Granite countertops are a great addition to any home. Granite is highly durable. It can really stand up to a lot of abuse, but like all-natural stone surfaces, it needs to be cared for.

There is the right way to care for your granite countertops and a wrong way. If you are like 10% of homeowners that did a kitchen or bath redo it is important that you understand how to care for the surfaces. Learning how to care for your granite countertops properly is the key to enjoying their long-lasting beauty.

Let’s Dispel Some Of the Cleaner Myths

There is a lot of inaccurate information out there about how to care for your stone countertop. Granite countertops Bellingham homeowners have discovered should never be cleaned with any caustic cleaners, and what they also found out, sometimes natural cleaners can be caustic.

Lemon juice, orange cleaners, and other citrus-based cleaners contain citric acid which can leave tiny little etches in the countertop. You should also never use ammonia-based cleaners or tub and tile cleaners on any natural stone. The best cleaner to use is warm water and a soft cloth, or a manufacturer-approved cleaning agent.

Many well-known commercial cleaners are not well-suited for cleaning granite, marble and other stone surfaces. They can cause damage that can weaken the stone.

Do This

To keep your granite countertop looking showroom new, clean up spills immediately. Granite can stain. Cleaning up spills immediately can help to avoid staining. Use a soft damp sponge to wipe away grime. You can use mild dish soap but use it sparingly. The best option is to use a cleaner that is specifically formulated for granite countertops.

While granite is durable don’t make a habit of putting hot pots directly on the surface. Over time you can mar the finish. Use a trivet under hot pots.

You also want to break some bad habits to keep your countertop looking great. Do not put wet glasses and other wet items directly on the surface, use a coaster. Water rings are a rarity with granite but it can and has happened before.

Sealing

Whether you have to seal your countertop or not depends on what type of granite your countertop is made of. Before you make any decisions about DIY’ing sealant on your countertop, consult with an expert. It is always best to be safe than sorry when it comes to caring for your granite.