Granite is a natural porous stone, which means it can absorb liquids which stains the stone darker. The way to prevent this is to seal the stone!
Sealing your granite countertops:
DO: Seal your granite countertops with a high quality sealer to prevent unwanted stains.
DO: Use the water absorbency test to see if you need to reseal your granite countertops.
DON’T: Over-seal your granite countertops. Applying more sealer than necessary will leave you with a hazy residue on the surface.
Cleaning your granite countertops:
DO: Use lukewarm soapy water to wipe down the granite countertops.
DON’T: Use harsh chemical cleaners such as bleach, vinegar or ammonia to clean your granite countertops.
DO: Clean up spills and messes such as oil or juice to prevent staining.
DON’T: Store liquids or oily products on top of your countertops. Leaving such items on your granite for an extended period of time may cause staining!
DO: Use a granite cleaning spray at least once a week to keep your granite countertops looking nice and shiny!
Granite is a strong stone, you can place your hot pots right on top without any damage!”… So they say. Don’t get me wrong, granite can take heat very well, but you must consider that any material can undergo “thermal shock”, which you may want to consider saving your granite countertops from being cracked! It is very rare, but you always want to be careful when you are investing in a natural stone.
Good habits:
DO: Use placemats & coasters on your granite to prevent any scratching or thermal shock.
DON’T: Use your granite countertops as a cutting board. The granite will make your knives dull, and you do not watch to intentionally scratch your countertops. Even though granite is one of the hardest stones, it CAN be scratched. Prevent this by using an appropriate cutting board. Better safe than sorry!
DON’T: Sit or stand on your countertops, especially on a piece that has overhang. Granite is not flexible enough to hold weight and not properly be supported.
I hope these tips will help you take better care of your granite countertops!
