Once people install granite counters into their kitchen they’re often blown away by them. There is no other counter surface that’s as beautiful, as stylish, or as enduring as granite. Although granite counters aren’t inexpensive, they are extremely durable and will last the homeowner a lifetime—if the homeowner takes the time and puts in the work to keep it looking good.
And that’s the fact about granite, it does require a bit of maintenance to keep it in good condition for a long time. Far too many people think that granite is some kind of miracle material that they can neglect and abuse as they see fit. That’s simply not the case. If you don’t take care of your granite, then it’s not going to hold up for you and that’s a fact.
Of course, we do understand that no one purposefully neglects or abuses their granite counters. Most of the time homeowners simply don’t have all of the facts that they need to properly take care of their counter. We wanted to rectify this situation and have decided to give all of our readers the information they need to keep their granite counters looking good for a lifetime.
Tip #1: Clean The Granite Daily
One of the first things that homeowners are going to want to do is to make sure that they clean their granite counters on a daily basis. And we don’t mean merely wiping them down with a wet sponge every once in a while. We’re talking about using the best granite cleaner and using that cleaner properly.
To clean granite using a granite cleaner, you’re going to need a few supplies to do the job properly. You’re not only going to need a granite cleaner, but you’re also going to need a microfiber cloth, some paper towels, and a cleaning cloth. When using a granite cleaner, be sure to read the directions fully and follow them to the letter to achieve the best results.
Tip #2: Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Products
While we’re on the subject of cleaning products, we should mention the fact that certain abrasive materials shouldn’t be used on granite. As strong and durable as granite is, it is prone to scratching, so anyone cleaning it should keep that in mind. Below is a list of cleaning supplies that should be avoided.
Don’t Use These On Granite:
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Stainless Steel Brushes
Tip #3: Clean Up Spills Immediately
The next thing that homeowners should think about when they have granite counters is to make sure they clean up any spills immediately. Even something as simple as water can ruin a granite’s appearance if it’s left on the surface. And some liquids can do even more serious damage. Liquids such as tea, coffee, wine, and vinegar are acidic and will damage the granite’s surface. So make sure that you wipe up spills IMMEDIATELY to keep your granite looking good.
Tip #4: Use A Quality Granite Sealer
It’s also a good idea for the homeowner to seal their granite to protect it from liquids. Most granite installers will seal the granite once they’ve installed it, but you should double-check to make sure they actually did. And it should be mentioned that sealing granite isn’t a one and done deal. You’ll want to regularly reseal the granite to keep it protected.
Tip #5: Don’t Use Granite As A Cutting Board
We believe that most people already know that they shouldn’t use granite as a cutting board, but we’ll go ahead and reiterate the fact right now. Sharp blades can do damage to granite, so when cutting meat, chicken, or veggies, make sure that you use a cutting board. The granite counter isn’t a cutting board and never should be used as such.
Tip #6: Use Coasters & Trivets
It also should be mentioned that the coasters and trivets should be used on the granite counter to prevent hot pots and pans from being set on it. Heat is as big of an enemy to granite as liquids, and a hot pan can quickly ruin an otherwise beautiful granite surface.
Tip #7: Don’t Place Heavy Objects On Your Countertop
We now want to reiterate is that heavy objects shouldn’t be placed on granite. After all, you don’t want to end up cracking the surface and costing yourself a very expensive repair. Unfortunately, we’ve seen quite a few people ignore this sound advice by placing heavy moving boxes on their granite counters, or even worse, standing on it to screw in a light bulb. We implore all of our readers to avoid standing or placing anything heavy on their granite counters.
Tip #8: Don’t Forget A Quality Granite Polish
And finally, we would like to tell all of our readers the importance of using a quality granite polish on their granite countertop. Although some multipurpose cleaners have a granite polish already in them, many of them do not, so you’ll want to invest in a good granite polish to keep your counters on point.