cleaning granite

Granite is a high-end, durable option for all types of countertops. For many people, granite countertops are a must-have. When properly cared for, granite has the potential to stand the test of time.

If you want your granite to last, you can take some simple steps to preserve its integrity. Check out these granite maintenance tips from GranitePro.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any room in your home. It’s understandable for people to have concerns about taking care of your countertops when you make this type of upgrade.

While granite countertops are more work than vinyl countertops, the look and feel make the additional maintenance worth the hassle. You can use the following tips to maintain your granite countertops in Elkridge, MD, for years to come.

Sealing Your Countertops

Sealers aren’t necessary for all types of granite, but it might be helpful to use a granite sealer in your kitchen or bathroom (where spills and moisture are inevitable.

Granite is a porous material, so having it sealed can help maintain its coloring, repel stains and enhance the stone’s natural shine.

Clean up Spills Quickly

It’s always best to immediately clean up spills on your granite, regardless of whether you’ve applied a sealer. Certain liquids can get into the stone and change the coloring of your granite over time if it’s allowed to sit too long. Be sure to clean your countertops with hot, soapy water regularly.

For daily messes, it’s easy to wipe down your granite with a soapy rag. Avoid abrasive brushes and harsh chemicals that could affect your granite countertop’s sealant. Specially formulated granite cleaners are also available, but cleaning granite with mild dish soap is another safe option.

Keep Food off Your Maryland Countertops

You will want to avoid putting meats directly on your granite countertops. Acidic products can be harmful to your granite countertops as well. As a rule, use a cutting board or plate instead of putting food directly on the countertop. This will help protect your countertops from discoloration.

Preserve Your Stone with Granite Countertop Sealing

Granite countertops need to be sealed to preserve their shine. A sealant will also protect the surface from staining. We recommend sealing countertops at least once a year.

Light-colored granite countertops usually need to be sealed more often than dark ones because light-colored granite is more porous and susceptible to damage.

More Granite-Saving Tips From the Maryland Granite Experts

• Use a cutting board to cut (don’t place food directly on the granite).
  Don’t place a hot pan directly on the granite. The stone has the potential to become cracked or damaged.
  Please don’t stand on the countertops. If you need to reach something on a high shelf, use a stepstool. Granite is slippery, and you don’t want the bottom of your feet contaminating food-prep areas.
  Clean up spills right away. Soak up the liquid with a dry rag, use hot water, a cloth, and some mild dish soap to eliminate stickiness.
• Ceramics are beautiful, but they have the potential to scratch your Maryland countertops. Always place something between ceramic and granite. Scratched granite is not a good look.
• Try not to drop heaving items on your countertops. Granite is a sturdy material, but it is not indestructible. Construction should not happen around granite countertops.
• When painting, make sure your granite countertops are securely covered.
  Treating your granite (as advised by a professional) can help maintain your granite countertops’ look and shine.

Best Countertops in Columbia, MD

Whether you have granite countertops installed or are looking to add new granite countertops to your Columbia, Maryland home, the team at GranitePro will here to assist you every step of the way. Contact GranitePro at 410.875.7579 to speak with a countertop professional in Columbia, MD.