Granite is a luxurious natural stone. It simply enhances the beauty of the place where it is used. However, there are some myths about granite and here we will read out how much truth is there in the granite myths.
Firstly, if you go to buy granite, you will get to hear from the granite salesperson that it does not require sealing. It is in fact the most damaging of all granite maintenance malpractices that you can commit if you really plan to go with the unsound advice of the salesperson. You can even hear pieces of advice saying that the granite’s physical properties dictate it not to be sealed. Simply don’t go with such advices. It is although true that they act fantastic against liquids like water but are poor against the oil based stains. So, granite sealing is important.
Secondly, you may hear from your neighbors when you plan to buy granite that this material is not safe to buy because the small pores of granite act as a haven for the bacteria. This is a common misconception among people and due to this reason the often do not buy granite. Whatever type of surface you may be working with bacteria cannot be avoided. Bacteria can live on any type of surface. It is not that bacteria harbor on granite just because it has small pores. So, if you are really concerned about the granite stone being a haven for bacteria then simply make use of anti bacterial cleaner for cleaning the granite material. In fact granite is the best material that can be bought if properly maintained.
You may also hear people saying that this natural stone emits radon gas. Radon gas is in fact emitted by any stone where uranium exists. Uranium is found in any place where there is a stone. However, the radon gas that is emitted from granite is not at all a threat to health. Cement, concrete and gypsum release much amount of radon gas than granite.
Next, you may be advised to clean the stone with just water and soap. This however, will impact the look of the granite. In fact, it will become dull. Don’t use dishwashing detergent, soap or cleaners which are not meant for natural stones. It will be better if you clean it with some product designed specifically for natural stone.
There is another myth about granite that its shine will be lost with passage of time and so it needs to be re-polished. It can withstand heavy traffic without the loss of its shine for long time. Always buy high quality granite and try to maintain them properly. However, shine may lose due to improper methods of cleaning. So proper cleaning is very essential to maintain the luster of granite. Water and soap leaves residues on soap that may make the stone appear dull. Use vanity products to increase the luster of granite. If the granite is waxed then the shine may wear away.
So, these are some of the myths on granite. However make sure as a home owner you ignore these myths and take a prudent decision.
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It is simply not true that all granite countertops need to be sealed. Every variety of granite, and there are thousands, has its own performance characteristics. Some stones are very absorbent and even the best sealers won't help. Some stones are moderately absorbent and will perform well if properly sealed. Applying a sealer to a high-quality non-absorbent black granite will accompliush nothing, will often create problems, and will only make the sealer salesmen happy. Take an unsealed sample of any given stone, and put small puddles of water, vegetable oil and lemon juice on it. If, after half an hour, there is no darkening, staining or etching of the surface, you have a high quality stone that will never need a sealer. My authority is the late Maurizio Bertoli, whose knowledge of stone was vast.
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