What Maintenance Should Be Done on Granite Countertops?

Clean and seal granite counters with stone care products.

Granite countertops are used in more kitchen designs than ever before. Homeowners may choose granite for its style, durability and rich color palette. If this is the case, homeowners may not know how to properly treat the granite. Using the wrong cleaners or products on a granite counter could lead to damage. Learning how to properly care for and maintain a granite counter is a must.

Granite Overview

Granite is an igneous rock made of mica, feldspar and quartz. Not every granite is equal and not every stone sold as granite is, in fact, granite. Stones with similar characteristics to granite are sold under this name, but may be different. One stone, called Absolute Black, is actually a gabbro.

All stones have similar basic needs, while some stones may require more care. To determine whether you have a high-maintenance stone, leave water in a inconspicuous area for a short time. The more water that's absorbed into the stone, the higher the granite's needs and more sealing it requires.

Cleaning Granite Counters

Granite, like all natural stone, is a porous material. Some of granite's minerals are weaker than others. To avoid removing the weaker particles from your stone and etching or dulling its surface, always use a stone cleaner or a mild, neutral detergent. Never use products that contain acids such as lemon. Quickly wipe up spills to avoid absorption into the stone.

Stain Removal

If your granite has absorbed such materials as oil or impurities from water, use a stone poultice to help restore the stone. Poultices are spread over the stone and covered with a sheet of plastic. The poultice draws the stain from inside the granite to the surface so it can be cleaned.

Sealing

Most granites require sealing to protect them from moisture absorption. If a stone doesn't require sealing, either because it's nonporous or has been sealed, you can watch water bead on its surface. If water doesn't bead, but is being absorbed, the stone should be sealed. Use an impregnating sealer with a silicone base for sealing. This fills the invisible holes in the granite without changing the stone's appearance. The sealer is brushed on and wiped off after 10 minutes.

Chip Repair

Some granites have weak spots known as fissures or pits. If a crack or chip appears on one of these weak spots, fix it with a granite repair epoxy kit. The kits come in colors to match most stones. The epoxy can be applied in minutes, strengthening the stone and protecting it from further damage.

References

• The Tile Doctor: Stone Cleaning Information
• Marble Life: Stone Tips
• Find Stone: Marble and Granite Maintenance - Dos and Don'ts