Maintaining Your Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are beautiful and a significant investment in both time and care. If you are considering stone countertops, be aware of the care they require and consider if it fits your lifestyle and needs.
Here are some tips to help keep your countertop looking great for years to come. The care of other stone countertops, such as marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and quartz, is similar. Following the steps for granite countertops will also benefit these materials.
**To maintain your beautiful surfaces, follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions carefully.
In General:
Do’s:
- For cleaning-
Use a concentrated natural stone cleaner, such as JAWS Granite Cleaner & Polish, to keep your granite surfaces shiny and clean.
Clean with a soft cloth or sponge-
It is generally recommended to seal your granite countertop as it is porous. Keep in mind that lighter colors are more permeable than darker ones.
Watch for loss of the natural shine. If your countertop appears dull, it’s possible that it has a buildup of residue. Invest time in a thorough cleaning with recommended products before attempting to polish it.
- For cooking and serving-
Use a trivet when putting hot pots down on the counter.
Use coasters for all bottles, glasses, and cans.
Place kitchen towels on the surrounding granite to protect them from splattered oil when frying food on your stove. Oil can significantly damage granite.
Wipe down the countertops after use. Dust and grit act like sandpaper, wearing down the finish.
Don’t’s:
- For Cleaning-
Don’t use abrasive scrub pad of any type.
Don’t allow stains to stand for any length of time. The more time a stain is left unattended, the harder it will be to remove.
Don’t use strong chemicals or abrasives, as they can etch or dull the granite surface.
Don’t use acidic cleaners like lemon, ammonia, or vinegar, as they can also etch the surface.
Don’t use chemicals that are not specifically formulated for granite or natural stone surfaces, as this can bring about unpredictable changes to the mineral’s surface. It is important to use a product that is specifically formulated for granite to clean your countertops.
Stain Removal:
The only way to remove stains from granite is to literally pull the stain out of the stone with a material and cleaner that will absorb the stain. Many homemade poultices are available online. There are different recipes for different stains.
Blot the substance/stain with a paper towel or clean rag. Do not wipe, as this will spread the stain over a larger surface.
Use cold water and a neutral cleaner.
Note: We recommend professional attention for deep stains, cracks, and chips.
- For cooking and serving-
Don’t Place hot pans, pots, kettles, and other hot items directly on the granite.
Don’t Pound on the surface. This will cause cracking and chipping.
Don’t forget to protect the surface as you work.
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Homeowner Handbook | #CountertopCare
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- https://www.countertopspecialty.com
