Your granite countertop isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s an investment that will last a lifetime if you take care of it.
Naturally durable, granite is hard to damage– but it can be done if you’re not careful. To maintain their beauty and integrity, you need to pay a little attention to detail.
At Cutstone Company, we have years of experience with protecting natural stone. We’re central Alabama’s only fabricator fully accredited by the Natural Stone Institute.
Here are five of the most common mistakes made when caring for granite countertops, and what you should do instead.
1. Using Harsh Cleaners
Granite is a natural stone that can be sensitive to acidic or abrasive cleaners. Using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or citrus-based cleaners can etch or dull the surface of the granite.
Instead, opt for a mild pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for granite. Talk to your fabricator about what they recommend.
2. Not Sealing Regularly
Granite countertops should be sealed regularly to protect them from stains and spills. Many people forget to reseal their countertops or underestimate how frequently it needs to be done.
Depending on the type of granite and its usage, the sealing interval changes. This is an aspect of granite care that requires consultation with your fabricator. They can inform you about your granite’s sealing schedule and help you with the resealing process.
Failure to seal can result in the stone absorbing liquids, leading to stains and potential damage.
3. Using Abrasive Tools or Cleaners:
Granite is a tough stone. It’s rated from 6-8 on the Mohs scale, which measures mineral hardness. (For comparison, diamonds are a 10 and marble is a 4 on this scale.)
But it can be damaged if you aren’t careful. While the stone itself is unlikely to suffer much from being scrubbed with steel wool or harsh brushes, the sealant can be damaged. And if the sealant wears off and isn’t replaced, it can lead to damage and staining as the porous stone is exposed to spills and liquids.
Always make sure that you use soft cloths like microfiber or chamois and gentle sponges for cleaning your granite countertops, and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
4. Neglecting Spills
Allowing spills to sit on granite countertops for an extended period can lead to staining, especially if the spilled substance is acidic or highly pigmented, like wine or coffee.
This is especially important if you have light-colored granite with minimal veining. Promptly clean up spills to prevent them from seeping into any weak areas in the seal and causing discoloration.
5. Heat Exposure
Another mistake people make is putting hot pots and pans directly on the granite countertop. Now, this will not damage the underlying granite.
As an igneous rock, granite is essentially heatproof, so you don’t have to worry about it scorching or cracking. But heat can weaken the seal over time, and that’s where the mistake is made. If you put hot pots or pans on the countertop and weaken the seal over time, you’ll have an area of seal that’s prematurely weak.
This makes that part of the countertop more likely to stain and accelerates the sealing schedule. And oversealing can make the countertop appear cloudy– so put down a trivet or hot pad to protect the seal.
By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting proper care practices, you can ensure that your granite countertops remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
At Cutstone Company, we specialize in beautiful countertops that look amazing in your home. Contact us today for a free estimate on your next countertop project.
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