How To Clean And Maintain Your Granite Countertop
Every year I encounter people who are seeking ways to increase their home’s value. A study (most profitable renovations) shows that some renovations such as kitchen and bathroom renovations increase the value of the house. Changing the kitchen countertop to Granite is a very common renovation that increases the property’s value greatly. And although granite is one of the strongest materials (hardness scale) able to withstand heat and scratches, its not immune to damage; so proper care and maintenance is required.
Things To Avoid
- Conventional Cleaners, granite is a natural stone with a certain mineral composition which can react to conventional cleaners.
- Acidic Items, such as Oil, Vinegar or any other acidic food, if spilled can result on a stain in your countertop; if you spill something clean it promptly.
- Dropping and Dragging heavy objects on the countertop could result in chips and cracks on the countertop.
So How Do I Take Care Of It?
I recommend using products specially designed to be used with natural stones. Granite Cleaner Sprays can be purchased for less than $10.00 USD on the internet or local stone store. If you would like to keep your granite countertop like new you can use Granite Polish solutions that can also be purchased for less than $20.00 USD on the internet or your local stone store.
If you have a stain on your granite do not panic just yet. Most stains can be removed using a poultice or paste that will absorb the stain from the granite. To find out more about this products contact us or your fabricator.
If you have some kind of damage on your granite a professional should be called in to examine the damage and repair it if possible.
Misconceptions
Seal it every year! Is what a lot of people say, this is not necessarily true, in most instances the sealer that was applied on the material from factory should last well over a year; however it all depends on the stone that you own. If you do have to seal it there are different products on the market that will last for 5 or more years depending on the every day use of the countertop, the quality of the sealer and the stone that you have.
Granite is a beautiful stone that enhances the look of the kitchen as well as the value of your house. However all that can be lost if you do not take care of your countertop, with just a little care and proper maintenance your granite will last for ever.
