Granite countertops are not only a beautiful addition to your home but have a lot of benefits. Granite is very dense and durable, making it great for a heavily used kitchen, but an equally useful perk is simple maintenance. High-quality natural stone countertops are resistant to bacteria and other germs and relatively easy to maintain, but the secret to keeping them looking great is proper and regular cleaning.
As foremost countertop experts with over 16 years of experience, GranitePro can help you keep your countertops looking as good as new. Reach out to GranitePro by calling 410.875.7579 to learn more about granite countertop cleaning and maintenance.
What You Need To Know About Granite
Granite is a natural material, so its porousness can vary. To protect your new granite countertops, we use a sealant. This protects fluids from seeping into your countertops and causing damage over time, as well as protecting from heat and staining.
However, you will need to consider how much your cleaning products wear your sealant because of this. Sealants can wear down over time and may eventually need to be replaced. If it becomes difficult to wipe up spills or water drops begin seeping into the granite, it may be time to reseal.
Because of this, you’ll want to watch out for products that damage not only the granite itself but also the sealant.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
Even if your granite is properly sealed, it can still be blemished by wine, oil, or juice. Follow our tips to make sure you make the most of your new counters.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbing tools. Warm water, a mild dishwashing soap, and a soft microfiber cloth should do the trick without scratching the granite or weakening the sealant.
- Be sure to clean spills as soon as possible. Make sure you blot up spills rather than wiping them to avoid spreading the dye over the counter.
- When cleaning the countertops, be sure to wring your cloth in clean water to avoid spreading dirt, grime, and food. Then wipe down the counter with fresh water to remove any soapy residue.
- After you’re finished, dry the counter with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. This helps you avoid water stains on the stone.
Dealing With a Countertop Stain
Prevention is generally the best way to deal with stains, but sometimes your granite might need a deeper clean. Look for pH-neutral products specifically made for natural stone. Do not use generic stain removers or bleach.
Sometimes, deep-set stains can require professional cleaning. Doing it yourself may make it worse. Your counter will likely need to be resealed after a professional cleaning as well. They’re also good for removing any soap build-up left from cleaning with a dish detergent.
What to Avoid
As with any other stone countertop, you want to avoid cleaning with vinegar or any acidic products. Commercial cleaners that use citrus oils or extracts should also be avoided. These products are also acidic, and they can wear away at the sealant, which leaves your counters vulnerable to damage. Acidic cleaning solutions can also damage the stone itself, even if your counters have been sealed, causing etching on your counters.
It is also a good idea to be careful about what you put on your counters. Avoid cracking stone countertops by using trivets under your hot items, and watch out for spills of acidic drinks like juice, coffee, or soda. If you do spill, be sure to clean it up immediately.
Learn More About Caring For Maryland Countertops
Given proper care, your granite countertops can last you many years. GranitePro can bring this beautiful new touch into your home with our professional installation, templating, and fabrication services.
Call GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to choose from our wide selection of granite products and begin transforming your home.