Installing granite countertops is an excellent way to add style and elegance to your home. Due to its durability, heat and moisture resistance, and cost, granite can increase the value of your home, making it a popular countertop option for many homeowners. Granite countertops are an investment, so you want to keep them in the best shape possible.
To make them last, the experts at Rock Doctor explain why you need to seal your granite countertops.
Clean and Disinfect your Granite Faster
Like many natural stones used in homes, such as marble and limestone, granite is porous. This means the stone has tiny, open spaces in its surface. Stones with higher porosity levels can harbor bacteria due to the higher number of these small openings, something you don’t want your granite countertops to do.
Properly sealed granite countertops are extremely hygienic, making disinfecting them a sinch. Granite sealers, like the Rock Doctor Granite and Stone Sealer, penetrate deeply into the stone to bond and create a protective layer against bacteria, dust, and dirt.
With the natural pores sealed, moisture, dirt, and bacteria can no longer penetrate past the surface of your granite countertops. With just a stone-safe cleaner, it’s easy to keep your granite countertops clean.
Prevent your Granite Countertops from Dulling
Granite countertops are a luxury in many households and rarely show wear. Sometimes, people think their granite has lost its shine and has started to dull. If that happens, it might just need a polish. With so many granite polishes out there, it’s hard to know which is the best granite polish for your countertops.
After you polish your granite countertops, the shine should return. If you want to keep that shine for as long as possible, you’ll want to add in a layer of granite sealer. Properly protecting your granite countertops with the right polish and sealer can keep your granite countertops looking brand new for longer.
Protect your Granite from Stains
Spills happen, and your granite surfaces should be able to handle most of them. However, granite countertops are susceptible to damage from moisture due to their pores. When moisture gets down into the pores of the stone, discoloration and structural damage can occur. Sealing granite can prevent these potential problems from arising.
Granite is naturally stain resistant, but some liquids, like grease, wine, and dark-colored juices, can permanently stain your countertops if they get stuck in the granite’s pores.
So, what can we do?
Sealing granite countertops prevents stains from occurring by adding a protective layer. Like with bacteria, liquids aren’t able to penetrate through the granite sealer, and instead, rest on the surface. All you need to do is wipe away the mess and go. Since the liquid isn’t getting absorbed, your granite countertops remain dry and stain-free.
Less Wear and Tear
Granite is one of the strongest and most durable materials used for countertops. But, contrary to popular belief, it’s not indestructible. Even with granite countertops, it’s best to avoid scratches and cuts.
One of the best reasons to seal granite countertops is added protection. Granite sealers, like the Rock Doctor Granite and Stone Sealer, bond deeply with the stone surfaces. This keeps the natural look and feel of the granite, while adding an invisible layer of protection from scratches and other hazards.
Naturally, granite is resistant to scratching and heat, but regularly applying a granite sealer to your countertops will make them last longer.
Better for the Environment
Granite is not a high maintenance material, making it the perfect substance to use on your home’s high traffic surfaces. Once your granite is sealed properly, keeping it clean is both easy and eco-friendly.
Properly sealed granite countertops don’t need harsh chemicals to keep them clean and stay hygienic. Once properly sealed, your granite countertops won’t harbor bacteria growth or collect dust and dirt as easily, making cleaning and maintenance easy.
Though commonly found in household cleaning supplies, harsh chemicals are reported to have harmful effects on the environment and indoor air quality. Keeping granite countertops clean without using these harsh chemicals makes it the eco-friendly choice for your countertops.
Do My Countertops Need to be Sealed?
Regularly sealing your granite countertops makes cleaning easier and adds a layer of protection from scratches. This keeps your granite countertops looking newer longer.
To see if your granite countertops need resealed, the water test is a common test you can do at home. All you need is some water and a clock or timer.
- Pour ¼ cup of water onto your granite countertop.
- Time how long it takes for the water to absorb into your granite countertop. It will darken once it absorbs.
- Depending on how much time it takes for the water to absorb determines if you should seal your countertop or not.
If the water is immediately absorbed into your granite countertop, a sealer is needed. We recommend adding several layers for added protection.
If the water stayed at the surface for less than 5 minutes, we recommend adding a few layers of granite sealer. Routinely adding more sealer will continue to protect your granite countertops.
If the water took up to 10 minutes to absorb, we would recommend one or two layers of added sealer.
If, after 30 minutes, the water still isn’t completely absorbed into your granite countertop or absorbing at all, no sealer is needed.
We created this guide on how to properly seal your granite countertops to keep them looking brand new. We recommend sealing every 6-12 months for lasting protection. For best results, always follow the instructions listed on the packaging.
Granite countertops need to be sealed for lasting protection against stains and scratches. Properly sealed granite countertops make cleaning and maintenance easier, preserving the natural beauty within your home.
To keep your countertops looking their best for years to come, our complete line of granite and stone cleaners is the perfect choice. Now available at all Lowe’s Home Improvement and participating True Value, Do it Best, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware locations.
