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Granite Counter Tops - Proper Care & Maintenance

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For its hard and non-porous surface, granite is a popular material to use when it comes to kitchen countertops. Regardless of its comparatively strong ability to withstand stains & chemical harms, however, proper maintenance is necessary to ensure the longevity of granite countertops. Maintenance for your counter tops includes both sealing and cleaning to keep them looking as good as new for many more years. Here are a couple of tips on how to seal & clean your counter tops without making any improper damage.

Daily Cleaning

Keeping the surface clean from spills is the first step in caring for granite countertops. Should there be a spill, get rid of it instantly and then rinse with warm water. If an acidic substance such as lemon, orange, or vinegar has been spilled, this is even more important.

Everyday, you should wipe your granite counter tops with a soft cloth using a mild detergent. This will ensure any surface deposits are removed & keep your countertops looking new for a long while. Strong chemical cleaners should never be used, ’cause they can damage the sealant. You also want to avoid some powder detergents because surface of counter tops can get scratch by these.

More daily care instructions:

- Routinely dust the counter surface - Rinse well using warm water after using any cleaners or soaps on the granite - Do not use ammonia or bleach on your countertop - Sanitize the surface with a few drops of a pH-neutral cleaner - Though granite counter tops are frequently marketed as heat resistant, constantly avoid placing hot pots right on top

Occasional Sealing

Another important part of a care routine is sealing granite counter tops, as the seal enables the countertops to retain the beautiful high gloss finish. Every six months, your granite top should be resealed. It is often impossible to detect sealant wear, so even if it doesn’t look worn, granite countertops should still be resealed 2 times every year.

If you want to avoid the hassle typically involved in granite countertop care, there are permanent granite sealers, or you may wish to consider engineered granite which doesn’t require regular sealing.

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