Granite is one of the toughest stones on the planet, and when used for worktops, it can provide you with a durable and usable surface that is easy to care for and easy to clean. However, if you want to preserve the life of your granite worktops and ensure they are always sparkling, you have to take the correct steps to care for them and use the right products to clean them.
In the following, we are going to discuss some of the most basic steps you should take to properly care for your granite worktop.
Sealing Your Granite Worktop
When you purchase a granite worktop, you need to understand how important sealing is. Granit is porous, and this means it can easily become stained if measures aren’t taken to seal it correctly.
Most professionals recommend that granite should be sealed once every six months. However, you can actually test your granite to see when exactly it needs sealed by pouring a bit of water on it and allowing it to sit there for a couple of minutes. You can then wipe down the surface and see if there is a different in colour between the area the water was on and the surrounding granite. If the water area is darker, this means the granite has become wet and it needs to be sealed. Keep this simple test in mind, because while twice a year sealing is generally recommended, your granite worktop could require more frequent sealing, depending on how it is used.
Sealing your granite surface protects it from standing water and grease.
Cleaning Your Worktops
While granite is one of the toughest stones in the world, it can easily fall victim to any type of acidity. Chemical cleaners, coffee, and orange juice can eat away at the sealant you use to protect your worktops and leave granite vulnerable to staining.
For this reason, it is best to clean granite naturally or with cleaners that are made specifically for this type of stone.
When cleaning, always remember these few simple tips:
Always use a gentle cloth for cleaning granite, like microfiber. Avoid using the rough side of sponges or scrubbing pads, because while granite is very durable, these items can still lightly scratch the surface.
For daily cleaning, warm water is typically all that is necessary. However, make sure to dry the worktop immediately after washing it to avoid absorption or staining.
If you want a deeper cleaning, or you are trying to get rid of some stubborn food stains, you can use a granite friendly cleaner, or dishwashing soap that is eco-friendly or pH neutral. However, make sure you rinse and dry the worktop immediately. If you notice your worktop looks streaky or dull, this means you did not rinse all of the soap off.
Never use chemical cleaners on your granite worktop. These can strip your sealant. Also, make sure to clean up any spills immediately, especially if they are acidic substances, like orange juice, vinegar, lemon, wine, or coffee, as these can harm your granite the same way as a chemical cleaner.
If you are having trouble getting rid of tough stains, you can create a mixture of one tablespoon dishwashing soap, warm water, and a cup of flour and stir it until it becomes a paste. The mixture can then be placed on the stain, covered with plastic wrap and left overnight. In the morning, use a wooden utensil, not a metal one, to scrape off both the paste and the stain, rinse the area thoroughly and dry it.
Keeping your granite worktops looking fantastic through the years isn’t difficult, as long as you remember to care for them properly. Seal them at least twice a year, and clean them naturally or with cleaners made specifically for granite.
Bob Gill is the General Manager at AGandM (Affordable Granite and Marble) and has many years’ experience in the granite industry. Affordable Granite and Marble Co Ltd are the leading stockist and importer of quality granite worktops and granite slabs, and are available in a wide range of colours. Granite worktops, marble worktop and quartz worktops from Affordable Granite & Marble Co can be sold supply only, or as a full template and fit service.