6 Tips For Beautiful Granite Countertops

These days, granite isn’t quite as popular as its low-maintenance rival, quartz, but lots of homeowners still love the look of this classic natural stone. With proper care, granite can hold up to plenty of day-to-day wear and tear, including scratches, spills, and heat.

What can you do to make sure your granite countertop stays in great shape for years to come? We’ve put together these six helpful suggestions so you can take good care of your granite. 

1. Use Mild Soap and Warm Water to Clean Granite

The best cleaning supplies for granite are simple — stick to a mild soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive cloth. Soap is easier on the stone and the sealant than harsh cleaners and won’t risk wearing it down over time. (And, actually, all natural stone countertops benefit from this type of gentle maintenance.)

2. Avoid Acidic Cleaners 

In a pinch, granite will typically hold up to common household cleaning agents. If you can, use a natural cleaner like vinegar or acid-free store brands. But try not to get in the habit of using highly acidic cleaners to maintain your countertop. This type of chemical can scratch or etch the surface of the granite. 

3. Don’t Use Knives Directly on Your Granite

Using knives directly on top of your countertop is bad for both the stone and the knives. Even though granite is fairly hard, it can still scratch if you use force with a knife, and the stone will end up dulling the knife over time. 

Always protect your countertop with a cutting board to prevent unnecessary damage. 

4. Use Hot Pads or Trivets

Granite is heatproof, so if you accidentally set a hot pot or pan on it in a rush, it’s fairly forgiving (keep this in mind if you’re trying to decide between granite and quartz - quartz is NOT heatproof). The occasional slip-up probably won’t cause permanent damage. 

Even so, try to use hot pads or trivets when you can. The texture on the bottom of pots and pans can scratch granite, which will affect its appearance over time. 

5. Wipe Up Acidic Spills ASAP

Granite takes most spills in stride, but if you happen to spill something acidic — like wine or tomato juice, for instance — wipe it up right away. Acidic substances stain or etch the surface of natural stone quickly, so always take care of those spills as soon as possible.  

6. Reseal Your Granite When Needed

Granite typically needs to be re-sealed every year. Some types of granite are more porous than others, so make sure to check in with your contractor when you buy your slab to see how often it will need maintenance. 

How do you know if your granite needs to be re-sealed? Try the water droplet test. Place a small pool of water on top of your granite countertop and wait for about half an hour. If the granite begins to darken and seems to soak up the water, it needs to be resealed. If the water remains pooled on top of the granite, your seal is intact. 

Invest in Your Countertop’s Future

Taking care of your granite each day and replacing its seal when needed will ensure that it looks great in your kitchen for its whole lifetime. 

Curious about what a granite countertop might look like in your new kitchen? Stop by our Cold Lake, AB showroom to see some options and for a free, no-obligation design meeting.