Monday, July 29, 2013

Care of Granite Counter

Granite counters are popular in kitchens. They provide a unique, uniform surface that's clear of grout lines, and relatively easy to keep clean. Granite counters can maintain a new appearance for years if cared for properly.

Sealer

    Seal granite counters after installation to prevent stains and maintain a uniformly shiny appearance. Re-seal the counter every year or two to extend its life and keep looking as good as new. A granite sealer can be found at most hardware stores or from a granite installer/distributor.

Cleaning

    It is best to clean granite counters with a granite cleaner, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. However, alternate cleaning methods are used as well. Martha Stewart uses Windex and towels to clean her countertops. Dishsoap and a sponge are also fine to use. Dry the counters with a soft cloth after cleaning.

Stain Removal

    While granite is very hard and scratch resistant, it can stain. When spills occur, wipe them up immediately. Red wine stains will clearly show up more on light granite than a darker granite, and should be blotted up before they penetrate into the stone. Clean greasy, oil-based spills with hydrogen peroxide or an ammonia-based cleaner and paint thinner. Bleach-based cleaners or acetone-based cleaners are recommended for ink and wine stains. Whatever the stain, the sooner it is dealt with the better. If cared for and cleaned properly, granite countertops are a beautiful, unique addition to any kitchen.

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