Maintaining Your Granite Worktop: Tips for Lasting Shine

A granite worktop is an investment in your home just like the worthwhile quartz countertops. Its natural beauty and unique patterns make it a stunning centrepiece in any kitchen. However, it requires proper care and attention to maintain its lustrous shine just like any premium material. This is not a high-maintenance material, but it is a porous one. A little effort goes a very long way in keeping it new for many years and even generations.

So, we have decided to share all the necessary and worth considering expert advice in this guide. In this way, you can ensure your granite stays beautiful and protected. You will learn the simple secrets to its longevity. But before that, let’s start understanding your granite first.

The Foundation of Care

We all know that granite is a natural igneous rock. It is formed from magma cooling deep within the earth. It is composed of minerals like quartz and feldspar. The rock’s composition makes it incredibly hard and durable.

However, granite is also a porous material. It has tiny, microscopic holes that can absorb liquids. This is the single most important thing to understand about granite care. If you do not protect it, liquids can seep into the stone. This can lead to unsightly stains.

More importantly, granite is unique. This means no two slabs are exactly alike. Actually, its beauty comes from its natural imperfections. The unique mineral composition gives it a wide range of colours and patterns. Some granite types are more porous than others.

For example, lighter colours like white or beige granite are generally more porous. Darker colours like black granite are typically denser. Isn’t it interesting? This difference in porosity affects how often you need to seal it. So, understanding the nature of your specific granite is the first step to proper maintenance.

Tips to Maintain Granite Countertop

Let’s share a few tips and methods to keep your granite new and near to you.

• Sealing Your Granite Worktop

Did you know the most critical part of granite maintenance is speaking? It is a simple process. The sealer works by filling the pores in the stone. It creates a protective barrier on the surface that prevents liquids from soaking into the granite.

You can say that it is your first line of defence against stains. Most reputable fabricators will seal your granite before installation. However, this protection does not last forever. It wears off over time with daily use and cleaning.

And yes, you can easily test if your granite needs a new coat of sealer. Just pour a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, your sealant is still working. If the water soaks into the granite and creates a dark spot, it is time to reseal.

The general recommendation is to reseal every one to three years. However, high-traffic areas like busy kitchens, restaurant islands, etc., will need it more often. We will talk more about that later. And congratulations, a properly sealed worktop is easy to clean and taken care of.

• Everyday Cleaning (The Dos and Don’ts)

It is very simple to do daily cleaning with a granite surface. You should wipe up spills as they happen. Use a soft cloth or a sponge with warm water and a little mild dish soap. This is all you need for most messes.

It is essential to avoid harsh chemicals. Products containing vinegar, ammonia, or citrus can break down the sealant. They also can cause the surface to dull over time. The same applies to abrasive cleaners as they can scratch and damage the finish.

You also must not use a kitchen worktop cleaner that is not designed for natural stone. Many all-purpose cleaners are too harsh for granite. They can leave a sticky residue. This residue attracts dirt and makes your worktop look dull. Plus, this is the opposite of what you want.

A good tip is to use a cleaner specifically formulated for granite. Many of these products also have a small amount of sealer in them. They give a little boost of protection with every clean. And only the right cleaner keeps your granite looking its best.

• Act Fast to Prevent Stains

Minor accidents happen in the kitchen and that’s OKAY. We understand that a spilled glass of wine or a splash of olive oil can feel like a disaster. A well-sealed granite surface will give you some time to react. The liquid will bead up on top of the stone instead of soaking in.

In this case, you should blot the spill immediately with a soft cloth. You do not want to wipe it. This is because wiping can spread the stain. This is especially 100% true for oil-based spills (including the most hated ingredient, turmeric). So, blotting will lift the liquid from the surface.

But…the question is: How to deal with very stingy and stubborn stains?

Here is how to deal with them!

• You need to create a simple poultice for a stubborn stain. A poultice is a paste that draws the stain out of the stone.
• For oil-based stains, mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste.
• For water-based stains, use a little hydrogen peroxide.
• Then, apply the poultice to the stain.
• After that, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight.
• And boom! The paste will draw the stain out.

According to our quartz and granite worktop experts, this is a very effective and safe method.

• Protecting Granite from Scratches and Heat

Premium granite is a very hard natural material for worktops, window cills, floating shelves, and even overlays. That’s why it is resistant to scratches. You can cut on it without damaging the surface. However, this is not a good idea.

Cutting on a granite worktop will dull your knives very quickly. It is much better to use a cutting board. This protects both your knives and your granite. It is a simple habit to adopt and we guarantee it will help your granite retain its flawless finish forever.

In addition to that, the granite countertop is also highly heat-resistant. You can place hot pots and pans directly on its beautiful surface. It will not melt or scorch. However, the sealer is not as heat-resistant.

Placing a very hot pan on a sealed surface can damage the sealant. It can leave a temporary cloudy mark. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use a trivet, hot pad, or something to avoid this unwanted situation. This small step protects the sealer and guarantees your granite stays looking new.

• Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

When it comes to cleaning the granite work top, you have many options. You can use a dedicated granite cleaner. These cleaners are pH-neutral and formulated to be safe for natural stone. They will not strip the sealant and they are a good choice for daily use.

More specifically, you can also make your own simple solution. A mixture of a little mild dish soap and warm water works perfectly. However, you should avoid leaving a soapy residue on the surface. This can cause a dull film to build up over time.

You must avoid any cleaners with acidic ingredients. This includes vinegar, lemon juice, or citrus-based cleaners. They will etch the stone and remove the sealant. You also must not use abrasive cleaners like scouring powders.

They can scratch the surface. It is a common mistake that can be easily avoided. So, it is important to choose the right cleaning products. You should always read the label on the cleaner. It will tell you if it is safe for natural stone. The wrong cleaner can do a lot of damage.

The Signs That Your Granite Needs Resealing

Resealing is not a one-time thing. It is an ongoing part of the maintenance process. As we have mentioned before, a simple water test is the best way to check. Place a few drops of water on the surface and see what happens.

If the water forms small beads, the sealant is doing its job. The water should sit on the surface for a few minutes. If the water soaks into the stone, it is time to reseal. The granite will get dark where the water has absorbed. This is a clear sign.

The frequency of resealing depends on your usage. A busy kitchen with a lot of cooking will need it more often. A less-used worktop might only need it every few years. Also, some granite types are more porous.

According to expert sources like The Stone Federation of Great Britain, a good quality professional-grade sealer is essential. Lighter-coloured granites often require more frequent sealing. It is also a good idea to pay attention to areas around the sink. This is where the sealant can wear off the fastest. You can buy a good sealer and do it yourself. It is a simple process.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Even with the best care of granite, you will encounter a few problems. Dullness is a common issue. This is often caused by a buildup of soapy residue from cleaners. The solution is simple. You just have to give your worktop a thorough clean with a stone-safe cleaner. Then rinse it well with plain water. This should restore the shine. You can also get specialised polishes to bring back the lustre.

Similarly, stains can also irritate you. A well-sealed granite worktop will not stain easily. However, a tough stain might need more help. You can use a poultice as we discussed. For a very difficult stain, a professional can help.

But, chips and cracks are rare with granite. They are a natural occurrence with natural materials. A heavy object dropping on an edge or a corner can cause a chip. A professional available at MO’s STONEX and DIY Kitchens Worktop can often repair a chip. They use a special resin to fill it. It is actually made to match the colour of the granite.

Long-Term Care for Lasting Beauty

If you are caring for your granite today, it is an ongoing commitment. However, the effort is minimal. You will get a surface that looks amazing for a lifetime. Regular cleaning is the most important part of the daily routine.

Plus, you should always use trivets and cutting boards. We don’t know how many times we will repeat it again and again but we will. These simple habits protect the granite slab surface. You must also remember to reseal it when needed. You can do the water test every few months.

It is also good to understand the difference between granite and other materials. For example, a quartz worktop does not need to be sealed as it is non-porous. A beautiful quartz worktop colours will not fade over time. However, a granite worktop is a timeless natural stone.

The quartz worktop price is also very similar to granite. You just have to choose the material that fits your lifestyle and mood. Granite is a choice for those who love natural products. It is a surface with character. A little care ensures you enjoy its unique beauty for many decades.

Conclusion

So…we have come to the conclusion of our guide. We have learned that it is actually a simple process to maintaining a granite worktop. The key is understanding its porous nature. Regular sealing is the most important step in its care. You ought to use the right cleaning products and avoid harsh chemicals.

After all, a little everyday effort protects your investment. This will ensure your beautiful surface retains its natural elegance, beauty, and shine. It will continue to be a stunning feature in your British home. Proper care allows you to enjoy its timeless beauty for a lifetime.

Cheers!