When it comes to choosing a countertop material for your kitchen, granite is usually the material of choice simply because it is affordable and it looks stunning. You can even imitate a marble countertop by choosing granite.
If you’ve invested in a granite work surface for your kitchen, you’ll want to preserve it for as long as possible. If you are new to this stone, it can be a bit of a daunting task. One key thing about a granite work surface is that it is one of the easiest stone surfaces to look after. So read on for some top tips about how to maintain your granite kitchen work surface to keep it looking stunning for years to come.
Keep It Clean
Of course, the first step for keeping any countertop looking its best and maintaining it is to keep it clean. Granite is not difficult to clean, and you can simply wipe it over every day with a damp cloth and a mixture of mild soap. Try not to use a bleach-based product on your granite worktops, as this can cause the sealant to wear out quickly and can expose the stone to bleach and other products in your home.
For more guidance on keeping granite clean, go to granitetransformations.co.uk for more information.
No Abrasive Products
It is worth noting that you should avoid abrasive cleaning products on your granite surface. Avoid metal pads or scouring detergents, or anything you would typically use on a laminate kitchen worktop. Avoid chlorine-based cleaners, and as mentioned before, never use bleach or any other alkaline products as this can cause damage to the surface.
Air Dry
Cleaning granite successfully will rely on you allowing it to air dry. In some ways, it is best to treat your granite worktop as if it were a glass surface. But do not use vinegar on it! Simply wipe it over with a wet cloth and allow it to air dry. Avoid soaking the surface, as once again, you want to preserve the sealant on it, and excessive moisture can impact this negatively.
Avoid Acidic Liquids
There are liquids that can be harmful to granite worktops, such as juices, wine, oils, acidic liquids like vinegar or lemon juice, paint removers, and acetone-based nail varnish remover. If you do accidentally spill any of these on your granite surface, it is worth contacting the company that installed the worktop and asking them for advice. You should not simply try to reseal the area if there is damage, as there may be cracks that will also require fixing before a sealant is in place.
Wipe Immediately
If you spill anything on your worktop, immediately wipe it off, especially foods that can cause stainings, such as saffron, beetroot, blackcurrant, or curry powders like cumin or turmeric. Even if your worktop is black, these can stain deeply and spread to lighter parts of the granite worktop, giving it a dirty-looking appearance, which is not what you want in any kitchen!
