Granite counter tops are an investment toward increasing the value of your home. They have a beauty that can't be duplicated. No two homes will ever have the exact same granite. They come in a huge variety of colors and patterns. They blend well with any décor. They are extremely durable, resilient, and age beautifully. They will outlast you and your house. Think Egyptian pyramids. Same material.
That being said, they still require careful maintenance to make sure they are always looking their best. This included removing stains, sealing the stone, and daily cleaning. Make sure you are using a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap, and a synthetic scrubbing pad. If something is spilled on your granite, wipe it up immediately using mild soap and water, rinse, and then dry with a soft cloth. If you need to remove a stain from the granite; mix 1 cup of flour, water, and 1-2 Tablespoons of a mild dish washing soap. Put the mixture on the stain, then put plastic wrap over it, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrape off the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse.
Granite Counter tops should be resealed every 6 months to 2 years to retain their color and clarity. There are two different kinds of sealer you can use. One is called a penetrating sealer. After putting this on your granite, you let it absorb in for 3 to 4 minutes. When it is almost dry, add a little more sealer and rub with a soft, dry rag. Make sure you are only doing a section of the granite at a time. Wait two hours and then apply a second coat. Look for a penetrating sealer that says it is an oil repellent impregnator. This will stop oil from seeping in to the stone.
The other type of sealer you can use is called a topical sealer. It comes in either strippable or permanent. Both will form a film on the surface of the granite. Strippable is preferable. Most often, permanent is not recommended for granite. After you are done sealing your granite you can do the seal test. Spill a tiny bit of water on the granite and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then wipe it up. If it leaves your counter darkened then the granite is not sufficiently sealed. If water is getting into the stone, it will start harboring bacteria.
So, we've talked about what to use on granite counter tops now let's talk about what not to use. Avoid acidic products. Anything with lemon, vinegar, orange, alcohol, or ammonia. Use coasters under cups that are filled with an acidic liquid. Using harsh chemicals, like bathroom cleaner, tub or tile cleaner, or grout cleaner, on granite will dull or even etch the finish. Use trivets or hot pads under pots and pans or risk the possibility of your granite cracking from the heat. Never cut directly on the granite. Always use a cutting board.
Don't use bleach, glass cleaners, or DE-greasers on granite. It will degrade the sealer and then your granite is more likely to stain. Don't sit or stand on the counter tops. Although they are strong, you can still crack them. If you have granite in a bathroom, don't store hair products, perfume, lotions, etc directly on the granite to prevent spilling them and causing damage. If you take care of your granite counter tops they will stay beautiful for years to come.
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