Granite kitchen countertops are a popular choice among many homeowners. If you want a gorgeous countertop material, granite is an excellent choice. In addition to its attractive appearance, granite is known for its outstanding durability and low maintenance requirements over time. When adequately sealed, the material is resistant to most stains and can tolerate high heat.

Granite has many advantages, but it also has certain disadvantages. Granite, like any other countertop material, will exhibit signs of wear and tear over time, especially if not properly maintained.

How do you take good care of your countertops to ensure that they last and look good for a long time? There are plenty of ways to go about it, with the common ones being:

Use the right cleaning products.

To clean your granite countertops without damaging them, avoid using the following products:

Household cleaners: Avoid using strong, acidic cleaners and abrasive materials. Over time, these chemicals and materials can wear away at the surface, making your countertops more stain-prone. Even while bleach is safe for granite, it is best to dilute it before using it to clean your counters.

Bathroom cleaners: Many bathroom or tile cleaners contain abrasives that damage and dull the granite surface.

Other household items: Cooking oils, manicure treatments, creams, and lotions can all stain your granite surface, even if the lid is on and the product is left on the counter for an extended period of time.

Most standard household cleaners are okay to use on granite, but choosing soft and non-abrasive choices can help keep your countertops clean and unspoiled. To give your granite countertops a glossy finish, put a few drops of cooking oil on the surface and gently rub with a soft cloth.

Keep in mind that granite requires periodic resealing. Daily use can wear down the sealant, resulting in a drab look. Regular upkeep and resealing will make your granite gleam.

After determining which materials are damaging to the surface of your countertops, use some of these basic best practices for cleaning granite countertops and preserving their brilliance and shine.

Exercise best countertop cleaning practices

Some of the best practices you should engage in include:

Wipe up spills right away: Basic maintenance, such as clearing up spills as soon as possible, is critical. Spills can damage the surface, potentially resulting in dark or dull patches.

Wipe up spills with warm water and mild dish soap. To prevent unattractive watermarks, wipe down any wetness on the countertop right away using a dry cloth. Depending on the overall state and dirtiness of the countertop, you may need to repeat the process several times.

Clean your surfaces on a regular basis: Following various daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines can improve the appearance and longevity of your countertop. Grab a sponge or dishcloth and some hot water at the end of each day—or sooner if your countertop is unusually filthy.

Spray your preferred DIY granite cleaner on any particularly nasty areas, then wipe away with a dry cloth. This not only keeps your counters clean, but it also disinfects and protects them.

Scrub persistent stains weekly: Clear off the countertop space to reach even the toughest areas. Spray the granite cleanser all over the surface, including the edges where crumbs tend to gather over time.

You can also use this chance to clean up any dust and dirt that has gathered in other areas of the kitchen, such as your appliances and containers.

Protect your granite countertops.

Granite is a relatively durable countertop material that can withstand heat and other kitchen conditions. However, because it is porous, liquids can discolor the surface after sitting for an extended period of time.

It can also become scratched if you use sharp items on it. Aside from washing the countertops frequently, there are a few more strategies to keep your worktops in the best form. These strategies include:

Coasters: Coasters keep cups, glasses, and other items from dripping condensation onto your granite surface. They also protect against scratches and other wear and tear.

Although granite is generally scratch-resistant, adding an extra layer of protection to your valuable countertop is not a bad idea.

Cutting boards: Granite can withstand chopping, cutting, and preparing food directly on its surface. However, granite is hard enough to quickly dull and damage kitchen utensils. Using a cutting board will help to keep your kitchen’s other operating parts in good condition.

Oil dishes: Place bottles, such as olive oils, that sit on the worktops on a decorative dish or plate. Because these containers tend to leak or drip, placing them on a dish reduces the likelihood of them ruining the counters.

Seal your countertops at the right time.

Using proper cleaning procedures and materials keeps your countertops in good condition, but even the most rigorous cleaning regimen cannot prevent damage caused by improper sealing.

Despite what some experts may claim, it is not always necessary to seal your granite countertops at the end of the year. The absorption rate of the stone, as well as the type and quality of any previous granite sealer you’ve used, all have a significant impact on how frequently you’ll need to reseal your countertops.

The effectiveness of the initial sealer, as well as whether aggressive cleaners or cleaning agents harmed the countertops, all have an impact. The best approach to assess whether the countertop needs to be resealed is to look for signs of liquid absorption. One clear symptom of a compromised surface is a darker color around the sink, indicating that water is seeping into the granite.

When it’s time to reseal, use a high-quality substance that will protect the surface for years to come, some of the lower-cost goods may wear down faster, necessitating more frequent replacement.

If you’re not sure if your kitchen countertops NC are sealed, start by dropping some water on the surface. The water will either bead, indicating that the countertop is sealed correctly, or soak into the stone, indicating the need for a new seal.

The beauty of sealing the countertops is that you don’t have to hire a professional—you can do it by yourself. The only thing you need to do is to ensure that you do it using high-quality products.