{"id":4106,"date":"2015-06-17T10:37:50","date_gmt":"2015-06-17T15:37:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=3050"},"modified":"2024-12-13T07:35:06","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T12:35:06","slug":"care-and-maintenance-of-granite-countertops","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/care-and-maintenance-of-granite-countertops\/","title":{"rendered":"Care and Maintenance of Stone Countertops"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A stone countertop is a beautiful addition to any space. Whether your kitchen is covered in your favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/granite-countertops\/\">granite countertop<\/a>, or your bathroom is decked out with <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/msi-quartz-countertops\/\">quartz<\/a>, a stone countertop is a gorgeous, unique, and customizable characteristic in any home. With all the careful thought that went into selecting your stone countertop, we want to ensure it stays in perfect condition, even after years of love.<\/p>\n<p>To maintain the quality of your stone countertops, it\u2019s important to clean the stone, keeping it free of stains and marks that can develop over time. We know a lot about stones here at <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/\">Granite Selection<\/a>, so we put together our recommendations for cleaning your stone that will keep them dazzling for years to come, no matter how many cook-offs and messy dinner dates they go through.<\/p>\n<h2>Daily Cleaning of Your Stone Countertops<\/h2>\n<p>Okay, so you\u2019ve heard a stone countertop is pretty strong, so it can probably withstand anything, right? Well, sort of. While stone countertops are quite strong, the way you clean them daily can have a pretty significant impact on the health of the stone and their appearance over time. To avoid wrecking your new countertops and keep them looking fresh, follow these basic rules for daily cleaning.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have a microfiber cloth on hand to dust off your countertop daily &#8211; perfect for basic cleaning even when there hasn\u2019t been a major spill.<\/li>\n<li>Dealing with spilled coffee or an accidental oil spill? Clean your counters with a mild soap and warm water immediately &#8211; it\u2019s that simple, no expensive spray required. Or, use a cleaner that is specially made for the kind of stone countertop in your space.<\/li>\n<li>Always blot up spills as soon as they occur. Especially with acidic substances like coffee, tomato sauce, fruit juices and wine, these spills can stain your stone, so be sure to have a cloth or paper towel on hand to get to them quickly.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t use generic cleaning products and common household cleaners on your stone countertop. These harsh cleaners will actually make your stone more susceptible to staining!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/countertop-cleaning.jpg\" alt=\"countertop cleaning\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16069\" srcset=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/countertop-cleaning.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/countertop-cleaning-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/countertop-cleaning-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>Weekly Cleaning of Your Stone Countertops<\/h2>\n<p>When you get organized at the end of each week, you\u2019ll also want to set aside some time to show your countertops some love. Here\u2019s what you need to know about your weekly stone maintenance routine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Before you start, to ensure you get in all the nooks and crannies, remove everything from the surface of your countertop. We don\u2019t want to miss a spot that will then build up over time, leaving marks on your fresh stone.<\/li>\n<li>Use a stone-specific cleaner. Did you go with <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/granite-countertops\/\">granite countertops<\/a>? Then you\u2019ll use a <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/diy-granite-cleaner\/\">granite cleaner<\/a> in your weekly clean.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure you spray and clean the entire surface &#8211; catching all debris and dust that accumulates around appliances.<\/li>\n<li>If you notice a particularly bad oil mark that you hadn\u2019t gotten to day-of (happens to the best of us!), make a paste using baking soda and water. Leave this concoction on the spot you\u2019re hoping to mend, covering it and letting it sit overnight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Monthly Cleaning of Your Stone Countertops<\/h2>\n<p>Temporary polishes\u00a0can be used periodically to\u00a0<em>enhance<\/em> the shine in natural stone and granite. These types of polishes are not for maintenance or repair and they are not what make the countertop shiny. Instead, it &#8220;enhances&#8221; the shine &#8211; similar to waxing a car &#8211; improves cleaning, and provides a small amount of protection.<\/p>\n<p>If your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/granite-countertops\/\">granite countertop<\/a> has become dull for some reason you will most likely need to consult a professional as no chemical or product will restore damage to a granite surface.<\/p>\n<h2>Yearly Cleaning of Your Stone Countertops<\/h2>\n<p>Time for a spring clean! While you kept up with the maintenance of your countertops daily, weekly, and monthly, a yearly check-in is necessary too to make sure your stone is healthy and strong for another year of cooking and entertaining. Each year, you want to examine your countertops to determine if they need to be resealed. Not sure what this entails? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you\u2019re noticing water around the sink is creating a darker pigment in the stone, it\u2019s time to re-seal. This is actually a sign that your stone is starting to absorb water, which we want to avoid to maintain a strong countertop.<\/li>\n<li>Another simple way is with a water test. To do this, drip some water on your countertop in a puddle and take note of what happens. If the water forms in small beads, you may not need to reseal your countertop immediately. If it splashes on the surface and flows freely, it might be time to re-seal.<\/li>\n<li>Countertops don\u2019t necessarily NEED to be resealed every year, that\u2019s why this at-home test comes in handy, so you know if it\u2019s time to show your countertops a little extra TLC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/cleaning-tools.jpg\" alt=\"cleaning tools\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16070\" srcset=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/cleaning-tools.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/cleaning-tools-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/cleaning-tools-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>Sealing Your Stone Countertops<\/h2>\n<p>As a general rule, an\u00a0<em>impregnating\u00a0<\/em>sealer should be applied to all natural stone. This does not mean that every stone MUST absolutely be sealed and resealed throughout its long life. Many types of granite and other stones\u00a0never\u00a0need any kind of sealing. If you wish to <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-granite-sealer\/\">seal your granite<\/a>, make sure you always test any type of cleaner and sealer on a small, inconspicuous area\u00a0<em>before\u00a0<\/em>applying to the entire surface in order to achieve desired results.<\/p>\n<h2>General Care<\/h2>\n<p>The easiest way\u00a0to keep your stone looking great is to\u00a0avoid bad habits\u00a0that may damage it.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/granite-countertops\/\">Granite<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/marble-countertops\/\">marble<\/a>, travertine, limestone, soapstone,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/specials\/quartz\/\">quartz<\/a> and solid surface are similar in many ways, but their differences require varying degrees of maintenance. However, if you utilize\u00a0the Dos and Don&#8217;ts of <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/care-and-maintenance-of-granite-countertops\/\">granite countertop\u00a0care and cleaning procedures<\/a> you&#8217;ll eliminate most\u00a0potential\u00a0problems.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Countertop Do\u2019s:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Blot up spills immediately especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce, sodas and cooking oils.<\/li>\n<li>Clean surfaces using a sponge or soft cloth. Hot water will do for quick cleanups, but using a specially formulated natural stone cleaner is recommended to keep your tops in the best condition and protect the sealer<\/li>\n<li>Dish soap won&#8217;t permanently damage your granite,\u00a0<em>but<\/em>\u00a0repeated use of soap will cause build-up and dull your countertop&#8217;s shine.<\/li>\n<li>Use coasters under all glasses, bottles, and cans.<\/li>\n<li>Use trivets and hot pads under pots &amp; pans.<\/li>\n<li>Use cutting boards.\u00a0Cutting on the stone will dull and damage your knives&#8217; edges quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/kitchen-countertop.jpg\" alt=\"kitchen countertop\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16071\" srcset=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/kitchen-countertop.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/kitchen-countertop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/kitchen-countertop-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Countertop Don\u2019ts:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Use generic cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaners, degreasers or other common household cleaners.<\/li>\n<li>Use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange as cleaners.<\/li>\n<li>Use bathroom, tub &amp; tile or grout cleaners.<\/li>\n<li>Sit or stand on your countertops.<\/li>\n<li>Store liquids or toiletry products directly on your countertop surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<style>.blog-cta{width:100%;overflow:hidden;background:none}img.blog-cta__img{position:absolute;z-index:-1;object-fit:cover;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%}<\/style><div class=\"blog-cta blog-cta--layout disabled-focus\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"background image\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"blog-cta__img\" src=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/caledonia-granite.jpg\" \/><button class=\"blog-cta__close\"><span class=\"fa fa-times\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"blog-cta-grid\"><div class=\"blog-cta-grid__col\"><p>\nWhen you take good care of your granite countertops, they make your kitchen shine. Like this Caledonia granite.\n<\/p><\/div><div class=\"blog-cta-grid__col\"><a class=\"btn link\" href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/projects\/kitchen-countertop-in-park-ridge\/\">Take a look<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>A stone countertop may be strong, but to ensure it can withstand the test of every baking extravaganza, you\u2019ll want to be sure to frequently clean and maintain it, keeping the stone healthy and stipsparkling for all of your plans. With these simple tips, including daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly check-ins, you\u2019ll have your countertop looking brand new for years to come.<\/p>\n<p>Excited to choose your stone? We have a great selection of high-quality stones in an array of colors at <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/\">Granite Selection<\/a>. Contact us and get a <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/quick-quote\/\">quick quote<\/a> for your next renovation, and we will have your space refreshed with the perfect stone countertop for you.<\/p>\n  <div class=\"related-post grid\">\r\n        <div class=\"headline\">Related Posts<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"post-list \">\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"item\">\r\n            <div class=\"thumb post_thumb\">\r\n    <a  title=\"3 Things to Know When Selecting a Granite Countertop\" href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/aboutstonessinks-faucetsedgesprocessprojectsspecialsinstant-quote-3-things-to-know-when-selecting-a-granite-countertop\/\">\r\n\r\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/granitte_selection_in_chicago.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/granitte_selection_in_chicago.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/granitte_selection_in_chicago-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/granitte_selection_in_chicago-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/granitte_selection_in_chicago-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/>\r\n\r\n    <\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <a class=\"title post_title\"  title=\"3 Things to Know When Selecting a Granite Countertop\" href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/aboutstonessinks-faucetsedgesprocessprojectsspecialsinstant-quote-3-things-to-know-when-selecting-a-granite-countertop\/\">\r\n        3 Things to Know When Selecting a Granite Countertop  <\/a>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n              <div class=\"item\">\r\n            <div class=\"thumb post_thumb\">\r\n    <a  title=\"What is Granite, Anyway?\" href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/what-is-granite-anyway\/\">\r\n\r\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3600\" height=\"2400\" src=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/chicago_granite_kithen.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/chicago_granite_kithen.jpg 3600w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/chicago_granite_kithen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/chicago_granite_kithen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/chicago_granite_kithen-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3600px) 100vw, 3600px\" \/>\r\n\r\n    <\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <a class=\"title post_title\"  title=\"What is Granite, Anyway?\" href=\"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/what-is-granite-anyway\/\">\r\n        What is Granite, Anyway? 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Whether your kitchen is covered in your favorite granite countertop, or your bathroom is decked out with quartz, a stone countertop is a gorgeous, unique, and customizable characteristic in any home. With all the careful thought that went into selecting your stone countertop, we want [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4182,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","class_list":["post-4106","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4106"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}