Granite is a natural stone of superior quality and beauty. It will add elegance and artistry to your home, as well as long endurance. Granite, like other natural products, can become dirty and lose its shine. Properly caring for your granite will help it maintain its lustrous allure.
In order to properly care for your granite you should start by having it professionally sealed. If it is unsealed or poorly sealed it can soak up oils, spills, and stains. A well sealed granite countertop will help maintain its luster, help prevent damage to the stone and make it almost impervious to bacteria.
Once you have taken this initial but very important step, keeping its beauty and elegance is simple. There are many different cleaners available. However, you should never use harsh chemicals to clean your granite. Acidic substances like vinegar, lemon, lime, ammonia, bleach and abrasives, such as powdered cleaners, can damage the sealant causing it to break down over time. Leaving your granite vulnerable to damage.
A simple solution of a mild liquid dish soap , water and a soft cloth is more than sufficient for daily cleaning and sanitizing. Choose a soap that is biodegradable and free of phosphates and aromatics. Your granite countertops should be cleaned daily.
For a deeper clean and sanitizer use isopropanol mix with water. Using a 50/50 mix of isopropanol and hot water in a spray bottle, liberally spray the surface of your granite. Allow the mixture to stand for 3-5 minutes then dry with a clean soft cloth using a circular motion. This process will not only clean and sanitize your granite but will restore the lustrous shine to your granite making it look brand new.
You should also check your granite for build up of grime and dirt. Simply run your hand over the surface checking for any bumps or pockets. To remove this grime, take a flat razor blade and run it along the surface of your stone. Granite is very hard and virtually scratch resistant. As long as the razor is flush with the granite, it should not harm the surface.
Over time and normal wear and tear it may be necessary to re-seal your granite. You should periodically test the sealant of your granite countertops to ensure its effectiveness. You can do this by placing a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads then you have a well sealed countertop. However if the water flattens and begins to soak in then you will need to have it re-sealed.
Taking the right steps to protect your granite countertops will help them remain beautiful and lustrous for years to come.