Granite: Do’s and Don’ts

Granite is an extremely popular countertop choice, and for good reason. It’s affordable, durable, scratch resistant, and comes in dozens of colors. It does require a little bit of maintenance to stay looking its best for years to come. Here are some granite do’s and don’ts to keep in mind to help keep your granite counters in great shape.

Granite Do’s

These are the things you should do to keep your granite counters looking amazing:

• Wipe debris and crumbs away with a dry cloth to avoid scratches.
• Clean your granite countertops with a neutral pH cleaner or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent using a sponge or soft cloth and warm water.
• Only use cleaners approved for natural stone.
• To avoid film or streaking, wipe up excess water with a dry cloth.
• Use a trivet as often as possible. While granite can tolerate hot pots and pans for a while, it’s best not to leave hot items on the counters longer than necessary.
• Re-seal your granite counters at least once a year.

Granite Don’ts

Here are some things you should avoid doing if you have granite countertops:

• Don’t expose your granite counters to products with a high acidic content, such as vinegar, lemon, or ammonia. The acid can dull the finish of your counters and eat away the sealer that protects the stone from stains.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach, paint strippers, drain cleaners, or oven cleaners. This can break down the sealant.
• Don’t cut directly on the countertops. Always use a cutting board.
• Don’t be alarmed if the counters darken when they get wet. Since the sealer isn’t waterproof, the granite will darken when wet and return to its natural color when dry.
• Don’t drop heavy objects on your counters, because it may break or chip the granite.

Get Stunning Granite Countertops in Raleigh

Are you ready to add gorgeous granite countertops to your home? You’ll love the selection at Absolute Stone in Raleigh, NC. We have at least 65 different stock colors of granite, and our expert installers will make installation as smooth as possible.If you have any questions about granite or would like to learn more, feel free to contact us or call us at 919-462-8084. If you’re ready to start shopping, you can request a quote or visit our showroom in Cary, NC.