Caring for Granite Countertops
Cleaning Granite Countertops
For daily cleaning use mild dish soap like Ivory®, warm water and a soft clean cloth. You can also use any water based spray cleaner such as clear vinegar formula Windex® or Natural Stone Cleaner 409® (as recommended by the Marble Institute of America).
If a film, smudges, or streaks develop, use vinegar diluted with water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) and a soft clean cloth to remove it.
Sealing Granite Countertops
Your countertops have been sealed prior to installation. Some stones will only need sealing every few years depending on the stone’s porosity and your daily use of the countertops.
To determine if your countertop needs resealing, perform a “water test”. Place some water onto your stone. If within 15-20 minutes the water begins to absorb into the stone, it is time to reseal. Wait for the water spot to evaporate before resealing.
Few granite and most marble, limestone, and travertine require an immediate application or multiple applications of sealer by the homeowner. The natural porosity of these stones and its use in your home requires them to have more initial sealing.
Sealing works as a stain inhibitor and prevents most stains and soil from being absorbed into the surface, but it is NOT a guarantee against staining.To seal your granite countertops, we recommend the Stone Tech Professional Care System which is available through Granite-Tops. Other stone sealers are available through any stone/tile retail location.
General Sealing Instructions (always follow the directions provided with your product.)
1. Be certain your countertops are clean and free of spills. Stains should be removed prior to sealing. You will need 3 clean, dry, soft cloths and stone sealer.
2. Pour a small amount of sealer, about the size of the bottom of a pop can, onto the countertop and distribute evenly with a dry cloth. Pour more sealer onto the stone as you move onto other areas of the surface.
3. Allow the sealer to penetrate the stone for at least 15-30 minutes. If the sealer is quickly soaked up by the stone, which is common with marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx, repeat step 2.
4. Take another dry cloth and wipe the excess sealer off while it is still wet. If the sealer is already dry, apply a bit more sealer and wipe it off. This will remove any residue.
5. Once all excess sealer is removed, use a clean dry cloth for a final wipe down.