If you have a granite countertop in the kitchen, then it is going to offer you a lot more benefits over a kitchen marble slab. The main reasons they are so much popular in homes around the world are their easy to maintain nature and long life. Granite is the most durable stone option for the kitchen countertop and it can handle the heat of the pan, cutting of the vegetables directly at the top of the surface etc. To ensure that your granite is protected in a right way, always get the surface of the granite sealed. This prevents formation of bacteria and also saves the countertop from things like mold and mildew. Sealing doesn’t mean that you can avoid cleaning the granite countertop completely. Here are some of the tips to keep your granite counters shining like new while maintaining their structural integrity.
1. Sealing The Surface
The best way to keep the surface of the granite protected is by getting it sealed. A sealed surface is protected from oils, wine, and other liquids that get spilled in the kitchen. As the surface of the granite is porous when it is not sealed, the liquid may seep into the pores and it may develop an ugly looking patch. To check the seal of the stone, drop a little water at the counter. If it beads then the seal is good and if it gets soaked, then it is time to call a professional and get it resealed.
2. Using Right Cleaning Agents
When you clean the surface of the granite, avoid using cleaning agents that are too harsh. They may have acidic properties and that might be harmful to the sealing. Cleaners like citrus and Windex or anything that has bleach in the content must be avoided at all times. You might come across some expensive cleaners in the market that claims to be the best for the use in granite stone. However, you can use the same cleaning liquid that you use to clean your utensils to clean the surface of the granite. Always use a soft cotton cloth that is non abrasive to wipe the surface.
Getting the granite Disinfected
Many homeowners are in fix when they have to get the granite disinfected. As granite is safe when you get it sealed and does not attract the development of bacteria and mildew on the surface like the kitchen marble slab; you don’t have to get the stone disinfected. All you have to do is to sanitize the granite using lukewarm water and dish soap every once in a while.
If you want to clean the surface of the granite on regular basis, then you can do it by using regular water with your normal dishwashing liquid on daily basis. Always remember not to use the cleaners that have bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the seal of the granite and it will expose it to stains and scratches. Ensure that you are getting the seal of the granite checked on timely basis.
