How to Maintain Granite Kitchen Countertop to Keep Them Flawless?

When it comes to kitchen countertops, nothing looks better than natural stones. Yet, the maintenance they require may scare off people from opting for them. This is not true for granite. Once you get the hang of how to maintain granite kitchen countertops, you wouldn't find the process so daunting!

After all, granite is resistant to abrasion, heat, and stains, making it an ideal for a durable countertop. These characteristics also make maintenance and care quite easy.

All you need to do is provide your kitchen countertop with preventive care, and you will be able to retain granite's appearance for years to come.

This guide will help you learn about how to care for your kitchen countertops such that you only ever feel the need to replace them when you are bored with your kitchen interior.

How to maintain granite kitchen countertops by daily cleaning

It does matter if a given natural stone is low-maintenance; each still requires consistent care for longevity. In the case of granite, you must make a point of cleaning it daily to avoid any dirt buildup that may tarnish the look and quality of the natural stone. This can be achieved in two simple steps.

1- Use a suitable cleaner or the classic combination

There are two roads you can take with cleaning your granite countertop. Firstly, you can opt for warm water and soap. Secondly, you can choose to purchase cleaners that are specifically made for granite countertops.



Regardless of which of the two options you choose, always ensure that you select a soap or cleaner that has a neutral pH. Acidic cleaners like ammonia and vinegar can damage the countertop's sealant, consequently leaving the surface exposed for damages.

2- Be gentle

Use a soft cloth rather than a rough sponge. This will make sure that you don't cause any scratches on the surface of the countertop. While you must clean the granite countertop every day, you must also be very gentle with the process.



Always use a separate dry clean cloth or a paper towel to dry the area once you clean the surface. Dry it properly to prevent any water stains. Even though granite is resistant to most stains, it doesn't hurt to be careful!

Granite Countertops: Upkeep Tips

Learning how to maintain granite kitchen countertops goes beyond daily cleaning and sealing. There are various precautions you need to take during your everyday usage. This includes the following.

1- Cook responsibly

Do not place any acidic items directly on the granite surface, like oranges, lemons, or nectarines. Just like acidic cleaners can damage the stone, so can such items. Similarly, bacteria from meat can also seep inside the pores of the stone. Hence, do not place the meat directly on the countertop.

While granite is generally stain resistant, oil stains can persist and cause discoloration. Therefore, if you ever spill oil onto the surface, make a point of cleaning it promptly.

2- Use cutting board and trivets

Not only does a cutting board prevent you from accidentally hurting yourself while chopping things, but it can also prevent your knives from getting blunt edges as well as your granite countertop from developing crests.



Additionally, do not place hot utensils on granite directly. This can cause the surface to crack. Instead, make use of trivets that hold hot pans away slightly away from the surface.

3- Use coasters under bottles, glasses, and cans

Again, while granite won't be easily etched since it is quite a sturdy and hard natural stone, it doesn't hurt to take the extra precaution. Just as a good practice, use coasters under all bottles, cans, and glasses.

Seasonal Maintenance: Sealing the granite countertop

One step about how to maintain granite kitchen countertops that cannot be avoided for granite, and all other natural stones, is sealing the countertop. You must examine the stone at least once annually to see if it needs to be resealed.

How to know when it is time to reseal?

Splash a small quantity of water on the surface of your granite countertop. Observe it to see if the water sits on the granite stone in the shape of a small bead or whether it flows freely. In case it does not "bead up," you need to get the countertop resealed.



Perform this test on the areas of the surface that are in most use. It is possible for the seal to be damaged in the same place and not in others.

The Sealing Process

Once you have identified that your granite countertop needs to be resealed, here are the steps that you must take to seal it.

1- Find the right sealer

A quick run to the market will be enough to realize that there are quite a variety of sealers available. Choose one appropriate for granite and one which fits within your budget for the task.

2- Clean and clear the countertop

Before you start the sealing process, first clear out the countertop. Then proceed by carrying out your daily cleaning routine. Make sure that the countertop is devoid of any dirt, grease, or stain before you seal it.

3- Ventilate your kitchen

Open all windows of your kitchen or nearby areas. Open the door and turn on fans. If you don't have any fans in your kitchen, bring a table fan into the room. Also, turn on the fan of the adjusting rooms to properly ventilate the workspace.

4- Apply the countertop sealer

Every sealer comes with a set of instructions. You must follow the guidelines to the tee. For starters, depending on the type of product you purchase, you may be required to either spray the product on the countertop or pour the solution onto it.



You must coat the granite countertop properly with the sealer and then wait for up to 10 minutes. In case the sealer gets absorbed in five minutes, add an additional coat to the countertop. At the end of 10 minutes, wipe off any remaining sealer and let the countertop remain unused for 24 hours.

Will your granite countertop stain?

While there is a general notion that granite countertops are stain-resistant, the level to which they are varied.

To decide whether a given slab of the natural stone will stain, keep in mind the following:

• Darker colors (brown, black, blue) are less porous and, hence, are less likely to get stained easily. Black granite is dense enough to be nearly impossible to get stained and hence doesn't often require sealing.
• Lighter colors (white, beige, cream) are very porous and hence get stained very easily. You must seal the surface religiously and take additional precautions to remove stains.

To know how to remove granite stains, you must first identify the cause of the stain. Then, you have to match the cause with the right chemical ingredient.

How to remove stains from granite countertops?

While most granite is stain-resistant, sometimes, certain stains may persist. Here is what you should do to remove them.

Watermarks

If your granite is quite porous, or the spill was very large, and proper care was taken right afterward, you might end up with discolored granite. To remove such spots, use warm water and soap to gently wash away the stain. Rinse away the residue and dry the area.



If the water stain does not go away upon cleaning, make a paste of water and baking soda and use fine wool to gently buff the watermark.

Oil stains

Baking soda and water are the perfect enemies of oil-based stains. Apply this paste to the affected area using a soft cloth. Leave the paste be for an hour, and then take a damp cloth to remove the residue. Make sure to dry it well. In case the stain persists, redo the process several times.

Organic food stains

Food stains can seem quite unappealing. Yet, they are quite common on kitchen countertops! To remove food stains like those created by fruits, soy sauce, coffee, etc., use hydrogen peroxide if general cleaning methods fail.

Ending Remarks

You might have realized by now that learning how to maintain granite kitchen countertops is not that hard after all!

Neither is the maintenance of granite too costly, nor is it too hectic. Especially if you take precautions from the get-go, be very punctual about your daily cleaning routine. Always buff away any excess moisture you find on the surface and run a reseal test at least once every few months.

All that the granite countertop needs are daily attention and care. If you handle it with care, your granite kitchen countertop will easily last a lifetime. Follow our cleaning and maintenance tips and see the results for yourself!

Are there any other hacks you think homeowners should keep in mind when caring for their granite countertops? Let us all know by commenting below.