Cleaning Granite Counterrops


Categories: Kitchen Design

Granite is among the most sought out materials for counter surfaces available for the building of new homes. It possesses a luster and appearance unmatched by other stones in nature. Cleaning granite countertops is fairly simple and fairly uncomplicated, however, it does require regular maintenance.

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Granite is a particularly hard stone, but still has a somewhat porous nature, requiring annual sealing. Annual resealing is a requirement to keep the stone looking its best. There are a plethora of different sealers available on the open market. Simply obey the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the sealant you buy and you should run into no problems. Resealing takes little time but is great for the long term health and appearance of your granite countertop. Application of sealant prevents water absorption which damages the shine and dulls the beautiful glossy appearance which is one of granite’s finest qualities.

Day to day cleaning is best accomplished with a dampened cloth and a small amount of a very mild dish washing soap. If the counter is not excessively soiled, one can leave off the soap and simply use a cloth and a small amount of hot water. Abrasives and strong chemicals should never be used, because they will destroy the granite’s protective sealant. After the surface is cleaned, it should wiped dry with a paper towel or dry cloth. No two granite pieces are the same, and a little tender loving care is all that is required to keep your unique natural product beautiful. From a hygiene standpoint, granite is an excellent choice for kitchen counter surfaces because it will not provide a home for bacteria as other more porous materials can.

There is a multiplicity of ready-made wipes available for cleaning and sealing a granite surface. They clean and condition conveniently while providing the correct pH balance. One should still use a paper towel to dry the surface after using them however, for best appearance.

Granite can be stained. Oily stains from such substances as cooking oil or butter are best solved using a very mild mixture of water and ammonia. Any liquid standing on the surface should be blotted away, then the surface should be cleaned with another cloth and ammonia mixture, then rinsed clean and dried. Beware of cleaning too often with ammonia, it will damage the stone’s shine. For best results in removing stains, the offending material should be removed with maximum alacrity. If water staining is the problem, the area should simply be allowed to dry and the water evaporate away.

Granite is not a difficult material to maintain, and with proper care any surface made from it should last indefinitely.

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