Steps to maintain granites for durability
The gleaming and sparkling granite countertops are the most praised feature in the home, giving your home a magnificent appearance and contributing to its charm.
However, after a few years, granite loses its luster and becomes dull; also, owners complain about the tough stains that adhere to granites, making them appear unkempt.
Did you know to making this natural beauty last long and locking its eternal shine, requires a low maintenance cleaning and very simple efforts?
A Guide to Daily Maintenance of Granite
To make granites more lustrous and durable, follow a few simple steps that take no more than a few minutes each day. Continue your efforts so that they remain to shine brighter in the coming years
The best method to maintain your granite clean and healthy is to clean it with granite cleaners. Warm water and mild soap can also be used, but make sure it is PH neutral.
Also, be cautious while choosing cleansers; acidic cleansers including lemon, ammonia, or vinegar should be avoided. If you clean your countertop with acidic cleaners, you risk losing the sealant, leaving the surface vulnerable to damage.
Clean Frequently
Simply wipe the granite slab with a cotton cloth on a regular basis, which will not take much of your time. Cleaning them on a regular basis makes them shine brilliantly and makes it easier to remove nasty stains so they don’t cling.
Any spills should be cleaned as soon as possible without allowing them to sit for too long.
Despite the fact that the granites are sealed, Spills should not be allowed to sit on the surface for long periods of time. Clean up any spills as quickly as possible to avoid any potential harm. Instead of harsh cleaning tools, blot up spills with a soft dishcloth.
Handle with Care
Before putting any liquids on the counter, be extremely careful since the moisture may be absorbed. In the kitchen, use heated pads. Although granite is heat resistant, it will degrade if exposed to high temperatures over an extended period of time.
Sealing the granites
Check the condition of the granite countertops on a regular basis to see whether they need to be sealed. You may simply examine the state of granite by pouring some water on it; if the water beads, no sealing is required; if the water absorbs, granite must be sealed.
Why should you Seal a Granite Countertop?
Granite countertops, like other natural stone surfaces, must be sealed to prevent stains and liquid damage. While it may appear to be a time-consuming task, sealing granite is a simple and quick procedure that should only be done once a year.
Granite with a lighter color will require more frequent re-sealing than granite with a deeper color.
Follow these steps to seal your granite countertops.
Step 1: Look for a Non-Toxic Sealer.
The most essential thing to remember here is to use non-toxic sealers rather than chemical sealers that require gloves or a face mask to apply. Choose a sealer that is both delicate and effective from the market.
Step 2: Read the Instructions Thoroughly
Before starting read all the instructions thoroughly and follow each step diligently.
Step 3: Clean the countertop with a clean cotton cloth.
Before you start sealing the countertop make sure nothing is placed on it You’ll also want to make sure the surface is clean, which you may do by using the above-mentioned cleaning procedures.
Step 4: Make Sure the room is Ventilated Well
Making sure your environment is adequately ventilated is usually a smart idea. By opening windows, turning on fans, and/or opening doors, you can achieve this.
Step 5: Apply the Sealer
Follow the instructions on the package that comes with the sealer to apply it to your countertop. You will either have to pour the sealer onto the countertop or spray it on if the product comes in a spray bottle, depending on the kind you select. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes after applying the sealer to the countertop. If the sealer seeps in less than 5 minutes, just apply another layer. Wipe away any excess sealant after 10 minutes.
Step 6: Leave it alone for 48 hours
Allow 48 hours for the sealer to take effect on your countertop. Or read the instructions behind the sealer for the accurate hours.
How Do You Remove Stains from a Granite Countertop?
If your granite countertop is not sealed properly, it may incur stains. To take care of these stains, carefully follow the steps below.Removing Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains are among the most difficult stains on countertops. A few of the examples are oil and dairy. To get rid of these stains, you’ll need to make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it sit for a few hours to dry. Make sure the plastic wrap is pierced with little holes. Allow a few minutes for the paste to settle before removing the plastic wrap.
Removing Water-Based Stains
Granite is susceptible to water-based discoloration if not adequately preserved. Juice, coffee, and wine, all of which are frequent stains on kitchen worktops, are among these stains. To remove these stains, combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and proceed as directed above for oil-based stains.
Conclusion
Granite countertops have proven popular due to their aesthetic value. By following the procedures outlined above, you can easily care for your countertops and have them appear amazing for decades.