Avoid using acidic vinegar-based cleaners, even if they’re natural. See limestone countertops care if you have limestone in your kitchen. Do not use common abrasive cleaners, which can destroy the protective sealant on the granite. Step 1: Use a Cleaner Suitable for Granite, Do Not Leave Spills Sitting on the Countertop. After you do this, wait for about 10 minutes. Keeping your countertops in tip top shape doesn't stop there though. There are several different cleaners marketed as granite cleaners. You might even be able to make you own concoction to pull out that stain. by Jeremy Troetti Wipe the Counters Down with a Soft Cloth or Sponge. When an entryway or a hallway or even a kitchen countertop has granite tiles, it gives a very elegantly chic look. / August 28, 2019. First, wipe the counter surface with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. If you just paid a few thousand dollars or more, don’t let them get ruined by not taking care of them properly. This granite care guide will keep your countertops looking new for decades. For the most part, this is unlikely. To wipe up any spills, use a soft dishcloth instead of a rough cleaning device. How often you have to re-seal the countertop will depend on what type of granite you choose. Learn More. Use a sponge or soft cloth. While Granite, Quartz, Marble and other stones are popular choices for kitchen countertops, they do require special care and attention. Despite how hard you work to care for your granite countertops, they might encounter damage. Depending on the product you purchase, you will either have to pour the sealer onto the countertop or spray it on if the product comes in a spray bottle. Contact us today for granite countertop installation in St. Louis at 314-426-3100 or O’Fallon at 636-329-8400. Granite tiles are an investment to give your home a luxurious look. Got a stubborn stain that you can’t get out? How to Care for Granite Countertops Sealing Granite Countertops. What causes the green color? Beyond the appearance of the stone, many homeowners love the low maintenance requirements that granite has. Apply this paste to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for several hours. 4. How to Care for Granite Countertops in the Bathroom Just like in the kitchen, it’s important to clean the stone surface regularly to prevent stains. Make sure that whatever cleaner you use is gentle enough to protect the finish of the countertop. To remove these stains, combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and follow the steps above for oil-based stains. Oil-based stains are some of the most common stains on countertops. Ask your countertop... Resealing Granite Countertops. Granite is also susceptible to water-based stains if it is not properly sealed. Clean any spills that may occur as soon as they happen to avoid any potential damages. There are many sealers available on the market, so you will have a wide variety to choose from. These change or enhance the look of the stone somewhat, usually by making it appear darker or ‘wetter’ to show off natural highlights and variations in color. Although granite is heat resistant, consistent exposure to high levels of heat will weaken the countertop over time. Here are a few tips for deep stain removal. Quartz. Let the water stand for 30 minutes before wiping it dry (though you may see a reaction sooner than that). Coat the countertop with the sealer and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. It can easily be fixed but you’ll need a good cleaner, which we cover next. Quartzite. Granite countertops are one of the most gorgeous, resilient, and strong additions that can be made in your home. Make sure to poke small holes into the plastic wrap. Avoid using acids or … After you do this, wait for 15 minutes. This guide will provide you with the information you will need to know about how to properly care for your granite countertops. Proper granite care involves wiping down the … Most gentle dish soaps today contain antimicrobial chemicals that are safe enough to use on countertops, but you can strengthen these by adding a small amount (3-4 tsp) of isopropyl alcohol to a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap. Here’s the lowdown on how to care for granite countertops so you can keep them looking wonderful for years to come. Helpful Hints: Everyday Maintenance Spills never actually come in contact with the stone, sealing it behind a protective film. Here’s one we can confidently recommend. Some topical sealers are designed to be easily removed and reapplied regularly while others are ‘permanent’ in that they are difficult to remove once applied. This will not only help your countertops retain their natural luster, but will also help protect them from stains and spills. To determine if your granite countertops need re-sealing, there is a simple test that you can do. There … Learn About Quartzite. To preserve the dramatic look of granite at its best and brightest, some maintenance is needed. If you spill oil-based liquids on your granite, like milk or … Whether your granite countertops are brand new or 10 years old, Arch City Granite can help repair and care for your granite. Bleach and other acidic cleansers can damage the surface, leaving it dull and etched. Granite care is quite different from other countertop materials because granite is a natural stone that can be stained and deface with time. Just pour a bit of water (about 3 inches in diameter is good) on various sections of your countertop — especially in high trafficked areas. You can learn more about them here. Some sealants are designed to last for several years, while others may need to be reapplied every six months to a year. Pour a small amount of water on a small section of your granite countertop. Installing granite in your kitchen is a great investment in the value of your home, but it’s an expensive one. “If you have bottles of cleaning fluids, such as dish detergent, keep them in a … How to maintain your granite countertops so they last a lifetime. You will also want to make sure the surface is clean, which you can do by following the steps for everyday cleaning above. It is always a good idea to make sure your workspace is well ventilated. So, while you could set your pans on the surface, it’s probably best to use a trivet or something else to absorb the heat and disperse it safely across your countertop. Using harsh chemical cleaners on a regular basis will strip your countertops of sealant faster. Avoid using acidic products. It can take serious abuse and still look great, but if you take just a little extra care with your granite countertops, they’ll look great for many years to come. If you notice the water has beaded on the surface, your seal is still effective. How to care for granite countertops and other countertop maintenance tips! https://www.countertopspecialty.com/granite-counter-top-care.html They probably have something they can sell you right then and there. How Do You Go About Everyday Cleaning? You can easily care for your granite countertops and keep them looking great for years to come by following the necessary steps above. Learn About Corian. Regardless of the maintenance requirements, all natural stone countertops need consistent attention if you want to keep the surface in top shape. While your quartz counter is sturdy, it is not impenetrable. How To Care For Granite Countertops. Step 1: Use a Cleaner Suitable for Granite Thank you, How To Care For Granite Countertops - go to homepage, Here are a few tips for deep stain removal. Even if your granite countertop is sealed, it is still not good to leave any spills sitting on the surface. Just like any other surface in your kitchen, a granite countertop needs cleaning and maintenance. Thus creating the opportunity for damage to set in easier, as the porous makeup of the granite becomes exposed. Avoid rubbing spills as this could spread them and make larger stains. This will help prevent stains on your countertops. Corian. To do that, polish your granite countertops once a week using a properly formulated granite polish. Using regular cleaning chemicals on your countertop will strip the seal and leave the porous surface of the granite exposed. Granite sealant acts like an invisible shield for your countertops. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel and a specially formulated granite cleaning product regularly to clean the counter, then dry the area with a separate clean cloth or paper towel. Harsh cleaners can strip your granite countertops and leave the surface more porous and prone to stains. You can do so by opening windows, turning on fans and/or opening doors. About Granite Selection. Stone is really is that easy to care for. This is especially a problem with dark stone. How Do You Remove Stains from a Granite Countertop. While granite is less likely to harbor bacteria than some other materials, you may still worry about disinfecting it. Clean your counters with a gentle solution of soap and water, or a special cleaner formulated for granite. With a few simple tools and materials, you’ll ensure the beauty of your granite for years to come. If the sealer absorbs within 5 minutes, simply add an additional coat. Learn About Quartz. You can leave them unsealed, but sealing them can help protect their finish and keep them looking better for longer. However, quartz such as Silestone may be a good option for you as well. The Best Granite Cleaner. Gently massage this mixture over the stained area using a … If you’re looking for an absolute black honed granite countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, Granite Selection is the place to be. Apply the cleaner and wipe your counter down. If you use acidic cleaners, you might remove any sealant from the countertop, which will leave the surface vulnerable to damages. Do not use an … For day to day cleaning you can use good old soap and water, but sometimes you’ll need something a little more powerful. Stone counters are sturdy and capable of taking the heat from your pan, but it’s also an expensive material to replace should the unthinkable happen. Granite countertops, like almost all natural stone surfaces, need to be sealed to prevent stains and liquid damages. After you let it sit, you can remove the plastic wrap and the paste. It’s formed under some pretty intense heat (it’s an igneous rock, after all), so unless you’re cooking foods at volcanic temperatures, you can take a hot pan and sit it directly on them and it should be fine. Stains. Step 2: Keep Up on Cleaning 2. To remove these stains, you will need to make a paste out of baking soda and water. Another example of cautious behavior would be to use trivets or hot pads in the kitchen. Apply the sealer to your countertop by following the instructions on the label that comes with the product. Make sure to use a soft cloth to wipe the surface clean, not a rough sponge. Regular cleaning can be as simple as using a little dish soap and warm water, so this process is not anything difficult or time consuming. Do Not Leave Spills Sitting on the Countertop Make sure to use only cleaners or dish soap that is pH neutral, rather than acidic cleaners such as vinegar or ammonia. After 10 minutes, wipe off any excess sealer. Then, let your countertop sit for 24 hours to let the sealer take effect. There is one caveat: intense differences in temperatures (think cold stone and hot pan) can cause ‘thermal shock’ which can cause hairline cracks which can get worse over time. Depending on what type of mess you have on your counters, you’ll need different types of cleaners. Make sure to use cutting boards, trivets, and cooling racks. Lemon juice, vinegar, and other acidic substances may be fine for cleaning your sink, but keep them well-away from any stone counters. If you’re not sure what type of sealant you should use, stop by the local showroom or stone yard and ask them what they recommend. They are different to penetrating sealants which seep into the surface filling the pores and fissures that are too small to see. Think you can’t afford granite? So, while you can cut your food right on your countertop, if you want to keep them looking pristine, you should probably use a cutting board just to be safe. While marble countertops are an excellent choice for any architecture style and decor scheme, they do require some additional upkeep and care. A well-sealed granite countertop is relatively impervious to bacteria. Here’s how to clean a granite countertop. Finally, you should seal your granite countertops once every 12 to 18 months with a granite sealer. Granite could damage your knives and dull their blades, so unless you don’t mind replacing or sharpening your knives fairly often, you’ll probably want to cut on a chopping block. How Do You Know if Your Granite Needs to Be Re-Sealed? . Granite countertops: Wipe down the surface with a clean microfiber cloth (avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, which can scratch). Also, most foods release some moisture which can penetrate the pores in natural stone if it’s not properly and thoroughly sealed. Simple preventative measures can go a long way in protecting granite countertops. Fortunately, sealing is a fairly simple process and inexpensive process. For day to day cleaning you can use good old soap and water, but sometimes you’ll need something a little more powerful. A lot of care goes into granite countertop ownership, despite how naturally strong and moisture-resistant these counters are. This means it is susceptible to stains until it is sealed. 1/4 cup should be enough. Granite selection is a manufacturer and installer of quartz, granite and other stone countertops for kitchens and bathrooms in … If your granite countertop is not sealed properly, it may incur stains. Professionally developed safe & effective for cleaning granite countertops, cleaning marble, travertine maintenance, marble polishing, how … This one is perfect if you want a non-toxic ph balanced sealer that can be easily sprayed on and wiped off instead of one of the tougher to apply polishes. Like all other natural stones, granite is naturally porous. While granite countertops are among the lower maintenance options that you have, it is highly recommended that you keep up on regular cleaning. Granite countertops have long been desirable for both their looks and durability. It’s hard, resistant to scratches and dents, and heat-resistant. As such, you should use coasters when placing drinks down on the countertop so you do not risk any chance of moisture penetrating the surface. Start by wiping down the worktop with your favorite cleaner, then apply the sealing product. 1. Here’s a few tips to help you keep the price of them down. Additionally, it’s critical to prevent residue build up from personal care items like hairspray, hair care products, toothpaste and make-up. Granite is strong, heat resistant and can take heavy wear and tear. Click on Professional Granite Care Products to see the only cleaners and sealer for your stone counters that we have used on literally thousands of granite countertops. . Spray the solution on your counter, then wipe the solution away with a clean, dry, cloth. We have been told to wipe around the faucets or our new granite countertop could turn green. here is the official insiders guide to countertop granite care. Is a damp dish cloth sufficient or should we be using a dry towel. Granite floors have a very royal look. Get in the habit of blotting up spills as soon as they occur. Don’t use vinegar, Windex or bleach on granite. A third type of sealant is an “enhancer”. Lighter colored granite will need to be re-sealed more often than granite that is a darker color. Think of a good sealer like a coating of wax for the car. You can also use a 50:50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water. Below is a list and explanations of helpful hints you will need to know for daily care of your granite countertop. If you’re looking for something that requires zero work to maintain then have a look at Caesarstone, or one of the other brands of quartz. When that happens, you need to know your repair options. If you’re trying to clean up greasy spill or stain, look for a cleaner with degreasing capabilities. This means that you can cut food directly on your kitchen worktop, but should you? The only thing that can probably withstand high temps better would be stainless steel. The following steps will help you achieve this with your granite countertops. Learn About Granite. Perform a simple water test to see if your granite countertops need to be sealed: Pour a bit of water on the counter.