How to Take Care of Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops because it's attractive and durable. Most acids won't harm it and it's hard enough to avoid most scratches. Natural stones can be found to match any kitchen decor because of the many patterns and colors they can be found in. Most granite countertops are sealed to prevent food and liquids from staining. While granite is difficult to damage, a little preventive care and attention to spills will keep the surface looking new. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hot pads Cutting boards Commercial cleaners Paper towels Acetone Plastic wrap Sealant
Instructions
-
Caring for Granite
-
1
Clean up spills as soon as they happen using a sponge or a soft cloth and hot water.
-
2
Use coasters under bottles, cans and glasses to protect surfaces on countertops that are not sealed.
-
-
3
Place hot pads under pots and pans. The pans themselves won't damage the granite, but material trapped between the pan and the surface might cause scratching. The granite can also be too hot to touch after removing the pan.
-
4
Treat grease stains by placing several layers of paper towels over the stain and saturating the towels with acetone. Cover with plastic wrap and tape it down. Wait 24 hours and take the plastic off. Leave the towels in place until they dry. Seal the countertop once the stain is gone.
-
5
Don't use bleach, glass cleaners or ammonia on granite. They can degrade granite, making it more likely to stain.
-
6
Avoid using bathtub or tub and tile cleaners. Many of them contain abrasives that might dull granite countertops.
-
7
Clean countertops with commercial products made specifically for cleaning granite or natural stone.
-
8
Use cutting boards when working with acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Using cutting boards also reduces damage to your knives.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Most, but not all, granite countertops should be sealed. Check with the manufacturer or installer. Granite contains soft minerals like mica, which are the most likely parts to stain. Use the paper towel method to clean up food stains, but use hydrogen peroxide (at least 30%) instead of acetone.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Fishers Indiana
