Having clean dazzling granite countertops isn’t hard to attain with just some simple care. In this post, I will help you bring out the original shine and style of your granite countertops like when they were first installed! We will be going over daily upkeep, reseal your granite, stain removal, and dealing with chipping!
Daily Granite Cleaning and Maintenance
1. Use granite friendly cleaners
Soap and water are granite-friendly products and are great for cleaning up residue from cooking materials or liquids. In addition to soap and water, there are other cleaning materials that can clean granite more thoroughly. Make sure to do your research before using any counter cleaner on granite because some chemicals are damaging to granite. We recommend the cleaners below:
- Granite Gold Daily Cleaner Spray (Click Here)
- Method Cleaning Products Daily Granite Mandarin Orange Spray Bottle (Click Here)
- Wieman Granite and stone daily cleaner & Polish (Click Here)
2. When should you clean your granite
Granite should be wiped down daily to remove any residue, but should also be cleaned up after any spills. Since granite is porous it is important to take special care to clean cracks and get all leftover dust, food, or product residue. This will ensure a clean stunning look that will last a long time!
3. Best practices for maintaining new looking granite
Even if granite is sealed consider using costers for glasses to avoid liquid sitting on the counter too long. Another good way to ensure your granite will avoid damage is to use a hot pad. Although, granite is heat resistant it is always a good option to take extra precautions to avoid any potential damage.
How to Reseal Granite
Granite is typically sealed when it is installed as your countertop, but over time will need to be resealed to allow it to continue to be moisture and heat resistant. This is an easy and quick process that should be done yearly. Make sure to consider that lighter granite will need to be resealed more often than darker granites.
How to tell if your granite needs to be resealed
Pour a small amount of water on a section of your countertop. Let the liquid sit for about 10 minutes. If the water sinks down into the surface it will need to be resealed while if it just bubbles up on the surface seal is still performing correctly.
steps to sealing your countertop
- You will want to find a sealer that suits your needs.
- Clear off your countertops and wipe down your countertops. Make sure they are clean before you start.
- Create good ventilation by opening windows and turning on fans.
- Follow the instructions that are on the sealer. Some sealers require you to pour the sealer on while others are a spray. Coat the countertop wait 5-10 minutes. If the sealer absorbs within 5 minutes put on another coat of sealer. After 10 minutes wipe off the extra sealer and wait 24 hours to start using it again.
How to Remove Granite Stains
When Granite isn’t properly sealed it can acquire stains. There are two main types of stained that affect granite water passed or oil-based. We will talk about
how to treat each one to restore the original look of your granite.
How to remove Oil-Based Stains from granite
Oil-based stains are the most common stain you will have to deal with. To treat these stains make a paste from water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain then cover with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the plastic wrap to allow a little aeration. Let sit for several hours then remove wrap and past. repeat if the stain is not gone.
How to remove water-based stains from granite
Water-based stains come from coffee and juice and just like oil-based stains are simple to remove. To treat a water-based stain you will want to mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Then like oil-based stains you will want to happy it to your stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and then let it sit for several hours.
How to fix chipped granite
Having your granite countertop chip is one of the worst feelings, but luckily it is fixable. There are kits that offer all the products you need to fix your chipped countertop and even offer you colored epoxies so you can match your granite color. YOu can also get some thick superglue, ammonia-based cleaner, masking tape, and razor then follow the DIY instructions below.
Steps to fixing your chipped granite
- Start by wiping down the chipped area with the ammonia-based cleaner and then use masking to take around. This allows a more level and flush finish and will help you avoid spreading glue across the countertop
- Slowly fill the glue into the chipped area. Move slowly so as not to overfill the chipped area. Then let the glue set for 24 hours so to a full set. Be patient because touching it before it dries could leave a mark on the glue and spread it to unwanted places.
- When the glue is dry take a razor blade at a 45-degree angle and level out the chip. scrape at the glue till it is flush and level with the granite countertop. If you have a high sheen countertop wet 300+ grid sandpaper and use it to polish the area. Then you are ready to start using your countertop like normal!
These simple steps will have your countertop looking as good as new!
Granite is one of the most durable and beautiful countertops available! with just a little maintenance you can have a gorgeous surface for a lifetime! Shop our quality and affordable granite by clicking here! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
