How to Maintain Your Granite Countertops in Calgary: Tips from Stone Selection
Granite countertops are a stunning addition to any home. Their natural beauty, durability, and timeless appeal make them a popular choice among Calgary homeowners. However, as with any valuable investment, granite countertops require proper care and maintenance to ensure they stay looking their best for years to come.
If you have recently installed granite countertops or are considering doing so, it's essential to know how to maintain them effectively. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your granite countertops, from cleaning tips to preventing damage. Let’s get started!
Understanding Granite as a Natural Stone
Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s crucial to understand the unique properties of granite. Granite is a natural stone formed from cooling magma, which makes it highly durable and heat-resistant. However, it’s also porous, meaning it can absorb liquids, oils, and stains if not properly sealed.
Granite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, making each countertop unique. Its hardness ranks high on the Mohs scale, meaning it is scratch-resistant and can withstand regular use in a busy kitchen. While it’s sturdy, granite still requires care to keep its shine and prevent damage.
Daily Cleaning Routine for Granite Countertops
The best way to maintain the beauty of your granite countertops is to clean them daily. This not only helps keep them spotless but also ensures they stay in top condition. Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
Use a pH-balanced Cleaner
When cleaning granite, avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or anything with acidic content like vinegar or lemon juice. These substances can damage the sealant and dull the stone’s surface. Instead, opt for a pH-balanced granite cleaner or a mild dish soap mixed with warm water.
- How to Clean:
- Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface.
- Rinse with a clean cloth and water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth to avoid water spots.
Avoid Abrasive Tools
Always use soft cloths or sponges when cleaning your granite countertops. Avoid scouring pads or steel wool as they can cause scratches. Additionally, never use sharp objects directly on the countertop’s surface; instead, use a cutting board.
Sealing Your Granite Countertops
One of the most critical aspects of granite maintenance is ensuring it’s properly sealed. Sealing your countertops helps protect them from absorbing stains and liquids. Most granite countertops come pre-sealed, but over time, the sealant wears off, especially in areas with heavy use like the kitchen.
How to Test If Your Granite Needs Sealing
To determine if your granite countertops need resealing, you can perform a simple water test:
- Pour a few drops of water on the countertop.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- If the water absorbs into the stone, it’s time to reseal. If it beads up, the seal is still effective.
Resealing Your Granite Countertops
If your granite countertops need resealing, here’s how to do it:
- Clean the surface thoroughly with a pH-balanced cleaner.
- Let the countertop dry completely.
- Apply a granite sealer, available at most home improvement stores.
- Use a clean cloth to spread the sealer evenly across the surface.
- Let it sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer (usually 15-20 minutes).
- Wipe off any excess sealer with a clean cloth.
- Allow the countertop to cure for 24 hours before use.
Most homeowners find that sealing their granite countertops once a year is sufficient, but high-traffic areas may require sealing every six months.
Preventing Stains and Damage
Although granite is resistant to many types of damage, it’s not entirely impervious. Here are some tips to help prevent stains and other forms of damage:
Use Coasters and Trivets
Even though granite is heat-resistant, placing hot pots and pans directly on the countertop can damage the sealant or cause thermal shock, leading to cracks. Always use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface.
Similarly, use coasters under glasses to avoid potential stains from acidic beverages like wine, coffee, or citrus juices.
Clean Spills Immediately
Granite can absorb liquids if left unattended, leading to stains. For this reason, it's important to clean up spills as soon as they happen, especially if the spill involves oil, grease, or acidic substances. Blot the spill with a soft cloth rather than wiping it to avoid spreading the liquid.
Avoid Heavy Impact
While granite is incredibly durable, it’s not indestructible. Avoid dropping heavy items on the countertop, particularly near edges and corners, as these areas are more prone to chipping.
Polishing Granite for Extra Shine
If you want to keep your granite countertops looking their best, consider polishing them occasionally. Polishing helps restore the stone’s natural shine and enhances its beauty. You can purchase a granite polish from most hardware or stone specialty stores.
- How to Polish:
- After cleaning the countertop, apply the polish following the product instructions.
- Buff the surface with a soft cloth in circular motions until it shines.
Polishing once every few months can help maintain the glossy finish of your granite countertops.
Addressing Common Granite Issues
Stains
Even with proper sealing, stains can occasionally happen. Different types of stains require different treatment methods:
- Oil Stains: Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours. Wipe it off the next day.
- Organic Stains (coffee, wine, etc.): Use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to lift the stain.
- Rust Stains: These are tougher to remove and may require a professional cleaner.
Scratches
While granite is scratch-resistant, fine scratches can still occur over time. For light scratches, you can buff them out using a stone polishing compound. However, deep scratches or chips may require professional repair.
Etching
Etching occurs when acidic substances come into contact with the stone and cause dull spots. Though granite is less susceptible to etching than marble, it’s still important to avoid acidic cleaners or liquids.
Seasonal Care for Granite Countertops in Calgary
Living in Calgary means experiencing a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. While indoor granite countertops aren’t directly exposed to the elements, seasonal changes can affect indoor environments, including your kitchen and bathroom.
During the dry winter months, Calgary homes often experience lower humidity levels, which can cause granite countertops to lose some of their natural moisture. To combat this, ensure your home maintains a balanced humidity level and consider using a stone conditioner to keep your granite hydrated.
In the summer, if you leave windows open or run air conditioning frequently, dust can settle on your countertops more easily. Make sure to dust and clean your countertops regularly to prevent buildup.
Conclusion
Maintaining your granite countertops in Calgary doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular cleaning, proper sealing, and the right preventive measures, you can keep your granite surfaces looking beautiful for years to come. By following these tips from Stone Selection, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty and durability of granite while avoiding common pitfalls. Remember, granite is an investment, and with a little care, it can serve as the centerpiece of your home for decades.
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