Granite is ideally used in luxurious homes for kitchen countertops. Most people who install granite countertops believe the advantages outweigh the significant investment. Granite countertops are unsurpassed in beauty, but that isn’t the only factor contributing to their popularity. They are also very durable and can blend with different kitchen designs.
With proper stone care, granite countertops can last a lifetime. So, how do you maintain granite countertops? Please read below for more information.
Pros And Cons Of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops offer numerous advantages to your investment. Consequently, they also have numerous shortfalls. Below are some of the pros and cons of granite countertops.
Pros
- Granite countertops retain their value over time
- It is a unique, organic surface that almost appears to be glowing
- It increases the value of your home
- It is easy to clean
- It is ideal for hot pans since it is formed by heat and pressure
Cons
- Granite might not be a good choice if you want everything to look the same because each piece is unique
- Granite that already has a stain on it risks becoming permanently stained after sealing
Granite Countertop Basic Cleaning
Cleaning granite countertops involves dusting them with a soft cloth. Often, even when it’s dry, all you need for basic cleaning is a microfiber cleaning cloth. Try cleaning your granite countertop with just water as often as necessary to get rid of spills and other dirt. It would help if you clean your granite countertops weekly using a damp cloth and granite cleaner with a neutral pH.
Never use harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or abrasive cleaners on your countertops, even when you feel the stain or mess needs it. These cleaners can permanently cause damage the stone’s surface. Instead, consider using home remedies for cleaning such as baking soda and regular dish soap to remove oil-based stains from granite. Use a spray bottle to spray the poultice over the stains.
Granite Countertop Maintenance
Besides cleaning, sealing granite countertops is an excellent idea to incorporate into the maintenance routine. Use the paper towel test to determine whether your granite countertop is sealed correctly. Some granite varieties don’t require sealing, and doing so will result in a mess. Incorporate water into white cotton or unprinted paper towel and place it on the granite and wait about five minutes. If the colour of your granite changes, you need to consider sealing it to prevent water-based stains.
Use the solvent to test whether an oil stain will penetrate the granite. Spray the counter with a few drops of paint thinner and wait five minutes. It won’t darken the stone if you remove it, nor will something oily like cooking oil. Use a sealer with a solvent if it does become dark to prevent the occurrence of oil-based stains.
In conclusion, if the granite darkens after being exposed to water or paint thinner, consider sealing it. Your granite counter doesn’t require sealing if these two liquids are placed without causing a colour change.
Do’s & Don’ts of Cleaning Granite Countertops
Avoiding things that damage your granite countertops is the simplest way to keep them in good condition. You will generally avoid issues without having to overthink or be concerned about causing harm. Below are the things you should do and avoid when cleaning the countertops.
- Do: immediately clean up spills: Wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce, and sodas are acidic substances that won’t etch granite the way they do marble, but they might leave a stain. Cooking oils can leave a stain if you don’t thoroughly clean them up. Clean such spills as soon as they appear on the granite surface to avoid further complications.
- Do: use coasters: Again, granite won’t get etched, and you don’t need coasters on dense or well-sealed granite like you do with marble, but it’s a good idea to protect all bathroom and kitchen countertops in this way.
- Don’t: use generic cleaning supplies: Bleach, glass cleaners, and other standard household cleaning supplies contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that etch marble and erode granite sealers, increasing the likelihood that the stone will become stained. Avoid these chemicals to maintain your granite countertops in the long run.
Granite Repair Issues & Solutions
Granite countertops face numerous issues that eventually damage or deteriorate them. Here are some of these issues and their solutions.
- Granite Stains: Granite is easily stained due to its pores. When removing these stains, first, identify what caused the stain to match the chemical ingredient that will remove it. Then, make a poultice to remove stains from the granite.
- Granite Chip Repair: Granite countertops are susceptible to mineral fragments breaking off or being knocked out, resulting in chips and pits. Most frequently, a colour-matched epoxy can be used to fill a hole in the granite. It does work, but may still be visible. The only way to avoid this is to use clear acrylic when filling any holes or chips.
Final Thoughts
Preventing damage to granite countertops is the best way to maintain them. The task is simple, especially when you know what to do and what not to do when cleaning granite. Consider the tips outlined above when cleaning your granite countertops.
Hire The Best Stone Restoration Company: The Stone Restorer
Many property owners concur that while granite countertops may require a little more maintenance than surfaces made of manufactured or artificial materials, it is still well worth the investment. With proper care, your granite countertop can increase the value of your house and provide you with years of enjoyment.
You can get all the cleaning assistance you need from The Stone Restorer. Our team is fully licensed and insured to give you peace of mind in cleaning and maintaining different types of natural stones. Contact us for a free cleaning estimate for your granite countertops.
Give us a call today at 0414 469 301 or ask us for a fast free quote on your tile cleaning or restoration project.
