4 Ways To Take Care of Granite Countertops
When it comes to kitchen countertops, they are all susceptible to getting stains, nicks, spills, and just plain dirty from the amount of usage the countertop will get over its lifetime. To prevent the countertop from looking aged there are a few basic care tips that you can apply to ensure that the look of the granite countertop is just like when it was first installed. Just like our blog on marble countertops, here are four ways to care for a granite kitchen countertop.
Cleaning Methods For A Granite Kitchen Countertop
Light Daily Cleaning
One of the most important things you can do for any countertop or appliance in your kitchen is to perform light daily cleaning. For granite countertops, you will want to use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to clean the countertop. The difference between this type of countertop over others is that you should use a formulated granite cleaning product rather than just soap and water. Once you are finished dry it with a separate cloth or paper towel, and just like a marble top, don’t use abrasive cleaners as it can destroy the sealant.
Caring For Spills
When it comes to the kitchen, at some point there will be spills that happen either on the kitchen table or on the countertop. As with all spills, the quicker you clean them up after the spill happens the safer your countertop will be. For granite tops, you will want to blot the spill with a soft cloth or paper towel then clean the area with a granite cleaner and dry with a fresh cloth.
Caring For Heat
The big thing to know about granite countertops is that although they are durable, big changes in temperature can harm or crack the granite. A lot of the times with countertops when items are finished in the oven or stovetop we place them on the counter to cool down. If your countertop is granite, you are better off putting the hot pot or pan on a trivet or something between the heated surface and the granite.
Frequent Sealing
Just like with marble tops, granite countertops will need a stone sealer to protect the countertop from dirt buildup and staining. While darker granite usually requires less frequent seal over lighter colored granite, apply sealant is still something you should do. If you are worried about stains, you should opt for a darker colored granite as these types are denser, less porous, and less at risk for staining. Whenever you perform cleaning on your granite countertop you should consider applying a sealant to keep that brand new look.
If you are looking to remodel your kitchen using the latest appliances and amenities, be sure to contact The Bath Showcase for more information on how we can assist you to reach your goal!
