Caring for your Granite Countertops

Once you’ve invested in one of the beautiful granite countertops Cosmos offers, you’ll want to protect your investment.  Though granite is strong and durable, it will need care and attention to protect from the wear it will sustain and to preserve its natural beauty for years to come.

Keep Your Countertops Well-Sealed

Maintaining the seal on your countertops will extend the life of the granite. It is vital to keep your countertops well-sealed to help the stone avoid soaking up spills and creating stains. There is no specific schedule for resealing granite. The need to reseal will depend on a number of factors, including the type of granite, the quality of the sealant, and the usage and overall care of the granite.

Check your granite every few months with a simple water test to assess whether it’s time to reseal.

• Pour a few tablespoons of water onto various sections of your countertop (some areas may need resealing sooner than others) and note the time it takes for the water to absorb. The granite will darken as the water is absorbed.
• An uncompromised seal will keep water at bay for 30 minutes. If no water has absorbed after half an hour, your sealant is in good shape.
• If the water absorbs after 10 to 15 minutes, the area should get a coat of sealant.
• If the water absorbs immediately or after just a few minutes, the granite is not offering protection against liquids and stains and should be sealed immediately with at least a couple of coats of sealant.

Basic Care and Cleaning

• Use only water, mild soap, and a microfiber cloth: While there are cleaners on the market designed for granite countertops, those products aren’t necessary to keep your countertops fresh. Mild dishwashing soap and warm water will be sufficient for everyday cleaning.  Use a microfiber cloth for wet cleaning or dry dusting; do not use scrubbing sponges and brushes.

• Avoid harsh cleansers or chemicals: Using chemicals on your granite, including bleach- or ammonia-based cleansers, will strip the protective sealant and leave your counters susceptible to stains and absorption of other liquids. Also, avoid using materials containing vinegar or other acidic liquids like lemon juice.
  • Antibacterial cleansing: Well-sealed granite is resistant to bacteria. However, if you feel the need to disinfect with more than soap and hot water, a mixture of half water and half 91% isopropyl alcohol will work.  Spray the mixture on the affected area and allow to sit for three to five minutes, then rinse with water and dry the countertop with a microfiber cloth.

Other Helpful Tips

• Wipe spills as soon as possible. A stain could set in if a spill is left for too long, even on sealed granite.
• Always use a cutting board when preparing food. Knives can compromise the seal on your granite or damage your countertops.
• Avoid storing oily or wet containers on your granite countertops. Over time, any oil on the bottom of the containers can seep into the countertop and stain, even when the granite is sealed.
• In addition to watching for scratches and stains, regularly inspect your granite for cracks or shifting at the seams.  Contact a repair professional for assistance if you have noticed any damage. Putting off repairs can lead to further damage and higher repair costs.

Feel free to contact the team of experts here at Cosmos Marble and Granite if you ever have questions about the care or maintenance of your granite countertops.