Comprehensive Guide to Do’s and Don'ts for Granite Care & Maintenance

Granite is a well-known material for kitchen countertops in contemporary kitchen remodels. Granite is an ideal choice for various purposes that kitchen countertops serve since it is a stunning, long-lasting stone that doesn't need a lot of maintenance. Your granite counters would remain in excellent condition with only a little upkeep, which would typically include stain removal, surface cleaning, and sealing. Carry on reading this blog if you would like to know helpful Do’s and Don'ts for granite care and maintenance.

Optimal Procedure for Granite Countertop Maintenance & Care

It's critical to have complete knowledge about the maintenance protocols for granite countertops. Because there are a lot of false beliefs out there about how to take care of granite, you can adopt an incorrect method. These false beliefs about maintaining granite kitchen worktops are caused by oversimplification, a lack of awareness and comprehension of granite, and improper use of maintenance techniques. As such, it makes perfect sense that you might be uncertain and scared about how to maintain your granite worktops properly. But the goal of this blog is to arm you with the limited knowledge necessary to properly maintain your granite countertops on your own, without the need for expert assistance, and at a reasonable cost.

Knowing When to Seal Granite Surfaces

There's a widespread misperception that all natural stones must be sealed to prevent stains. For many natural stones, including many granite variations, this theory is false. You will have the necessary information to determine whether or not to seal your granite countertops by conducting a water absorption test. You can likewise figure out what sort of sealer you really want to utilize and whether you want more than one coat by doing the water retention test. Place a small amount of water in a puddle on the kitchen counter and keep track of how long it takes for the water to submerge and change color completely. This is an easy test of water absorption.

Do's and Don'ts of Granite Care and Maintenance

Do's

Most rock ledge cleaning and upkeep strategies are equivalent to those utilized for most stone ledge support and cleaning techniques. Thus, maintaining your granite kitchen countertops is straightforward if you follow these best practices. The actions that you ought to take consist of the following:

1. Avoid leaving hot pots and pans on granite surfaces

Although granite is normally quite robust and resistant to heat shocks, leaving a hot skillet or pot on the countertop can occasionally cause chips, cracks, or scratches in the surface. Furthermore, following removal, the surface under the pan or pot will remain extremely hot, which could lead to accidents if care is not taken.

2. Use cutting boards

When chopping on granite countertops, use cutting boards. The granite surface could develop scratches, and regularly cutting over granite will weaken your knife's blade.

3. To clean the surface, use a soft cloth or sponge

The best cleaners in the world for granite countertops are those designed and manufactured especially for them, meaning they won't harm the sealer's integrity or the granite's surface. Hot water, on the other hand, is a rapid and effective method for cleaning quickly. Using dish soap to clean your granite countertops will eventually lead to accumulation and a dulling of the finish. As a result, using this cleaning chemical for routine cleanups is not advised.

4. Blotting up spills right away

Acidic materials, such as fruit juices or sauces, can still leave stains on surfaces even though they don't etch as deeply as marble does. This also applies to frying oil. As a result, it's critical to remove them from the granite surface as soon as possible.

5. Use coasters

While not strictly required, using coasters when working with granite is a good idea because it reduces the possibility of unintentional etching.

Don'ts

There are certain things that you should not do for granite care and maintenance. These things have been mentioned below:

1. Use ammonia, vinegar, orange, or lemon juice for cleaning

For the reasons outlined in the previous paragraph, it is not advised to use these acidic and alkaline materials to clean granite surfaces. Warm water is more than sufficient to clean granite countertops on a regular basis, and extensive cleaning sessions require the use of cleaning solutions safe for granite.

2. Steer clear of standing or sitting on granite countertops

Despite its extreme hardness and durability, granite is typically not very flexible. Furthermore, because they don't have plywood backing, applying too much weight to one area at a time could result in cracks.

3. Avoid keeping toiletries and liquids directly on your countertop

Most bottles of liquids and toiletries, such as cooking oil, perfumes, shampoo, or nail products, tend to leak over time, which often goes unnoticed. This continuous leakage over time can cause stains on your kitchen countertop. Therefore, the use of shelves or stylish trays is best recommended when storing such liquids or toiletries on granite surfaces.

4. Avoid generic cleaning products

If you want to save a lot of money on long-term granite countertop care, don't be afraid to pay a little bit more when purchasing cleaning supplies. When used on granite countertops, commonplace and generic solutions like glass cleaners, bleaches, and different degreasers can only cause stains, damages, and a loss of sealant integrity. These cleaning products should be avoided at all costs since the chemicals, acids, and alkalis in them are caustic to granite surfaces.

5. Steer clear of grout cleaners, bathroom tub cleaners, and tile cleaners

These types of cleaning chemicals, which come in powder and creamy form, include tiny abrasives that can dull or harm granite surfaces.

Mastering Granite Care & Maintenance

Mastering the art of granite care and maintenance ensures your kitchen countertops remain a lasting centerpiece of beauty and functionality. By following the proper procedures and avoiding common pitfalls outlined in this guide, you can preserve the pristine condition of your granite surfaces effortlessly. Remember, immediate action against spills and using gentle cleaning methods are crucial to longevity. If you need tips for pencil edge countertops maintenance, consult a local service provider, they will be happy to help you.