4 Ways to Keep Granite Countertops Looking Beautiful

Whether your granite countertops are new or old, you no doubt love and appreciate how they enhance your kitchen. You're happy to have a flat, solid surface to work with, one that won't bubble or peel, one that doesn't stain easily or scratch quickly. Using the countertop day after day, you may worry what will become of it over time though. Will it lose its sheen? Will the brilliance fade with repeated wear and tear? Not if you know how to treat it. Here are 4 tips to keeping your granite countertop sparkling and functional for decades.

The 4 Ways

1. Wipe Up Spills
One basic way to keep granite healthy and looking wonderful is to wipe up spills right after they happen. It may seem obvious, but it's a simple thing you can overlook and underestimate. Granite won't absorb spills immediately but if left for hours or overnight, spills will develop into stains. Butter, coffee, and other food items are especially prone to leave stains behind. So make a habit of being proactive and cleaning up spills and drips before leaving the kitchen. This will go a long way to taking care of granite countertops.

2. Clean Granite Countertops Daily
Along with making a habit of wiping up spills, it's also wise to have a habit of cleaning granite countertops daily. This doesn't include anything difficult or time consuming. Just wet a soft cloth and use a drop of mild liquid dish detergent to clean the surface. Then remove any excess soap to avoid streaks. Do this regularly to prevent stains and keep the surface sheen bright.

3. Don't Use Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Products
You may be used to using bleach or other harsher substances or materials to clean countertops. This isn't a good idea with granite, at least not if you want to protect its finish and avoid scratches. Harsh, acidic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and lemon juice or products containing these elements should never be used on granite countertops. The same is true of abrasive powders and scouring pads. All such chemicals and materials damage granite. So stick to mild dish detergents and soft cloths. Stone cleaners can be used for extra cleaning and polishing when needed.

4. Seal Granite Countertops Yearly
Daily cleaning, wiping away spills, and avoiding harsh chemicals will keep your granite countertop in shape. Another way to protect and preserve your countertop is by sealing it once a year. This protects the surface of the granite, preventing stains and water absorption. It also keeps up the shine you're used to seeing. Sealing is not much of an ordeal and does not need to be done more often than once a year. However, if you notice that water is no longer beading up on the surface, you'll want to seal it.

These are four easy steps to take care of your granite countertop. Nothing fancy or even time consuming. So remember to:

1. Wipe up spills immediately.
2. Clean your granite countertops every day.
3. Don't clean with harsh or abrasive chemicals or materials.
4. Seal your granite countertops once a year.

Follow these four steps to granite countertop perfection.