Maintaining Your Granite Countertops

Elegant colors, designs and also hygienic, granite is the number one choice for any countertop. Kitchen and bathroom counter tops are the ones that are most exposed to countless bacteria. The bacteria resistant capacity of granite is second only to stainless steel. Also granite will never dent, scratch or show any fingerprint left on it.

All counter tops undergo heavy usage and when you have installed shiny granite one, it is but natural to worry about its maintenance. Well the good news is that granite maintenance is not at all difficult. Just a few things to keep in mind and you will enjoy having your granite counter top for a long time to come.

The main activity, any countertop is subject to, is cleaning. Granite should be cleaned only with mild cleaning liquids. Do not use any strong, harsh or abrasive chemicals, as they might permanently disfigure or damage the surface. Cleaners with an acidic base such as bleach, vinegar or lemon juice, will dull the granite. For regular cleaning, a warm, mild soapy solution will do. If something gets stuck to the surface, which cannot be removed by scrubbing, then gently remove it with a plastic spoon or plastic knife. Granite has a very smooth surface so it is relatively easy to pry off something sticking to it. For a stain that is left by food, and is not coming off with mild soap, you can use a little elbow grease to rub the stain away.

For a stronger food stain, prepare a paste of flour mixed with soap solution or dishwashing liquid. Apply this on the stain and cover it with a plastic wrap, leaving it for at least 5 hours. Then wash everything off with water. If it is deep oil stain, use hydrogen peroxide instead of the dishwashing liquid in preparing the paste.

Spills are very frequent on any counter top. Granite has a capacity to absorb the liquid left on it for a long time and this will create a stain. So make it a point to wipe off spills frequently. You are also then free of the task of trying to remove the stains later. Frequent wipes will leave your countertop shiny and stain-free.

Another protection you can give granite countertops from staining is to apply a sealant. When a sealant is applied it creates a thin transparent shiny film on the granite. This prevents any form of moisture from seeping into the stone, causing it to stain. By sealing, you have created an artificial barrier between the granite and all the liquid spills. A better penetrating sealant will also give extra protection as it will penetrate the pores in the granite and seal them. This type of sealant will give protection for a longer duration and also enhance the appearance.

At least once a week it is advisable to clean your granite countertop with a stone cleaner. By doing this you will be able to maintain a shiny and clean surface for a long time to come.