebuilders. With its natural beauty and classic appeal, it easily draws attention when someone enters the room or the kitchen. It upgrades the entire look of the space.
Granite is made from very hard substance, which makes it resistant to scratches and stains. It has a heat-resistant property too and hence can take heat without being damaged. This sturdiness and durability of the granite countertop give people an impression that it requires less maintenance than other non-granite countertop materials.
The truth is, a granite countertop only requires minimal care and it usually involves removing tough stains and sealing and wiping down the surface.
Sealing a granite countertop so that it will not absorb water can be done by a professional installer. You will have to take care of the daily cleaning and maintenance of the surface.
Cleaning and maintaining the surface daily:
- Use a soft cloth and a safe granite cleanser like Bring-It-On Ultimate Hard Surface Cleaner & Polish. Avoid acidic cleansers and abrasive sponges that can scratch down a sealant. Ultimate Hard Surface Cleaner is alcohol- and ammonia-free and is environmentally-safe to use even on eyeglasses, jewelries, TV, and computer screens.
- Regularly wipe the surface. Always keep the countertop free of dirt and grease to help preserve the granite. Using warm water and a few drops of mild antibacterial detergent, wipe the surface with a soft cloth. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Dry any spilled liquids with a dishcloth. Use a dry dishcloth to dry your granite immediately after any liquid spills such as juice or milk. This will prevent any moisture from spreading and seeping into the pores of the stone.
- Do not put hotpots or pans directly on granite. While granite is heat-resistant, extreme or constant temperature can cause damage to the stone. If you must, use an effective pot and pan pad to insulate the granite from the heat.
- Use baking soda and water on oil marks. For oil-based stains on your granite such as milk or chocolate drink, make a paste out of baking soda and water, then apply it on the oil marks. Cover and leave it on for several hours to overnight before wiping off the paste with a soft cloth.
- Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on water-based marks. For water-based marks on your granite such as juice, tea, or wine, make a paste out of baking soda and just enough hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to any water-based stains, cover it, and leave it on overnight.
These 6 easy ways will take care of your granite countertops so that they will continue to shine and serve your household for a long time.