Natural building materials like stone tile, granite and marble add comfort and value to your home. Not cheap, installation can run between $50 and $200 per square foot for granite counters.
Don't do permanent damage to your investment, learn how to care for your granite counter tops with these simple tips.
First a little Granite 101. Most of us think of granite as a solid, hard surface that will not absorb stains. Nice idea, but it is just not the case. While granite is less porous than marble; granite will dull, discolor and become pocked if exposed to acids. As usual, the longevity of your investment relies on 3 things: proper installation, some regular maintenance, and cleaning.
- Installation: make sure your installation pro has properly sealed any seams especially along the sink, appliances and splash boards.
- Maintenance: granite counter tops should be sealed periodically depending on how heavily they are used. Applying a sealant is recommended every two to four years and is best done by a pro.
- Cleaning: acids are our enemy here so NO bleach, Windex or vinegar (that's right, Nature's all purpose cleaner is not-so all purpose after all). Wipe up spills quickly. Many common spills like orange juice or tomato sauce are acidic. Just use warm water and some hand soap to clean your natural stone and clean with a soft non-abrasive cloth like cotton or microfiber. Since the natural tones of granite often hide spills, take your open palm and feel for remaining bits and remove with a bit more warm water and rubbing.
You can add some shine
and a little natural sealant to your granite by rubbing with some oil, then buffing until dry. This does not replace regular maintenance described above.
If you already notice some discoloration, HGTV recommends a baking soda and water paste. Apply it, cover it with plastic wrap, tape down the edges, let it sit until dry. This could take a couple of days. Just wipe the dry bits off then rinse with a warm cloth.