Granite Care
Granite may stain or scratch so please make note of the following care information tips as Deluxe Granite Ltd. will not be held liable for any misuse or abuse to the finished product after installation.
Granite’s popularity is in no small part due to the fact that it is fairly low-maintenance. It is hard, resistant to scratches and dents, and heat-resistant.
This doesn’t mean that the stone requires no regular maintenance and is invincible. It is an investment that if cared for properly, will outlast the test of time.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
The easiest way of cleaning granite countertops is to simply use warm water and liquid dish soap. This is a gentle way to clean the grease and grime from your granite counters without damaging them.
After cleaning you should rinse the countertops thoroughly and dry with a cotton or micro-fibre cloth.
- Never use powdered cleansers to clean your stone as they contain pumice which is an abrasive.
- Never use a Magic Eraser.
- Never use acidic cleaners that may include ammonia when cleaning granite countertops.
Get in the habit of blotting up spills as soon as they occur. This will help prevent stains on your countertops. Avoid rubbing spills as this could spread them and make larger stains.
One problem with soap is that over time it can form a visible haze on the surface. This is especially a problem with dark stone. It can easily be fixed but you’ll need a good cleaner specifically formulated for granite counters.
Granite is extremely hard but like any natural stone, it is slightly porous. Anything acidic can etch the glossy surface and oils can soak into an unsealed top, so it’s important to quickly clean up spills like wine, oil, mustard, citrus or chemicals before they can soak into the surface of damage the gloss.
Although water left to puddle on the surface of the granite will leave a dark stain, this will disappear when it dries out completely. To be safe, we recommend sealing granite countertops to reduce absorption of oils and liquids that may stain the granite.
Removing Stains from Granite
If you have a stain on your granite countertop that you cannot remove you can try some of these ideas:
Marker stains can often be wiped away using acetone of lacquer thinner, especially on dark granite colors. If you have a light color granite installed you can also try hydrogen peroxide instead.
A good way to remove stubborn granite stains is to use a poultice, which will draw out the stain or oil from the granite into the poultice. Try making a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, thickened with enough flour to make a paste. Apply this paste carefully to the stain and cover with plastic to keep it from drying out too quickly. Leave overnight and scrape away with a wooden utensil to avoid scratches.
If the granite stain is from oil, you can try the same poultice but substitute hydrogen peroxide for the dishwashing liquid in the above formula.
For stubborn oil stains try placing a hot, wet, terry cloth towel on the stain, then place an iron on full steam on top of the towel. This will help break down the stain and you can then use the poultice to draw out the oil.
If you aren’t successful with these methods, please do not to hesitate to call us. We will be more than happy to help you!
Sealing Granite Countertops
Your beautiful new granite countertops are sealed prior to installation in your home.
It is important to seal your granite countertop using a natural stone sealer once per year.
Like all other natural stones, granite is naturally porous. This means it is susceptible to stains until it is sealed. You can leave them unsealed, but sealing them can help protect their finish and keep them looking better for longer. Fortunately, sealing is a fairly simple process and inexpensive process.
A good way to check the state of sealer on your granite surface is to sprinkle some water on your countertop. If it doesn’t dry up but soaks into the stone it needs to be re-sealed. This can be done once a year or as necessary.
Applying the granite countertop sealer is as easy as wiping it on using a soft cotton cloth. The sealer is absorbed into the microscopic pores of the granite and is safe for food handling.
Deluxe granite carries a full line of granite care products to keep your investment looking its absolute best!