Discussing granite care and cleaning can sometimes be a little confusing. We will focus on granite countertop care and not granite used for other applications such as floors or wall cladding. It is important to recognize that not all granite necessarily needs to be sealed. For example, a tight grained granite may never need sealing because of the natural properties of that particular piece of granite. However, we recommend every countertop be sealed with a quality non-toxic sealer. The main reason to seal granite is to protect the stone from staining and water absorption. Many food items such as red wine, cooking oil, grease, mustard, coffee and tea can and will stain granite countertops.
Most stains can be removed depending on the type of stone and depth of penetration. At Premier Countertops, we will apply the sealer to protect your stone counters. This initial sealing will not last forever and you must reapply sealer on a regular basis.
Everyday Cleaning
For everyday cleaning there are a number of products available on the market specifically designed for natural stone, such as Black Diamond. A solution of two (2) parts water to one (1) part Simple Green also works well. The simplest method is to use warm soapy water and wipe the entire counter surface on a daily basis. You do want to avoid common household cleaners that have a bleach or ammonia base. These cleaners can damage your sealer and leave your counters more susceptible to stains.
How often do I apply sealer?
We recommend that you seal your stone countertops anywhere from every six (6) months to once a year. The frequency of sealing is typically based on the type of stone you have selected and the amount of traffic in the kitchen.
What type of stone sealer should I use?
Make sure you purchase a non-toxic sealer. The sealer should say on the bottle that it is safe for food preparation areas. If it doesn’t, investigate further and please give us a call.
Is it possible to over seal my granite?
Yes! It is important to understand that while regular sealing is important, too much sealer can become a problem. Once a week or even once a month sealing can begin to build up in your granite material and begin to make the granite surface appear cloudy and dull. If this build up occurs we do recommend that you contact a stone restoration specialist to come out and clean and reseal your granite professionally.
