Wipe off any residue and wait for the granite to dry. Granite is an extremely heavy natural stone and will require a professional to install it. For monthly maintenance, you can use a polishing product to help your granite countertops retain their distinctive shine. In this case, you will likely need a stone repair specialist to check out the crack and determine how it needs to be fixed. Granite countertops are naturally beautiful, Granite is one of the most durable natural stone countertop options you have, The stone is one of the easiest to care for, Granite is resistant to heat, stains and scratches. Compared to many other natural stone countertop options, caring for granite is a breeze. This section will highlight some of the reasons why granite is truly a magnificent choice for any home. Next, apply the sealer to your countertop. In many people’s minds, granite means strength and resilience. Granite is a strong stone that requires very little maintenance and holds its appearance for years in most cases. To make the poultice, you will have to mix certain ingredients based on what type of stain you have. To determine if your granite countertops need re-sealing, there is a simple test that you can do. If the surface is not properly sealed, it will be susceptible to staining. Granite is one of the least likely natural stones to encounter stains. If you are still in the process of searching for your next countertop, you may be interested in what alternatives exist to granite. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid stains so far but want to know the extent of your countertop’s protection, test whether or not it’s sealed. Stones such as marble, quartzite and limestone are more prone to staining than granite is. Always follow the instructions that come with whatever specific product you are using. While specific types of granite will look similar, no two slabs look perfectly alike. You want to see the water bead up atop the protective seal; that means it’s strong. Massage the sponge or cloth until you see suds, then wring it out so as not to compromise the highly absorbent stone (it can become discolored beneath standing water). Sealing Your Granite Countertops: How to Seal, Why and How Often, Cleaning Granite Countertops: What to Know. No matter the source of the stain, start with baking soda. Before you actually begin to seal the countertop, you will first need to choose an ideal sealant to use. This process will prevent stains and liquids from penetrating the surface, which allows your granite countertops to retain their amazing looks. Dealing with Spills and Stains Blot spills up with a paper towel. Your best bet is to hire a professional to completely clean and then properly reseal the stone, thereby preventing future problems. While it is not cheap, it is more budget-friendly than many of the alternatives. This involves applying a sealant to your granite countertops in order to fill the pores that are present in the stone. The seal weakens over time and if you do not have an effective seal, your granite countertop is prone to staining and other damages. By allowing a spill to sit on the granite you’re opening up a possibility of staining or dulling the granite. Ideally, you should use a natural stone cleaner on your granite countertops daily. Never use any abrasive tools to clean, such as steel wool or Brillo pads. When you consider all these factors, and many other positive qualities the stone has, granite countertops are one of the best investments that you can ever make for your home. That’s because natural stone … Because granite comes from the earth, the stone will allow you to add a touch of natural beauty to your home. Many companies offer complete kits to help you properly clean the rocks. Leave the homemade stain remover overnight (or even for a couple of days), before rinsing and wiping down the granite. Roughly once a year, you will need to re-seal your granite countertops. Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. Quartzite is another durable natural stone, as is the engineered stone quartz. How Can You Polish Your Granite Countertops? Spoon out just a few drops of water onto the surface, and keep your hydrogen peroxide and baking soda at the ready. Any polishing products, such as the one mentioned above, are designed to enhance the finish of your granite. The following is a list of some other tips related to cleaning and maintaining granite countertops. Do not use any cleaning tools that are rough, as you may scratch the surface of the countertop. Gently wipe across the entire countertop in small, circular motions. 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