Granite is one of - if not the number one - sought after material for kitchen countertops. Whether you are looking to buy a home with already installed granite countertops or are planning on upgrading your current kitchen, you’re going to want to make sure the appearance stays as beautiful as it did on day one. That is why it is important to know how to maintain granite countertops.

How to Maintain Granite Countertops - Keep Your Granite Looking New

Given how often someone uses a kitchen, it is important to maintain your granite countertops. Below is a list of steps you need to follow in order to properly maintain your granite countertops.

• Granite is known to have a shiny, polished almost mirror-like appearance, which can become dull and undesirable if not protected. Be sure that after the granite has dried and application of the new counters are finished, you are adding a high-quality granite sealer to the countertops. Not only will this keep the granite looking polished and brand new, but this will also help prevent the granite from staining! It is recommended that resealing the counters happen once a year.

• Although very heavy, granite can be an absorbent material that can be susceptible to stains if not protected initially or if stains are not cleaned up right away. Be sure that when a spill or staining of any kind happens you are able to clean it up immediately.

• It is better to wash granite counters off with mild soap and warm water rather than any commercial, chemical cleaner. Some chemical cleaners and disinfectants can strip away the protective coating or damage the granite all together.

• Always use a cutting board, especially when cutting fruits, meats and anything else that could hold some acidity. This can stain the counters or allow unhealthy raw food bacteria to become trapped in the pores of a granite countertop. If you don’t use a cutting board you may also damage your counters and your knife.

• Even though one of the beautiful aspects of granite is being able to put hot plates and pans directly on the counter without trivets, you should still consider going the little extra mile to put down a trivet. Better safe than sorry.

• Once a week, pull everything off of the counters and do some counter deep cleaning. Clear everything out so you can not only clean it but also see what kind of things you shouldn’t just keep on the counter such as oils, sauces and anything else can stain the natural stone.

• Granite counters can be easily cracked if under too much pressure. Don’t allow yourself or anyone else to sit, stand or jump around on the granite counters. Also, try to avoid any large weighty applications like blenders or crackpots on the counter.

As it usually is, granite countertops are one of the most desirable features in many homes. It is a beautiful natural stone that gives a sleek and modern aesthetic to your kitchen or bathroom counters which is why it is vital to understand how to maintain granite countertops in order to keep them looking their best for as long as possible. Make sure that you are not forgetting a protectant and that you are cleaning every spot and spill upon occurrence.