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Gleaming, shining, and sparkling: Granite counter tops add pizazz to many kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. When you invest in this costly addition, it’s important to know how to maintain a granite countertop’s luster for as long as possible.
Here are a few tips:
• Avoid using items or conditions that can mar the surface appearance.
• Never leaving liquid or chemical spills on the surface of a granite countertop; wipe up any accidental spills as quickly as possible with a wet sponge. Be especially diligent if the spills are acidic in nature.
• Don’t use acidic cleaners such as vinegar-based window cleaners to clean and disinfect your countertop. Contact your vendor to find out which disinfectants have been made specifically for granite.
• Be sure to remove any diamond or gemstone rings before working on or cleaning the granite.
• Avoiding adding extra weight to the edges of the countertop.
• Use trivets or hot pads for those straight-out-of-the-oven dishes and always use cutting boards when preparing food.
How frequently should the countertop be resealed?
• Your countertop should be sealed immediately upon installation. The contractor likely will use a solvent based sealer called an impregnator that will fill in the porous surface and help protect against spills.
• Sealing doesn’t necessarily make the granite stain-proof, but it will help guard the surface for about a year, at the minimum, depending on the sealer used and the type of stone.
• To determine if your countertop needs to be resealed by taking a few drops of water and dripping them on the surface. If the drops bead, the countertop’s seal is still intact. But if they’re absorbed by the countertop, it’s time to reseal.
• If it has been several years since resealing or the countertops absorbs liquids, consider having your countertop professionally resealed.