Granite Countertops Care 101

There are, however, two angles of granite countertops care that you need to know if you want to make your conutertop look as good as when the day you bought it even after years of use: one is its short-term care while the other is its long-term care.

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Short-term granite countertops care

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The short-term granite countertops care involves keeping the surface free of everyday spills to keep it clean and hygienic. All that is needed for the daily maintenance of granite countertops is a soft, absorbent cloth and some mild detergent.

This removes any surface deposits and keeps your countertop looking like new. Granite may be impervious to stains, but spillage of harsh chemicals must be cleaned up as soon as possible.

It is important to keep in mind that contrary to popular belief, the sealant that gives granite countertops its gloss can be damaged by certain types of substances. It is especially susceptible to acidic substances, and common kitchen items liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice can eat away at the sealant if not immediately sponged off.

Harsh chemicals should similarly be avoided when cleaning the surface. Again, the sealant can be damaged by the chemicals in them, and even some powder detergents may have particles that could scratch the sealant. For daily granite countertops care, here are a few tips:

-Dust the surface regularly.
-To disinfect, only use a few drops of cleaners with neutral pH, a mild liquid dishwashing solution, or stone soap.
-Rinse the surface properly after applying detergents, cleaners, and soap solutions.
-Never mix ammonia and bleach, as this combination gives rise to a toxic gas which may even be lethal.
-Even if granite countertops are heat resistant, avoid placing extremely hot pots and pans on the surface without trivets as the surface absorbs heat rapidly and tends to spread it.

Long-term granite countertops care

This type of care won't take too much of your time but is extremely important for the longevity of your countertop. This refers to the reapplication of sealant twice a year, as you won't be able to detect the wearing away of the sealant over a period but it fades and is affected by acids nevertheless.

In order to keep it looking new, apply a special granite sealant on it every 6 months. Ask your countertop dealer where to purchase this, or look for it in home depots or at Lowes.

The easiest way to apply it is by pouring it into a spray bottle to avoid mess. Simply spray it over the entire granite Kitchen Countertop Tips, gently wipe to incorporate it into the stone surface, and let dry for a few hours. You can also use regular car wax if you don't want to spend too much on a sealant. This process takes only about 3 minutes but helps to make your countertop last a lifetime.

Granite Countertops Care 101

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