Caring For Granite Counter Tops
Granite is a popular material to use when it comes to kitchen counter tops ’cause of its hard and non-porous surface. Regardless of its relatively strong ability to resist stains & chemical damages, however, proper maintenance is required to ensure the longevity of granite countertops. Maintenance for your counter tops includes both sealing and cleaning to keep them looking as good as new for many more years. Here are a few tips on how to clean & seal your counter tops without causing any improper damage.
Clean Daily
Keeping the surface clean from spills is the first step in caring for granite countertops. Should there be a spill, get rid of it as soon as possible & then rinse with warm water. This is even more important when an acidic substance such as lemon, orange, or vinegar has been spilled.
Everyday, you should wipe your granite tops with a soft cloth using a mild detergent. This will ensure any surface deposits are removed & keep your countertops looking new for a long time. Strong chemical cleaners should never be used, because they can damage the sealant. You also want to avoid some powder detergents because surface of counter tops can get scratch by these.
Several more daily care tips:
- Always dust the counter surface – Wash well using warm water after using any cleansers or soaps on the granite – Never use ammonia or bleach on your counter top – Sanitise the surface with a few drops of a cleaner that’s pH-neutral – Although granite counter tops are frequently commercialized as heat resistant, always avoid putting hot pots directly on top
Sealing Once In A While
Sealing granite counter tops is another important part of a care routine as the seal enables the counter tops to retain the beautiful high gloss finish. Your granite counter top should be resealed every 6 months. It is often impossible to detect sealant damage, so even if it doesn’t seem worn, granite countertops should still be resealed two times every year.
If you want to avoid the hassle typically involved in granite countertop care, there are permanent granite sealers, or you may wish to consider engineered granite which does not require regular sealing.
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