How To Care For Granite Countertops | Easy Ways & Tips

How To Care For Granite Countertops?

Do you know how to care for granite countertops? How about the dos and don’ts you need to remember?

Granite countertops are popular with many homeowners due to their beauty, durability, and versatility. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure their longevity and stunning appearance.

This guide will provide valuable tips and techniques for caring for your granite countertops. Whether you’re a new granite countertop owner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this article will equip you with the necessary information to keep your countertops looking their best.

Understanding Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are made from natural stone, formed through magma’s slow cooling and solidification over millions of years. This process gives granite unique qualities, such as strength, heat resistance, and natural beauty.

It is essential to understand the characteristics of granite to properly care for and maintain your countertops.

How To Care For Granite Countertops in Easy Steps

Upgrade your home with the most beloved countertop surface for luxury homes – granite. Though a significant investment, homeowners agree that the benefits outweigh the cost.

Not only does granite offer unmatched beauty, but it also boasts exceptional durability, ensuring your countertops will last a lifetime with proper maintenance.

If properly cared for, granite countertops can last a lifetime. Therefore, it’s crucial to have excellent care skills!

Cleaning and Granite Countertop Maintenance

Keeping your granite clean daily is key to preserving its appearance and longevity. Follow these simple steps for routine cleaning:

Wipe up spills promptly.

Accidents happen, but cleaning up spills as soon as possible is important to prevent stains or damage. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot the spill, avoiding any harsh scrubbing gently.

Use mild soap and warm water.

A mixture of mild dish soap and warm water is sufficient for regular cleaning. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wipe down the countertops, removing any dirt or residue.

Avoid abrasive cleaners

Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners can damage the protective sealant on your granite countertops. Stick to mild, non-acidic cleaners to ensure the longevity of your countertops.

How Do You Do The Everyday Cleaning? 

Maintaining the appearance of your natural stone countertops is crucial. Even granite requires minimal maintenance and regular attention to stay in top shape. Follow these easy steps to keep your granite countertops looking their best.

Use a Cleaner Suitable for Granite 

Although soap and warm water can do the trick, plenty of specialized cleaners are on the market. Make sure you stick to pH-neutral solutions to prevent damaging the sealant on your counters.

Say no to acidic cleaners like vinegar and ammonia. Using acidic cleaners might remove any sealant from the countertop, leaving the surface vulnerable to damage. 

Keep Up on Cleaning 

Maintaining your granite countertops doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can keep them spotless with just a bit of regular cleaning using dish soap and water.

NOTE: Using proper granite cleaner is also recommended.

But be sure to use a soft cloth for wiping – abrasive sponges can damage the surface. Invest a few minutes in upkeep and enjoy the beauty of your countertops for years to come.

Maintaining and cleaning granite countertops require more attention and care. Apply a granite polish and buff the area with a burlap or felt pad to restore the appearance of the surface if it appears to be etched.

Do’s & Don’ts of Cleaning A Granite Countertop

Maintaining the appearance of your stone countertops has always been challenging. You’ll ensure they remain in great condition by removing bad habits that can cause damage.

Although granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, quartz countertops, and other solid surfaces can differ in maintenance needs, apply the same care and cleaning procedures to all types to eliminate most potential issues without any fuss or worry.

The Do’s

• Blot up Spills Immediately

• Using a Sponge or Soft Cloth, Clean Surfaces

• Use coasters for all bottles, cans, and glasses

• Use Trivets and Hot Pads Under Pots & Pans

The Don’ts

• Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes

• Don’t use acidic or citrus-based cleaners

• Don’t use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners

• Don’t use rough or abrasive materials

• Don’t sit or stand on the countertops

• Don’t neglect regular maintenance

How To Seal Granite Countertops

Granite countertops must be sealed to protect them from liquid spills and stains, like almost all other natural stone surfaces. Natural granite is a popular choice for countertops, but you’ll need to seal them to keep them looking their best.

Sealing creates a smooth, nonporous surface that repels spills and stains. Although it may seem like a hassle, sealing granite is a quick and easy process that you usually only need to do once a year.

The type of granite you select will determine how frequently you must re-seal the countertop. Granite that is a lighter shade will require re-sealing more frequently than granite that is a darker shade.

While your countertops should be sealed during installation, re-sealing them at least once a year is important. If you have white granite countertops, you may need to seal them more often, as they are more prone to showing stains. Properly sealed granite will make it last longer.

How Do You Know if Your Granite Needs to Be Re-Sealed? 

The process is easy. 

• To determine if your countertops need re-sealing, splash some water on the surface.

• Wait for 10 minutes. If the water beads up, great! If not, it’s time for a re-seal.

• Make sure your granite surface counter is clean and dry.

You should re-seal your countertop if the water slips through the surface as soon as possible.

Find Your Sealer 

Looking for the ideal sealer is the first step in the sealing procedure. You will have a large selection of sealers to pick from because there are so many of them on the market.

Clean and Clear the Countertop 

You want to ensure everything is removed before beginning the sealing process. You also need to clean granite countertops and surfaces. Use an appropriate granite cleaner only.

Here is a deep guide for a simple way how to clean granite countertops.

Ventilate the Area 

Make sure your workspace is properly ventilated at all times. Open windows, turn on fans, and/or open doors to do this.

Apply the Sealer 

By following the directions on the product’s label, apply the sealer to your countertop. You will either need to pour the sealer onto the countertop or spray it on if the product comes in a spray bottle, depending on the kind you select.

Apply the sealer on the countertop and let it dry for five to ten minutes. Add a second layer if the sealer absorbs within five minutes.

After 10 minutes, remove any extra sealant by wiping. After that, leave your countertop alone for 24 hours to allow the sealer to work.

How To Deal With Stains In A Granite Countertop

Despite your best efforts, stains may occasionally occur on your granite countertops. Here are some tips for effectively removing common stains: Removing stains will be based on the type of stain.

Oil-based stains

Some of the most frequent stains on countertops are oil-based ones. Milk and grease are two examples. If your countertops are stained with oil or grease, create a paste using baking soda and water.

Ensure to poke small holes into the plastic wrap. Apply the paste to the stain, and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to sit overnight. Wipe away the paste and rinse with water in the morning.

Water-based stains

Water rings, or spots, can be unsightly. To remove them:

1. Create a paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

2. Apply the paste to the stain, cover it, and let it sit for a few hours.

3. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

Preventing Damage To Take Note About

Preventing damage is crucial to maintaining the beauty and integrity of your granite countertops.

Use cutting boards and trivets.

While granite is highly durable, it is not scratch-proof. Always use cutting boards and trivets to avoid direct contact between sharp objects and your countertops.

Avoid acidic substances

Acidic substances, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can etch the surface of granite. Be cautious using these ingredients and promptly clean up spills to prevent damage.

Re-seal regularly

They are typically sealed upon installation, but this sealant can wear off over time. To ensure optimal protection, re-seal your countertops every one to two years or as the manufacturer recommends.

Takeaways

Most homeowners would agree that while granite countertops may need a little more maintenance than other surface materials, such as man-made, produced materials, it is still well worth the effort.

Your countertop may increase the value of your house and bring you a lifetime of pleasure with the right maintenance. With the right care, your granite countertops will continue to enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and functionality. Keep these things in mind for your granite countertop maintenance and care.

We hope we answer your “how to care for granite countertops” question with our easy steps and tips.

FAQs

Can I use bleach to clean granite countertops? 

No, bleach is too harsh and can damage the protective sealant of your granite countertops. Stick to mild dish soap and warm water for regular cleaning.

How often should I re-seal my granite countertops?

Re-sealing frequency depends on the type of granite and the level of use. As a general guideline, re-sealing your countertops every one to two years is recommended. However, some sealants may offer longer protection, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Are granite countertops heat-resistant?

Yes, granite countertops are known for their heat resistance. However, it’s still advisable to use trivets or hot pads under hot pots, pans, or other heated cookware to protect the surface from potential thermal shock.

Can I cut directly on my granite countertops?

While granite is a durable material, it is not scratch-proof. Always use cutting boards to avoid scratching the surface. Additionally, using a cutting board provides a more hygienic food preparation area.