How To Care For Granite Countertops

Granite is well known for its shiny appearance and durability. A symbol of luxury and durability, granite is undoubtedly one of the most preferred choices. The beautiful stone is widely used for flooring as well as countertops in kitchen and bathroom. The naturally formed stone is cut, sealed and polished to give an elegant look for the kitchen countertops. Caring for granite countertops is very important, as this precious stone is easily susceptible to damage, by the use of harsh chemicals - for cleaning purposes as well as by certain stains. If you want to know how to take care of your granite countertops, read the following lines.

Caring For Granite Countertops

Keep the countertops free of everyday spills by cleaning the surface on a regular basis. Wipe down the counters with a sponge or a clean soft cloth, dipped in a mild detergent.
Use a natural oil-based cleaner to remove oil spills from the counters. Apply the cleaner on a synthetic scrubbing pad and clean the surface with gentle strokes.
Light colored granite is prone to stains easily, as compared to the dark colored ones. Therefore, it is important to blot up food spills as early as possible.
The sealant of granite countertops, which gives it a glossy finish, can be damaged by acidic substances such as orange juice, lemon juice and vinegar. Such spills must be immediately sponged off.
Although granite is a very strong, dropping heavy materials can cause cracks or even break the countertops. So, it is better to exercise caution.
Do not cut vegetables directly on the countertops, as the knife can cause unpleasant cracks on its surface. It is advisable to use cutting boards for the purpose.
Avoid keeping hot pots on the surface of a granite countertop, otherwise it may burn or melt the granite countertops and even damage the sealant. Use trivets and hot pads to avoid such damage.
To maintain the glossy finish of your granite countertops, use a stone polish specially manufactured for such surfaces.
Dust the surface on a regular basis, using a clean, dry cloth.
Make sure to rinse the surface of a granite countertop thoroughly after cleaning it with detergent or soap solutions.
Avoid using harsh cleaning products, such as bleaching agents, to clean your granite countertops. It is always recommended to use mild soap solutions or detergent.

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