Granite is a durable stone that was once volcanic lava. Tough and beautiful, granite is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Caring for granite countertops is a simple chore that will keep your investment looking new for years to come.
Sealed for Your Protection
Most granite countertops are sealed at installation. Although granite is great at resisting stains, a granite sealer will help repel spills and allow for longer clean-up time. Granite sealers are either solvent or water based. Stay consistent with the type of sealer you apply. Look for a non-toxic sealer if you handle food directly on the countertop.
To apply a granite sealer, follow the manufacturer's directions. Put down a single coat then follow up with another coat 24 hours later. You should seal your countertops every two years or more often than that for granite countertops that see heavy use.
Granite countertop polish will make your counters shine and will add extra moisture protection. This polish is applied like car wax: apply, allow to dry and then buff off.
Clean Granite is Happy Granite
When cleaning granite countertops, avoid harsh or vinegar-based products. Harsh cleaners may pit or stain granite countertops. There are several pH neutral cleaners designed for granite countertops.
Also, avoid gritty cleaners as they will scratch or cloud the granite surface over time. A mild anti-bacterial dish soap and water are fine for most spills.
Use, Don't Abuse Your Granite
Avoid standing on or placing heavy weights on granite overhangs. Even this tough material is prone to cracking under that kind of stress.
Granite countertops can have hot pans placed on them-the stone will absorb and dissipate the heat quickly. You are more likely to damage the granite with the metal or with grit caught under the pan than with the heat of the pan itself.
If your granite countertops does experience a chip or scratch, minor damage can be repaired with a colored epoxy that will take polish. An experienced professional is your best bet to handle these types of repairs.
 | Dreaming of the look of marble countertops? You'll either need to stay out of the kitchen or put in a lot of work to keep them looking new. |
 | Marble produces a beauty that lasts. Think about the ancient Roman statues that still stand today. This durable beauty does need a bit of help though; maintaining marble countertops will help them last a lifetime-or more. |
Cultured marble countertops cost more than laminate, but are about half the cost of solid surface or granite. Cultured marble is an economical replacement for real marble and a great upgrade from laminate countertops. |
If you are renovating or have moved into an older house, you may be wondering how to clean old, unfinished marble countertops. |
Marble is quarried all over the world and is sold as slabs that are custom cut for each installation. Marble's unique veining comes from being formed at great pressure over millions of years. A marble countertop is a one-of-a-kind work of art. |
