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For years, granite countertops have been among the most popular options available, and for good reason. This natural stone is highly versatile, delivering stunning aesthetics and exceptional durability that make it a great solution for kitchen and bathroom countertops alike. For this reason, granite countertops represent a smart investment that will increase the value of your home.
As with any investment, your countertops require proper care and maintenance to ensure they last a long time and maintain their beautiful appearance for years to come. The following tips will help you ensure your granite countertops are properly maintained.
Granite is a highly porous stone and as a result, it will easily absorb stains and liquids. To avoid this issue, it’s important to seal your granite countertop on a regular basis. The sealant will act as a protective barrier that prevents spills and staining liquids from penetrating the stone.
When your granite countertops are installed, our fabricators will seal them for you to ensure you have the proper protection. However, this initial sealing will only last temporarily. To maintain your results long term, you’ll need to reseal your countertops every one to two years. To determine whether your granite countertops are ready to be resealed, pour about a quarter cup of water onto a few areas of the countertop. If it takes less than five minutes for the water to absorb into the stone, your countertops need to be sealed again.
By staying on top of this important maintenance item, you’ll protect your countertops against staining and help them retain their lustrous finish.
It’s important to clean your granite countertops regularly to maintain their beautiful appearance. When cleaning, use a mixture or warm water and dish soap. If you prefer, you can also use a pH-neutral granite cleaner. Gently wipe the surface of your counter with a sponge or soft cloth. To prevent water spots, always dry the countertop with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Never use harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on your granite countertops. These products can dull the stone’s finish and damage your countertops over time.
While granite is a very hard, durable stone material, your countertops aren’t impervious to scratches. Cutting directly on your countertop surface with a sharp knife will potentially result in scratches. To avoid this issue, always use a cutting board.
Similarly, you should always avoid using abrasive materials such as scouring pads or steel wool when cleaning your countertops, as these may cause the surface of your counter to scratch. Instead, refer to the cleaning recommendations above to prevent scratches and maintain your countertops.
Spills are bound to happen on occasion. When they do, it’s important to address them immediately. While the sealant used on your granite countertop is highly effective at preventing stains, it’s still possible for acidic substances such as wine, citrus juices or vinegar to cause stains or discoloration if they aren’t cleaned up quickly.
As soon as a spill occurs, blot it with a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure to avoid any rubbing motion that may disperse the liquid across your countertop. Once you’ve blotted up the spill, clean the affected area with soap and water or a granite-safe cleaner to ensure it is completely removed from your countertop surface. Taking these actions right away will minimize the risk of staining and maintain the beautiful appearance of your granite countertops.
Granite exhibits excellent heat resistant properties. But that doesn’t mean you should be careless when placing hot objects on the surface. It’s still possible to cause heat damage or suffer a burn injury if you don’t take the proper precautions.
Placing hot pans directly on your granite countertop can create an extreme temperature change that may lead to thermal shock. While rare, it’s best to avoid the risk of thermal shock as it may cause cracks to develop. The hot temperatures generated when pots and pans are placed directly on your countertop can also result in discoloration and weaken your sealant, making your countertops more susceptible to staining and damage from spills.
In addition to the potential damage you may cause to your countertop, placing hot pots and pans on the surface can be dangerous to you and your family. The granite will absorb and retain the heat from the pan, and there will be no visible evidence that your countertop is extremely hot once you remove the pan. This creates a significant risk of a burn injury if you inadvertently touch the hot area shortly after removing the pan.
To prevent these issues from occurring, you should always use a trivet, pad or potholder when placing a hot pan on your granite countertop.
If you’re considering a new granite countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, the Stone Collection can help. We carry the largest selection of natural and engineered stone products available, including a wide variety of granite countertop options. Our exclusive Get Inspired™ Experience will make it easy to find the right stone slab for your project.
With our Get Inspired™ Experience, you’ll work with one of our expert surface specialists who will recommend the ideal stone slab to address your specific needs. Your specialist will explain the differences in each option in detail and answer any questions you may have so that you can make a fully informed decision regarding your options.
You can find the right stone slab for your project by visiting one of our gallery-style, climate-controlled showrooms in person. This will enable you to view the options available to you up close, making it easier to envision how they’ll look in your kitchen or bathroom. No appointment is required. Simply drop by and one of our expert surface specialists will discuss your project with you. We have showrooms in Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Fort Worth and Phoenix.
Contact us today or visit one of our showrooms to find the best stone slab for your next project.