Anything of value needs to be cared for in a manner that helps to maximize its beauty, functionality, and longevity. Your home requires painting every 8-12 years. Your deck needs to be re-stained every 3-5 years. And the granite surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom require the same level of regular attention. Your granite countertops and surfaces should be cleaned as needed, polished weekly, and sealed every 12-18 months.
There are many types of granite surface cleaners, polishes, and sealers on the market. Obviously, we’re a little partial to the line of Rock Doctor products, but for the purposes of this blog article, we’ll talk more about the process and the need to keep your granite surfaces and countertops looking great.
Some folks will look at a dense slab of granite in their kitchen or bathroom and wonder why anybody would need to clean, polish, or seal a granite countertop. There is a simple answer: Granite is a popular material for countertops, due to the fact that it is dense, strong, and highly-resistant to cracking and chipping. Granite is mainly composed of silica or quartz-like particles that form natural, beautiful colors that are long-lasting in appearance. Granite also has a texture and a density that is highly-resistant to deterioration over time. But, that’s not to say that there aren’t substances in your kitchen or bathroom that can etch or dull or even discolor your granite surfaces. In short, granite is durable, but not indelible; it still requires regular care.
The enemies of granite countertops and granite surfaces include any substance or liquid that is high in acid content. This includes citrus or fruit juice, vinegar, tomatoes or tomato sauce, soda pop, beer, hard liquor, mustard, and coffee. In addition, any cleaning products that are vinegar- or bleach-based may also be a detriment to the appearance of your granite surfaces. Also, any abrasive substance (sand, dirt, grit) can easily scratch and permanently damage your granite countertops. Lastly, you don’t want to place anything that’s hot off the stove or out of the oven directly on your granite countertop. Always use a trivet, pot holder, or placemat under anything that’s hot to the touch.
By regularly cleaning, polishing, and sealing your granite countertops, you’ll be ridding them of surface spills and build-up that may contribute to discoloration over time. You’ll also be adding a protective layer on the surface of the granite material to help guard the natural color and shine. When selecting a granite cleaner or polish, make sure you look for ones that are specifically designed to safely clean stone counter-tops, vanities, and table tops with a non-abrasive formula. When cleaning and polishing your granite surfaces, you can use a soft, absorbent cloth. But, for sealing a granite countertop, you’ll want to use cotton or paper towels.
Important Note: All granite tabletops, countertops, and vanities should be treated with a protective sealer before any cleaning or polishing products are used.
Your granite countertops and surfaces should give you a lifetime of beautiful service in your kitchen or bathroom (or both!), so remember to keep them clean and free of harmful substances.
This article was brought to you by Rock Doctor, which offers a line of specially-formulated Granite & Quartz Cleaner, Granite & Quartz Polish, and Granite & Stone Sealer aerosol products. Rock Doctor products can be purchased through a number of fine retail stores, including Wal-Mart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ace Hardware, Do it Best Hardware, Hy-Vee, and Wegmans.