How to Care for Granite Countertops in 3 Easy Steps

Some of the most fantastic features you can add to your home are the most complicated to care for. There’s a reason that items like granite countertops come with a slightly larger price tag and it’s because they bear a name that is synonymous with quality, beauty and longevity. Put all of these characteristics together and your home has earned itself a product that will be well used and valuable. The tricky part begins when homeowners realize that granite countertops must also be well maintained if they are going to keep their original integrity intact.

Granite is a naturally fragile stone, but with the proper treatment and maintenance, can be molded into a durable and lasting surface. While some homeowners are daunted by the time investment that can come with caring for granite, those who have these stunning surfaces quickly come to realize there are only a few simple steps to follow in order to ensure granite stays in its best shape possible. If you’re willing to make the following three easy steps a part of your daily counter-care routine, it will soon become second nature. What may have initially looked like a chore, will begin to become an afterthought as your granite countertops continue to shine on!

Dedication to the daily wipe-down

It might not be the most exciting thought of your day, but if you can remember to give your granite a simple wipe down on a daily basis, you’re going to be making enormous strides towards keeping your countertops in top condition. Porous by nature, granite always runs the risk of being exposed to moisture that can quickly cause surface erosion or permanent staining if left unattended.

Even small spills or cooking spill-over’s can cause damage over time if not wiped up quickly. That’s why taking the time to wipe down your granite countertops is of the utmost importance if you want them to look like new for years to come. The good news is granite doesn’t require much in the way of clean up technique. Chemical-based cleaning products can easily break down sealant and eventually granite itself if used, so it’s best to avoid generic products and stick with a water and mild soap mix, or a cleaner specifically made for granite countertops.

While it might be easier to spot spills and food on lighter granite, if you have darker granite countertops be especially diligent on the wipe down as residue tends to hide within the multitude of dark tones and hues the stone naturally displays. If you’re looking to add a little extra shine to the surface, a few drops of essential oils mixed in with your soapy water combination can be just what your countertops need to remain brilliant over time. These oils won’t damage granite surfaces and can really add a sleek shine that won’t come naturally if you stick to wiping down with just water. Oils are an easy way to condition your granite countertops into their natural state no matter how long they remain in your home.

Be ready to buffer to shine

Homeowners who have decided to install granite countertops can say without a doubt that the end result is phenomenal; however, those sleek and sophisticated surfaces are also prone to streaking. Even if you’ve diligently dedicated yourself to wiping down your granite surfaces with soap and water, this mix tends to leave streaks that definitely take away from the shine that drew you to the countertops in the first place. This means that the second simple step to remember when caring for granite is to buffer down your counters post wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Not only will this microfiber follow-up keep streaking to a minimum or completely non-existent, but it will ensure that any excess moisture will be absorbed before it can find its way into sealant weak spots. Additionally, microfiber cloth is extremely gentle and won’t leave etch marks on your granite surfaces that show up looking like scratches and grooves. If your kitchen has bright lighting, these etch marks can be particularly distracting as they tend to reflect and show up more distinctly.

Sealant in excess and excellence

While the recommendation for sealing granite surfaces may be once a year, there really isn’t a rule that says you can’t do it more often—and it’s actually advisable! Sealing your granite twice a year will ensure that pesky excess moisture doesn’t make it’s way through to the stone, and will give you peace of mind that your surfaces won’t be subjected to staining. Sealing multiple times is a great idea specifically for homeowners who have small children or teenagers and inevitably face more spills on a daily basis. Just remember to stick with the same brand of sealant each time you seal, as granite tends to react more positively to regular treatment and will end up more durable for it. Try out our 3-in-1 granite cleaner, sealer, and polisher for the perfect solution.