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Granite Counter Top Care:
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True, some black granites don't need it and neither does soapstone unless you simply want to darken the color, but confusion abounds regarding this issue.
How often do you apply granite sealer? How difficult is it, etc.
So, for a more thorough discussion go to applying granite sealer.
Do's & Don'ts
The easiest way to keep your stone looking great is to avoid bad habits that may damage it. Granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, quartz and solid surface are similar in many ways, but their differences require varying degrees of maintenance. However . . .If you utilize the granite care and cleaning procedures that follow for all your countertops . . . no matter what type of stone or surface . . . you'll eliminate most potential problems without ever having to think too hard about it or worry that you may be causing damage.
Acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce and sodas can etch the polish or stain the surface. Cooking oils may also leave a stain if not wiped up.
Do: Clean surfaces using a sponge or soft cloth.
Preferrably use a specially formulated stone cleaner, but warm water and a basic liquid dish soap will do for quick clean-ups. However, repeated or excessive use of soap will cause build-up and dull your countertop's shine.
Simple Green is another option (see: "Good Advice" below).
Do: Use coasters under all glasses, bottles and cans.
Will a beer bottle set on your granite for five minutes leave a ring? Not if it was sealed properly, but it would on marble.
Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch the polish or damage the surface. So for easy solid surface, natural stone and granite counter top maintenance, always use coasters no matter what the surface.
For glasses and dishes that pile up on the kitchen countertop (which should be granite) and around the kitchen sink, just be sure to rinse out with water before letting them set for any length of time.
Do: Use trivets and hot pads under pots, pans and dinnerware.
Yes, you can take a hot pot off the stove and put it right on granite, quartz or soapstone without any problems. Not true for all other surfaces. But you must consider other issues as well.
Grit that gets trapped between the pot and the countertop surface may scratch the surface--even granite. Granite is very hard and can take tons of abuse without any damage, but it does contain some softer minerals that could be chipped or scratched. The likelihood is pretty slim, but it is possible. And ALL other surfaces are softer that granite. Better safe than sorry.
If it does happen, don't fret too much. Most chips and scratches can be easily repaired, but it's best to avoid them by following the granite counter top care tips.
Also, once you remove the hot pan from the countertop the surface will be very hot and may burn.
Do: Use cutting boards.
Again, avoid the possibility of scratching the surface and protect your knives. Cutting on stone will dull and damage your knives' edges quickly.
Do: Dust mop your natural stone floors regularly.
Use a clean, dry, non-treated dust-mop. Some people choose to use a vacuum cleaner. But be real careful. Worn parts or grit jammed by the wheels may scratch the surface.
Do: Use door mats inside and out along with runners and area rugs.
Grit, dirt and sand carried in by our shoes are abrasive and will wear and scratch the surface.
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Don't: Use generic cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaners or degreasers.
These products that you buy at your local store contain acids, alkalis and other chemicals that can etch or damage the countertop surface or degrade the granite sealer leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Trying to save money by using these chemicals only ensures that you'll spend a lot more time and money on you granite counter top maintenance in the long-run.
Don't: Use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange as cleaners.
Don't: Use bathroom, tub & tile or grout cleaners.
The powders and even the "soft" creams contain abrasives that will scratch and dull surfaces.
Don't: Sit or stand on your countertops.
Unlike laminate countertops, granite, marble and quartz countertops are very hard, but not flexible and they DO NOT have a plywood backing so too much weight in one spot could cause a crack.
Don't: Place toiletry products directly on your countertop surface.
Hair products, perfumes, colognes, nail products, creams, lotions and potions may stain or damage the surface or etch the polish leaving a ring. Protect your countertop by placing these products on a decorative tray like they do in fancy hotels!
Bad Advice You May Have Heard
Unfortunately, if you search around the web you'll find lots of conflicting and plain wrong information about the characteristics of countertop surfaces and the correct procedures for granite counter top care.
I've seen Windex recommended for cleaning granite. True, it will clean it and your countertop will look nice and shiny. But as noted above, when used consistently over time, Windex and all other generic cleaners may damage the surface or granite sealer. You won't see it right away.
Dishsoap?
Dishsoap is also commonly recommended for stone and granite counter top care as a daily cleaner because it will not damage your stone or sealant if it's a mild, plain soap like Ivory.
However, soap scum will build up over time, dulling the surface and requiring a thorough cleaning with special products to restore the original luster.
So, while using a soapy sponge or cloth for quick clean-up while you're cooking, etc. is certainly fine, cleaning your countertops with soap is not the best or easiest method for granite counter top care.
Good Advice
The one all-purpose cleaning product that doesn't have damaging chemicals AND has a relatively neutral pH is Simple Green. They're even coming out with a product specially for granite counter top care (cleaning not sealing).
I would recommend this as a general cleaner over soap, but ONLY on granite, quartz or solid-surface (not on marble, travertine or limestone) and it isn't needed more than once a day. If using Simple Green, regular cleaning with a specially formulated stone cleaner/sealer should also be performed on weekly basis.
Best Advice
Daily: Truthfully, hot water and a sponge is sufficient to wipe up spills and debris and keep your countertops clean and tidy throughout the day. At the end of the day, a quick spray and wipe of the most heavily used areas with a stone cleaner will adequately clean, disinfect and protect your countertops.
Weekly: Use the stone cleaner over the entire surface.
Quarterly: Polishes, revitalizers and color-ehancers can also be used periodically for the ultimate in natural stone and granite counter top maintenance.
Yearly: Annual re-sealing is a good idea although the frequency for proper granite counter top care really depends on the type of stone (porous or dense) and the quality of the sealant. It's a very easy job and unless you have a stone that really shouldn't be sealed (i.e. some black granites), then re-sealing every year will only ensure that your countertops are well protected against staining. It's a must for marble, travertine and limestone.
Think Roman Coliseum
A lot to say, but many of my recommendations are things that you probably do already. So really, granite counter top care is very easy. In fact, if all you ever did was seal your stone and wipe with a sponge and hot water your countertops would likely still look great 10 years from now. But follow the simple steps for granite counter top care outlined above and your countertops will always look spectacular!
back to Granite Counter Top Care -- part 1
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