We’re often asked by worried homeowners how difficult is will be to keep granite worktops clean and looking as good as the day they are installed.
One of the main considerations in cleaning granite is knowing exactly the type of granite you have in your home. Granite worktops come in the natural or composite type so you must know the appropriate material to use for cleaning. If you’re not sure of what material is used, you can ask your installer or do some online research.
Maintenance of your countertop begins in cleaning them immediately after use. Always wipe the surface immediately after food preparation, especially removing any stains. The sooner you remove potential sources of staining the better to avoid stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. Be particularly vigilant on wine stains, liquor, olive oil and even water marks caused by cold glasses.
Regular cleaning is also essential to keep your worktops clean and shiny. This will keep other stains like hardened dirt from preventing its surface from being shiny. This type of cleaning doesn’t need to be a daunting task. You just need to wipe them regularly with a soft, soapy cloth.
Finally, you must check your countertop for stains that you cannot remove. This stain may have set on the main granite material. This means that the stain has already penetrated the sealant so they may be impossible to clean. To clean granite countertops, you have to look for solutions that will remove these stains. After stripping the stain, you can get a sealant to protect the countertop. The sealant may already have a damage that allowed the stain to set deep on the main granite material.
Caring for your granite worktop
Avoid placing hot pans and dishes directly onto your granite worktop. While it is almost impossible to burn or melt granite counter tops, you can damage the sealant. Place hot pots and pans on a trivet or hotplate instead.
Use a soft rag and mild cleanser or stone soap on a daily basis to clean and wipe down the counters. This will just help keep surface dirt and dust away and keep the counters looking great. If heavy dirt or stains are present, clean them up right away. If the stain does make it into the granite, a special cleaner might be necessary to remove it.
Buff it up. Every so often these counters will need to be buffed out to remove any streaking that occurs. A regular old terry cloth towel works great for this purpose.
Polish. Stone polish designed for granite counter tops can also help keep things looking great and prevent any potential staining problems.
Avoid dropping heavy items on them. Although granite is incredibly strong, it can be chipped and even broken, especially if a hit takes place on a fissure line. Try to use at least a little care when placing heavy objects on these counters and when lifting items over them.
Don’t stand on them especially on the overhangs. These can break and chip if weight is too much.
Do not cut directly on to your worktop as fine scratches can appear in the sealant.
Granite counter tops are considered by many to be the best of the best. Offering great durability, natural beauty that is simply hard to beat and a usability level that meets or exceeds many other options.
Granite counter tops are tough, very tough. Yet, they are not indestructible. With this in mind, there are a few basic tips in regard to safe use for these counters.
Seal it. These counters are normally sealed at the time of installation, but a reapplication should take place every few years. This will help protect the appearance of counters over the long haul. If a homeowner isn’t comfortable with doing this, pros can be hired or contact us to get advice.
Granite counter tops are considered among the best for their natural beauty and lasting durability. Taking care of them correctly can extend the lifespan of their appearance for years into the future.