Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are perhaps among the most popular and favorite countertops these days. They do not only look exquisite and elegant, but they’re also among the most durable and scratch resistant countertops.
Granite material is a very natural product which has various characteristics reliant on its finish and color. The material is typically made of ingenious components –it is much more solid than marble, and can be easily maintained. In general, when it comes to “hardness scale”, it ranks very high, just below quartz. Actually, a lot of granite materials have quartz crystal entrenched in them.
A number of granites like black are softer than the rest, making them vulnerable to scratching. Numerous granite materials are absorbent, depending on its finish and composition, thus they are susceptible to staining from different liquids. On the whole, nearly every type of granite is resistant to alkalis and acids found in detergents. Granite kitchen countertops are most open to staining when there is a break or crack on the surface due heat or impact and scratching with extremely sharp knives.
A granite countertop requires “special” caring and maintaining so they continue to look beautiful for lots of years to come. Although granite countertops are rather resistant to scratches and stains, to appropriately maintain these types of countertop materials, it is sensible to follow a number of simple procedures:
Tip 1
Spills will have the potential to soak into its surface, avoid deep staining through wiping the spills right away.
Tip 2
Stone surfaces should be used with neutral cleaners like gentle dishwashing liquid or stone soap and warm water.
Tip 3
If cleaning granite countertops with soap solutions use clean and soft cloth and rinse its surface carefully. Finish off with drying the countertop with clean, soft, and dry cloth.
Tip 4
If staining does happen, removing the stain will depend on what type it is. First, try to remove it with a paste solution: mix one-half tablespoon dishwashing liquid, one cup of flour, and water. Put the paste on the stain, cover it with plastic wrap and leave it on for one night. The following morning, use a utensil that is wooden to scrape off the past, and then rinse the countertop. This can work, unless the stain is composed of oil, milk, or grease. In cases like these, use hydrogen peroxide instead of dishwashing liquid in the paste mix.
Tip 5
Organic stains such as those resulting from tea, fruit, or coffee –use a mix of 12% “hydrogen peroxide” combined with few drops of ammonia. This mix will do wonders for “organically-stained” granite countertops.
Tip 6
Wine, ink, and marker stains on “darker” granite stones will require acetone or lacquer thinner for removal. For light-colored granites, hydrogen peroxide will work well. Another way is to combine pure bleach and molding plaster into a paste mixture, apply and let it stay for thirty-minutes, scrape it off, and rinse.
Tip 7
Granite countertops need resealing every two or three years. However, ask the installer for recommendations as to when you may need to do one. Obviously for countertops that are used for preparing food should be applied with “non-toxic” sealer.
Tip 8
There are new disinfectants in the market today that are especially formulated for granite countertops, get these types of cleaners if disinfecting is preferred over regular cleaning.
Tip 9
Whatever problems that arise and you can’t handle on your own, it is always advisable to seek the help of professionals.
Tip 10
Keep hot items off the surface, and always test the “cleaning methods” on little discrete spots for granite damage or color fastness.
Granite countertops are beautiful and functional kitchen appliances. With the right care and maintenance of these appliances, they will stay “new-looking” for years.