4 Easy Tips for Taking Care of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops can completely revitalize older kitchens and turn new kitchens into gorgeous gathering areas for the whole family. How can you keep your granite countertop looking amazing for a lifetime?
1. Wipe Up Spills Right Away
Even through granite is a hard and durable material, it’s not completely impervious to scratches (over the years). By wiping up spills with a sponge, absorbent cloth or paper towel, you take care of quick cleaning without needing abrasive pads.
2. Clean Granite Countertops With a Mild Solution
To enjoy sparkling granite, it’s important to clean the countertop every day. However, you don’t need in-depth scrubbing — a quick once-over with a sponge and some mild cleaner is more than enough. Simply wipe on the cleaner or use a spray bottle, and then rinse it off using a damp cloth or paper towel. Lint-free cloths are a great choice for leaving the surface spotless.
3. Follow Care Tips for Your Sealant Coating
Granite countertops are spectacularly vibrant and practically impervious to damage, but they’re not naturally resistant to stains. To keep your countertop protected from spilled wine, soda and other liquids that may stain it, manufacturers add a thick sealant coating to the surface that acts as a shield.
Most granite countertops require professional sealing during installation and then every one or two years afterwards. Following the recommended sealing instructions carefully can literally keep your granite looking stunning for decades.
4. Avoid Food Prep Directly on the Countertop
It doesn’t matter what they do on TV cooking shows. If you want your granite to look stunning for a lifetime, don’t cut veggies directly on the surface. This can prematurely wear away the sealant, scratch the granite and lead to staining. Avoid harsh cleaners and steel wool for the same reasons.
Granite adds warmth and luxury to any kitchen, making it one of the most versatile materials for giving vibrant home decor. Even better, granite surfaces are easy to clean, highly durable and relatively simple to maintain. Following these care tips is simple and it keeps your favorite granite countertop beautiful.