Levi KeswickGranite countertops are great investment for any home, as they’re stylish ways to increase a home’s value. These countertops are sturdy, beautiful, and functional. However, they can be more difficult to clean and maintain than the average all-purpose countertops. To ensure your granite lasts for years to come, follow these tips to care for your granite countertops.
When To Seal
Most granite and stone countertops need to be sealed or resealed at some point. This involves applying a protective layer over the countertops to keep them clean and to prevent staining. Without the proper sealant, even a puddle of water on your granite could turn into a stain. Your counters may have already been stained when they were installed, so reach out to your supplier to find out the history of your granite.
How To Clean
Granite surfaces can also be picky when it comes to cleaning. Sealed countertops are more flexible as far as cleaning solutions go, though you should still proceed with caution. Use a microfiber cloth to dust messes off the counters daily. For larger spills and messes, use a specialty granite cleaning solution recommended by your supplier or use a simple soap-and-water mixture. Never use harsh cleaning chemicals or solutions on your granite, as they could affect the sealing or even the stone itself.
What To Avoid
More ways you may accidentally ruin your countertops involve putting too much weight on the granite or prepping food directly on the surface. As sturdy as they are, stone countertops still have their weight limits. Never sit or stand on the overhang, or you risk cracking the stone. Even chopping, slicing, and preparing food can leave hairline marks in the granite, dulling its appearance over time. And make sure to use coasters when placing hot items on the counter—direct contact could lead to staining or clouding the surface.
As long as you follow these tips to care for your granite countertops, you won’t experience any of the above issues, and your granite will shine for years to come. So, sit back and enjoy your beautiful countertops the right way.
