Once you’ve selected the perfect granite countertops for your kitchen and home, it’s important that you take care of it. If they’re properly cared for, they should last years, so it’s definitely worth knowing what to do and what not to do. When you purchased your granite countertops, you were probably told that because granite is natural, there are going to be variations in color and texture. Indeed, that’s often considered part of the charm because that means that no two kitchen countertops will look precisely the same. However, granite is also porous, and that means keeping certain considerations in mind.
How to Keep Granite Clean
Because granite is a porous material, it’s best to avoid anything acidic, especially cleaning agents. Acid can eat away at the sealer over time, making it more vulnerable to stains and aging the granite prematurely. Acids and alkali are both capable of doing this, so you’ll need to be careful about which cleaning agents you use. When cleaning a granite surface, you can use some dish soap, water, and a towel or other cloth. It’s always best to clean the area immediately after a spill, but it’s better to dab rather than rub so that you can avoid moving the spill around. Rinse and dry the area after cleaning.Properly sealed granite should repel and avoid most stains.
You can always dry wipe the area, which helps to collect any dust or debris, which could potentially cause damage over time. A dry, untreated cloth is best. Grit can sometimes collect in cracks and crevices. Eventually, this can cause cracking or other damage. It’s also best to avoid putting too much weight on the granite surface, since there’s no plywood backing. Granite is hard and tough, but it’s not especially pliable.
You should always use coasters, since over time water and moisture can penetrate even properly sealed stone. You should remember to use cutting boards. Knives can scratch and damage the surface, and the granite can also damage your knives. Always use pads under hot pots and pans to preserve the surface. Yes, granite is very tough and durable, but over time scratches and dings can occur. It’s always best to get into good habits and avoid any issues in the first place, rather than needing to repair the granite later.
Cleaning Tough Spills
If you do need to remove heavy stains and grime, you’ll require a heavy-duty cleaner, which should indicate somewhere on the label that it’s a degreaser and specifically formulated for stone. You shouldn’t use anything that doesn’t specifically say that it’s safe for stone countertop surfaces. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer, and make sure that you thoroughly rinse and wipe down the area before you start serving or cooking food. This sort of deep cleaning shouldn’t be needed very often.
If you use proper cleaning and care, your granite will last many years. In Atlanta, granite is great not only because it doesn’t mold or mildew easily, but also because it has a natural beauty, durability, texture, and character. It’s a fantastic option for your kitchen countertops, but that doesn’t mean that it can be neglected. With attention to care, cleaning, and a periodic application of elbow grease, it can maintain its luster, color, and beauty. Granite shouldn’t require much in the way of repair, and it can handle kids, pets, and passionate but messy cooks with ease. As long as you remember what to do and what not to do, you shouldn’t have any worries.
