Tips on How to Care For Your Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are impressively durable and aesthetically pleasing, perfect for practically any kitchen or bathroom in homes and businesses. These countertops are often installed with a protective seal, but if you’re investing in a beautiful granite countertop, then it’s wise to preserve its natural elegance as long as possible by caring for it properly as soon as you begin using it. 
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Granite offers beauty, warmth, and a timeless look to any kitchen or bathroom, and while it is consistently hard, with a very dense grain that is difficult to stain and hard to scratch, it can be susceptible to damage and needs regular care to keep it in good condition. One of the most common questions we get from customers is how to care for their granite countertops once they’re installed, so the following tips aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide to their care. From the granite countertop experts at Castorena’s Granite & Quartz, here are our top tips to care for your granite countertops today.

​​The Importance of Caring for Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are a gorgeous addition to your home, with each being a unique piece of art. They are a significant but incredibly worthwhile investment, and just like a new car or watch, it’s important to care for granite countertops to keep them in the best condition possible and maintain their longevity. When granite is neglected or subjected to certain harsh conditions (such as intense heat or acidic substances), it can quickly lose its luster and appeal and even degrade in its durability. 
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​Caring for granite countertops is not a hard or tedious job, but it does require consistent attention and cleaning using the correct types of supplies. If not given the right care, a granite countertop can begin to lose its value, but if cared for correctly, your granite countertop can be a valuable asset for your home or business’s lifetime.

1. Clean Regularly​

Our first tip is to clean granite countertops regularly. Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain the appearance and hygiene of your granite. We recommend you clean them down at least twice daily - in fact, most people wipe them down after breakfast and after their last meal of the day. Granite countertops are not difficult to clean; simply use a damp microfiber cloth and dry off the excess water, if there is any. To clean them effectively, it’s important to use a mild soap and not strong, harmful detergents.
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If you have marks on your countertop, use a pH-neutral soap or cleaning solution with some warm water, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, and buff up with another. Buffing your granite surface after cleaning will keep the surface looking shiny by eliminating water spots and streaks.

2. ​Use the Right Cleaning Materials

In relation to the above, our next tip is to make sure that you use the right cleaning materials. Ensure that you clean your granite with a neutral base cleaner using warm water and any light, neutral (pH7) soap. Specialized marble and granite cleaner is also recommended and can be easily purchased at most hardware stores or online. Using microfiber cleaning cloths is also the best choice as it helps clean granite without leaving any smears, and household spray polish like Pledge can occasionally be applied to the granite to keep it shining.  

Be sure to never use cleaning products or supplies that can scour the surface as it will most likely leave scratches and abrasions on the sealant or onto the underlying surface, and avoid using cleaning products that are alkaline, chlorine, bleach, or acidic-based as these will also damage, dull, or even discolor the surface. 

3. ​Keep Granite Countertops Sealed

In relation to the above, our next tip is to make sure that you use the right cleaning materials. Ensure that you clean your granite with a neutral base cleaner using warm water and any light, neutral (pH7) soap. Specialized marble and granite cleaner is also recommended and can be easily purchased at most hardware stores or online. Using microfiber cleaning cloths is also the best choice as it helps clean granite without leaving any smears, and household spray polish like Pledge can occasionally be applied to the granite to keep it shining.  

Be sure to never use cleaning products or supplies that can scour the surface as it will most likely leave scratches and abrasions on the sealant or onto the underlying surface, and avoid using cleaning products that are alkaline, chlorine, bleach, or acidic-based as these will also damage, dull, or even discolor the surface. 

4. ​Beware Potential Harm

As we mentioned previously, there are some products and items that pose a threat to your granite countertop. One tip for granite countertop care is, therefore, to avoid exposing your granite countertop to potential harm such as excessive heat (placing a hot pan directly on the surface), acidic or chemical materials (wine, fruit juices, nail varnish remover, citrus, etc.), scratch-capable items (knives, abrasive clothes),  and stain-capable items (red wine, berries, curry, beetroot, etc.). 

Some of these dangers will simply require extra care to avoid spillage while others, such as items that can cause scratches, can be avoided by using protective coverings such as a cutting board when using a knife. If there is a spill, always try to clean it up as fast as possible.

5. ​Polish and Restore

Our final tip is always to go the extra mile when it comes to care, and that means giving your granite countertops polish and restoration treatment from time to time. Polishing your granite countertops will enhance their natural beauty and provide a protective layer against stains and scratches. For countertops that have lost their shine, consider using a granite enhancer to restore their luster. Follow the product’s instructions, and your countertops will be gleaming in no time.

Contact Castorena’s For Granite Countertop Installation and Resealing

Granite countertops are extremely popular due to their timeless beauty and natural beauty that create the perfect solution for kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re considering getting a granite countertop for your home or business, be sure to regularly care for it in order to maximize its longevity and get the most out of this wonderful investment. For more information about granite countertop installation or resealing, reach out to Castorena’s Granite & Quartz today!