Lots About Countertops

« « How to Care for Your Formica Countertop | A Variety of Countertop Materials: Wood, Marble, Granite » »

Understanding Proper Granite Countertop Maintenance

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Introduction

The entire world over, granite is a prized material for countertops of all kinds. Even more so than marble, the granite countertop is the prime material for some of the most beautiful kitchens, bathrooms, or even whole homes. It is all at once classic and contemporary. Almost all who can afford it choose it over other materials. Is it any wonder? Each piece is unique; this brings a special design to each and every home where the granite countertop is installed; its almost as if nature produced this particular stone for a particular fixture in a particular home.

For the benefit of present and future owners of this highly prized material, we are going to quickly cover in this post cleaning and maintaining of your granite countertop.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

The wonder of granite is almost without peer. But it has some other mundane but just as desirable characteristics, for instance, it’s a highly sanitary surface without the tendency to harbor as many germs as some other surfaces. Obviously, this has significant import where things like e-coli and other bacteria are concerned. It’s a remarkable surface to prepare food on.

This notwithstanding, granite countertops are not without the need for general cleaning and sanitary treatments. Though health is always the prime consideration, cleaning and maintaining the granite for the preservation of your investment is also very important.

Some of the habits you would want to encourage with granite are the same as with any other countertop material. Obviously, granite is made out of some of the hardest stone on the planet, but it can still be stained, scratched, chipped and-heaven forbid-broken. Remember to never leave hot pots and pans on the unprotected surface. Likewise, clean up spills before they have the opportunity to seep in to the more porous cracks and crevices of some granite countertop selections.

Another source of damage that you may wish to eliminate is anything that can mar the polished/finished surface of the granite countertop. Anything that is abrasive (from cleansers to dirt and soil) should be avoided if the polished shine of the granite is to be maintained for years to come. You should also consider sealer granite counter top twice a year as part of your regular maintenance routine. Finally, polishing of the granite is essential to the life and appearance of any kind of granite countertop.

In terms of minor damage, nicks, abrasions, and the like, if they are dealt with as they occur, they will not pose any lasting unsightly blemishes. Gentle cleansers, no abrasive liquids or brushes, granite sealer twice a year, and occasional polish will maintain that beautiful natural look that granite is famous far.

Wrap-up

The cleaning of your granite countertop does not have to be difficult, especially if it is done at a regular periodic interval. Granite has the potential to last longer than we do. Conceivably, it can look as stunning and beautiful fifty years later as it did on the day it was installed in your home! And remember, if you can afford the granite, you can also have it maintained professionally.

People are King-Share the Wealth!