How to Care for Your Granite
As a natural stone with a porous nature, granite is not impervious to liquids or indestructible to wear and heat. Regular care should be enforced to increase it's lifespan and maintain natural beauty. If you're a longtime granite owner, recently had an install for your space, or just looking to compare it's care duties with another surface, read on for the best practices to keep it in top shape.
- Coasters: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Granite countertops should not be exposed to harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the surface or diminish its shine.
- Spills: Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area as it will spread the spill. Flush the area with water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.
- Use Trivets & Mats: Granite is a highly heat-resistant like most stone surfaces and can handle hot pots and pans placed directly on top. However, to maintain its pristine look, we recommend placing trivets or mats beneath any hot surface intended to rest on your countertops
- Cutting Boards: Use cutting boards and trivets to protect the countertop from scratches.
How to Clean Your Granite Surfaces
Granite has simple cleaning solutions, but is not entirely stain resistant and will still leave unwanted marks from a lack of adhering to regular maintenance. Your choice of color will also factor into how often and how much care you can expect to provide, with white granite being the most susceptible to liquid and oil markings, and black granite remaining impervious to the factors a lighter shade has trouble combating.
Quick Fact: Sealing the stone holds back penetration of liquids. Over time the sealer breaks down and needs to be reapplied. If you notice liquids penetrating the stone in under 20 minutes, it will indicate it’s time to reseal. This could take years before resealing is necessary if you have applied the following tips:
- Always attempt a trial on an isolated area before using on the project to check for desired results and follow instructions recommended by the product manufacturer.
- Clean your granite surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dish washing detergent and warm water.
- Opt for a pH neutral cleaning solution to avoid damage to the stone itself or its sealer.
- Dilute concentrated cleaners and apply with a spray bottle then clean with a soft cloth.
- Do not use any cleaners on granite that contain bleach, acid, or ammonia as they may etch and damage natural stone.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools that could scratch or dull the surfaces sealant over time.
- If your countertops have been finished with a sealant, it won’t last forever. Normal wear and tear removes the finish. How often you need to reseal can also depend on the type and color of the stone. Again, look for water penetration that happens in less than 20 minutes. All stones may eventually absorb water that is not wiped up promptly since sealers are breathable and not a non-penetrable layer.
