Common Do's & Don'ts of Granite Care

If you would like to keep your granite in good condition, you should steer clear of any habits that may harm it. Natrual stone, such as marble, limestone, granite, and quartz, tend to be very similar. However, the ways in which one maintains them differs.

Below are some common do's and don’ts when it comes to caring for granite.

The Do's of Granite Care

Mop up any spills immediately when they happen. Although acidic substances such as wine, fruit juice, sauces and the like may not damage granite as much as they would marble, they still have the potential of staining the surface. Cooking oil could also cause stains on the granite if not blotted immediately it is spilled.

Use a soft cloth or a sponge when cleaning. One of the recommended granite cleaners is NuetraSheen as it can be used on a range of surfaces while protecting the sealer on the stone. However, if you do not have this cleaning agent you could do with hot water and a soft cloth for quick wipe downs. Dish washing soap may not ruin your granite countertops immediately but over time you will notice some damage as this type of soap tends to dim the shine.

Invest in coasters. To ensure there are no ring stains on your granite, it is recommended you use coasters when serving drinks in glasses, bottles, or even cans.

Place hot pans on trivets or hot pads. Although thermal shock from placing hot items on the granite is rare, you would rather be safe than sorry. In addition to this, pots and pans tend to accumulate grit over time. Although granite is a hard surface, it could still end up getting light scratches from this.

Always use a cutting board. It is very tempting to cut your vegetables or meat on the countertop, as granite is a hard surface. However, not only do you stand the risk of chipping the granite but you could also end up ruining your knives.

Mop up granite floors on a regular basis. Most homeowners may prefer using a vacuum cleaner as it is faster but you could end up chipping the floor if there is any grit that is jammed in the wheels. You are much better off using a dry duct mop that has not been treated with any chemicals.

Have runners and door mats. The dirt carried in on people’s shoes can be abrasive to your granite floors. This can lead to scratching, wich is difficult to restore.

The Don’ts of Granite Care

Don't use generic granite cleaning products. Most generic household cleaners contain a host of chemicals that could degrade the sealer on your granite thus leaving it susceptible to stains.

Don't use vinegar. This and other acid based products such as lemon or ammonia are harmful to granite. These acids can result in etching on countertops and flooring

Don't use bathroom and grout cleaners. These powders are abrasive and can causes scratches on granite surfaces.

Don't sit on the countertops. Although granite is hard, it is not flexible thus exposing it to a lot of weight in a single spot could cause it to crack.

Don't store toiletries on them. These products tend to leak and could stain the granite.

Tips for Cleaning Granite Stone Surfaces

Maintaining and cleaning granite should not be a difficult task. By learning the characteristics of granite stone, as well as the right way of cleaning it, you can better ensure your granite remains in great condition for many years to come.

1. Staining: A common misconception that people have is that granite is a porous natural stone, and as such will stain at the drop of a hat. Although it is true slightly porous, it is still a resilient stone that can be properly protected against stains. One of the ways of ensuring that your granite surfaces do not stain easily would be covering them with a sealer. Granite sealants are ideal for preventive maintenance and sustaining the natural look of your granite.

2. Etching: Etching is not the same as staining. With chemical etching, the granite’s surface is compromised by acidic substances which corrode granite and give it a dull appearance. The common culprits that cause etching are chemical household cleaners that comprise of an array of harsh acids. As much as sealing will prevent staining, it will not fully protect against chemical etching, for most acidic substances will eat through a granite sealer.

When it comes to granite, the best places to use it would be as granite showers, flooring, tub surrounds, stone fireplaces, and powder baths and so on. The granite is less likely to experience chemical etching in these applications. Although most people think caring for granite is a difficult task - this is not so. As long as you familiarize yourself with its properties and keep in mind that it is different from other stone surfaces, you will take the necessary precautions that will ensure you are caring for it through the right procedures. Here are additional tips for cleaning granite:

1. Do no use generic cleaning products when it comes to the care of granite. These are what usually cause damage to the surface through chemical etching. Instead, use only a granite cleaner that is specially formulated for granite and similar natural stone materials.

2. When searching for granite cleaning products, look for those that are specifically formulated to clean granite. Some homeowners may take shortcuts and simply by cleaning products that are cheaper. These products will end up costing you more in the long run as you would be required to look into re-polishing the granite or repairing any etching.

Information is vital. If you have a lot of granite surfaces in your home, then you would be best advised to stay on top of knowing what would be right for cleaning your granite surfaces and what products would damage these surfaces.