Granite Countertop Maintenance Guide

Granite countertops are a great investment in the value of your home. They’re easy to maintain and highly durable, making them one of the most popular countertop choices for homeowners. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling, it’s good to understand that granite can be stained and damaged over time. While this material is highly resistant and practical, some granite countertop maintenance is needed to keep the beautiful look at its best.

Here’s a simple guide on how to clean granite countertops:

Sealing Your Granite Countertop

If you just installed a new granite countertop, you should consider sealing them with an impregnating sealer. This is the best way to preserve your countertop. A sealer doesn’t alter the appearance of your granite stone but instead provides a reliable and durable way to protect your countertop from stains and moisture. Sealing your countertop gives it a beautiful shine.

• Apply the sealer when the countertop is completely dry
• Use a quality sealer recommended for granite countertops
• Buff the countertop with a rough cloth after some time

Cleaning and Care Routine

Regular cleaning is one of the basic granite countertop maintenance steps. Here’s how to take good care of your countertop:

• Always Clean Spills – Do this quickly to prevent any surface penetration, especially with oil spills. Granite is absorbent, so it’s important to clean spills with warm water and gentle soap. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your granite daily.
• Avoid Using Harsh Cleaning Chemicals – When it comes to cleaning your granite countertop, don’t use regular home cleaning chemicals. They will most likely strip the seal and expose the porous surface. Avoid any bleach-based cleaners, Windex, or acidic cleaners like vinegar.
• Use Hot Pads and Trivets – This is another important granite countertop maintenance tip to keep in mind. While granite can withstand heat, you should avoid any excess exposure to heat for prolonged periods to avoid potential scratches and cracks. Use trivets and hot pads when placing pans on your countertop.
• Don’t Cut on Granite – While this may be a no-brainer, you should never cut directly on your granite countertop. Use a cutting board to avoid damaging your countertop.

Learning how to clean granite countertops is a preventative measure that goes a long way into ensuring that your countertop looks wonderful for years to come.

Regular Maintenance

Apart from the technical types of granite countertop maintenance, regular upkeep is important. Always keep your granite surface crumb-free and clean by wiping it down with a soft cloth daily. Remove everything on the countertop and clean the debris on the edges and corners every week. Enhance the shine of your granite countertop and protect it using a conditioning stone polish every month.

At the end of the year, test your sealant and reseal it if necessary. Take care when handling heavy pots and pans around your granite countertops as these are the most prone to cause the much-dreaded chipping. The good news is, chips can be fixed with a color-matched epoxy or clear acrylic.

Contact Us at Builders Surplus

If you’re looking for granite countertops, you’ve come to the right place. Builders Surplus brings you the largest selection of bathroom vanity countertops, as well as other products, like bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets, and laminate countertops at the best cash and carry prices across Southern California. Get the look you desire at a price that works for you.

Contact us to learn more about granite countertop maintenance or visit our showroom to see granite countertops before buying.