How to keep granite counter tops in top shape
Granite counter tops have become one of the most popular types of counter tops to have installed in homes today. They are extremely durable, not to mention gorgeous and those two things alone have swayed home remodelers and builders to suggest and use granite in their kitchens and bathrooms. Granite however, like other natural stones requires some maintenance in keeping it looking nice and functioning properly. Let's take a look at how to keep granite counter tops in top shape, as well as some other features of using granite in your home.
Granite is an igneous rock that is formed by slowly cooling pockets of magma trapped beneath the earth's surface. It contains crystallized minerals like quartz and mica. The colors are determined by different concentrations of minerals, along with temperatures and pressure. It is the range of colors and patterns in granite that make it so appealing to home owners and make kitchens and bathrooms look beautiful.
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Granite is an excellent choice for a countertop because next to a diamond, it is one of the hardest natural products on earth. If you have polished granite it will most likely maintain its high gloss forever and normal use of cutlery, cookware, etc. will not leave scratches anywhere. Another reason granite is so great in your kitchen is because heat has almost not effect on it. You can place a pot or pan on the surface that has been heated up to 900 degrees without hurting the surface; using trivets however is highly recommended to keep your counter top clean.
So it sounds like you can't go wrong with granite right and they shouldn't take much to keep up. However much this might be true, there are still some things you might need to do with granite counter tops to keep them looking nice and clean.
Granite is highly dense material and relatively porous so if something is spilled on it, it's possible for it to stain quickly if not cleaned right away. In order to avoid something like this happening you need to make sure that you that you seal it before use. This is quite an easy procedure and it is also recommended that you seal your counter top at least once a year. You can seal it quickly and simply by wiping the sealant on and then wiping it off again. This will help keep it protected from water stains and other potential harmful substances that may stain the rock.
Any solvent based sealer will usually do the job. They work better than water based sealers, but if a water based sealer is all you can find then something is better than nothing. The way a sealer works is by penetrating into the pores of the stone and building an invisible barrier. This will allow cleans ups to be much easier and will help keep it protected against scratches and stains.
Since you only need to apply a sealer about every once a year, daily maintenance can be done by using dish soap with diluted water. You can wipe down your granite surfaces with a damp rag and a little soap and water and be done for the day. The only way you can really damage a granite counter top is by taking a hammer or impact tool to it. Chips can be repaired easily and heat should not affect it.
Granite counter tops can make a beautiful addition to any home kitchen or bathroom space. It is durable and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Learning how to keep granite counter tops in top shape isn't difficult at all. Once you figure out how great granite is you'll never settle for anything less.
