Granite Countertops Cleaning & Sealing
Granite countertops are durable, sanitary and very easy to clean and maintain. You can clean your granite countertops with mild soap and water, but there are companies that specialize in granite countertop cleaning and sealing products. Stone Care International Products or Granite Gold Products makes taking care of your granite countertops very easy. You can buy individual cleaners and sealers, or get everything you need in our convenient “Care Kits”. The Stone Care International “Care Kits” have everything you need in one package, that includes granite countertop cleaner, sealer and polish along with easy to follow instructions.
Granite Countertops Cleaning
 Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner that is specially formulated to be used on granite countertops on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks that contain acids that may etch or dull your stone’s surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairspray) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the granite countertops surface or degrade the sealer.
granite Vanities and Other Wet Areas
 Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed on granite vanities or countertops. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup. Around the sink, spilled water may leave deposits on your granite countertops. This is why it is important to use Granite Gold Sealer at least once every 12-18 months as it will protect your granite countertops from permanent damage from these abrasive minerals. Then, simply use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner to clean on a regular basis to keep granite countertops or vanities looking new and full of luster.
Spills On granite countertops
Accidents and spills are a fact of life, no matter how careful you are they are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or degrading the sealer. Always try to blot the spill and be careful not to spread it around as you wipe up the spill. Use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner as soon as you have removed the spill. And, remember to seal your stone surface at least once every 12-18 months….this will help keep spills from turning into stains.
Preventing Etch Marks in countertops
Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard, urine and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark. General household cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.
Food Spills on granite countertops
Scoop up spilled food off granite countertops with a plastic spoon. Try not to spread it around with a towel but rather blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the granite countertops area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.
Liquid Spills on granite countertops
Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the granite countertops area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.
Granite Countertop Sealing
To seal your countertops, apply the sealer to your countertop using a clean white rag or brush. Let the sealer absorb into the stone for approximately 3 to 4 minutes. When the sealer is almost dry, apply a little more sealer on your granite and then rub it in with a dry, clean rag. Repeat on the next section of stone until your entire countertop is sealed. Wait at least two hours before a second application. The wait time depends on your specific brand of sealer. It's best to work in a small area, 4 to 5 square feet. If your granite needs to be sealed, at least 2 coats of sealer is recommended. To find out if your stone is sufficiently sealed, spill water on your countertop, wait for about 1/2 hour, then wipe it up. If your stone does not darken, your countertop is sufficiently sealed.
Not all granite needs to be sealed. Before sealing, place several drops of water on the surface of the stone and see how long it takes for the water to completely disappear. If the water absorbs into the stone under 3-4 minutes, it may need sealing.
Sealing granite and natural stone with penetrating sealers, (also called impregnators), protects the structure of a natural stone. They protect the stone from within. When sealing natural stone or granite with this type of sealer, it is applied directly to the face of the stone with a soft cloth. It's simple to do and does not require a stone specialist. This type of sealer is recommended for sealing granite.
The sealer will penetrate below the stone's surface without leaving a coating or film on top. The stone below the surface will be protected, however, there is no surface protection. This means calcareous natural stones such as marble, onyx, limestone, and travertine can still etch or dull if acidic products such as orange juice or coke are left on your stone.
To help provide surface protection, a natural vegetable soap cleanser or a cleanser made specifically for natural stone can be used. These cleansers build up a thin film layer between periodic deep cleanings. Natural vegetable soaps and stone cleaners remove dirt and debris from the stone's surface the same as a detergent soap does. They are just milder.
Baston Granite Interiors is a granite countertop contractor specializing in the fabrication and installation of granite kitchen countertops and granite and marble bath vanities in both home and business applications. We serve Northern Georgia and South Carolina, in and around Atlanta, Lake Oconee area, Athens, Augusta, Elberton, Milledgeville, Gainesville, Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia, Highlands, Asheville, Hendersonville, Anderson, and Spartenburg. Call Baston Granite Interiors today for a free estimate, 706-283-3638.
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