How to Care For Granite Countertops
Installing granite within your home is considered to be a great investment as it can easily boost its overall value, but the initial cost can be quite steep. Failing to properly take care of the granite would essentially be the same thing as throwing your money away.
Don’t let your granite get ruined due to a lack of knowledge regarding the proper way to care for it. Luckily, actually taking care of the granite is deemed to be quite easy and can easily be accomplished. Let’s take a closer look at how to care for granite countertops.
One of the biggest reasons that granite is the first choice for many homeowners is due to the fact it is somewhat low maintenance. This is not to say that the material should never be cleaned or looked after, but rather you won’t have to jump through hoops in order to ensure it is properly cared for.
Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as on a daily basis, will extend the life of your granite countertops and strengthen its integrity. The surface can be wiped down with a wet cloth and a few dabs of dishwashing liquid. This will not only clean the counter, but also aid in the removal of any germs that may be lingering from items being placed upon the surface.
This is especially important for those who have children as you don’t want them to become sick. After washing the surface, all you need to do is dry it off with a fresh cloth and you will be good to go. This process is so simple that literally anyone can do it and the results are well worth the minuscule amount of effort required.
Simply using soap and a bit of dishwashing liquid can be fine for daily usage, but sometimes a cleaner that is a bit stronger is necessary. Due to the wide variety of messes that you may experience, it is wise to have a few different cleaners on hand at all times.
This simply makes the process of getting everything back into proper shape much easier. There are an abundance of cleaners on the market that claim to be granite cleaners, so finding one suitable for your specific needs should not be too difficult. It is important to note that some cleaners can contain too much acid which can potentially damage the surface, so you will need to double check the content label to ensure that it is safe.
It would also be considered beneficial to seal your granite countertops. This will help to prevent staining, but also protect their finishing and make them look as good as the day they were installed even longer. This is accomplished by first washing the surface to ensure that any dirt or debris have been removed and then liberally applying a sealant.
The sealant can be purchased at almost any hardware store and actually has the potential to last several years. The pros and cons of a sealant will depend entirely upon the particular type you choose. It can be a bit overwhelming to be faced with so many options, so we highly recommend seeking out the assistance of a local showroom in efforts to see what they would recommend for your needs.
Taking care of granite countertops truly is not a hard task, but the benefits of learning how to properly do so is truly worthwhile. You can expect your granite to last far longer than those who simply do not take the effort to care for their granite. Furthermore, your investment will be well worth the initial chuck of change if cared for properly.