Good granite countertop maintenance starts with you the homeowner. If you take care of your granite counters, they will most likely look great
forever.
Knowing how to clean granite countertops from the beginning will save you time and money and more importantly a headache later on.
If you are about to have granite counters installed or just had them installed, the first thing you want to do, is make sure they are sealed with a good
penetrating sealer.
A good penetrating sealer won't make your granite countertop completely waterproof, but it will slow down the absorption rate, so when there is a spill,
you'll have time to clean up that spill before the liquid becomes a stain.
Remember, your granite wasn't cheap, so don't look for the cheapest penetrating sealer available (like the one you find at Home Cheapo). Find a
sealer that's specially formulated for natural stone and have it applied by a professional.
If you are a DIY'er, then take your time and read the directions very carefully before taking on the task and then read them again when you're about to seal your
granite countertops.
I'm taking the time talking about sealing your granite countertops, because I believe it's important and will help you maintain your investment.
For daily cleaning of your granite, we recommend a cleaner that will help reduce greasy and oily build up that can can stain your grantite.
MB-5 Marble and Granite Cleaner
is great for all your granite countertop maintenance needs.
If you don't have MB-5, and are accustomed to using your dishsoap or Windex, a few things to keep in mind.
Dishsoap can begin to build up and could leave a residue. You should periodically rince thoroughly with warm water and use a dry microfiber for a final buff, once in a while.
If you're used to using Windex, be aware that the acidity of the product can begin to break down the sealer, exposing your granite to staining. Windex can
also begin to dull your granites polished finish with time.
If you're using MB-5 on a regular basis, you most likely will have a healthy and happy granite countertop. If not, then you most likely will need to have your granite
countertops deeply cleaned about every 2-3 years to help with any residues that hard to get rid of.
Regardless of what cleaning method your are using, I would schedule to have your granite countertops sealed every 3-5 years. If done by a professional, they will
give them a deep cleaning, but if you do it yourself, you should use a good
stone cleaner
first before sealing.
That's about it. If you wipe up your spills promptly, dry any standing water near the sink and fixtures, and clean with a good granite cleaner on a regular
basis, you shouldin't have any issues with maintaining your granite countetops.
If you would like a little added protection and some help with those smudges and finger marks that are sometimes left on your granite, you can try
MB-13 Stone Polish.
When it comes to granite countertop maintenance, how to clean granite countertops or just maintaining natural stone we
strive to help educate our customers on the best protection they can have, helping them save time and money in
costly restoration costs down the road.