Granite Care Instructions

Granite is the most durable of all stones, second only to diamonds. While durable and low maintenance, however, it is not impervious to damage. Proper care ensures the longevity and beauty expected from this premium product. Granite countertops are hard and can withstand a falling can of soup, but the polished surface is a bit more delicate.

The granite you have purchased for your home or office is an investment that will provide many years of beautiful service. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning.

AVOIDING SCRATCHES * AVOIDING CHIPS
SEALING THE GRANITE * HOT PANS
GRANITE CARE DO'S AND DON'TS

AVOIDING SCRATCHES
Knives will not scratch granite, although cutting on your countertops is not recommended as your knives will dull very quickly. Damage may also occure on the surface over time in the way of light cut marks and eventually an abrasive surface.

AVOIDING CHIPS
Chips in granite are not a common occurence. When they do happen, chips are most often caused by banging something into the edge of the countertop. Heavy pots and pans and the bottoms of large bottles do most of the damage. Take care when you handle them around your granite. If a chip does occure and you are able to find the piece that was chipped out, save it. Most of the time, it can be epoxied back into place.

SEALING THE GRANITE
It is suggested that a penetrating sealant be applied once a year. Avoid using a stone sealer that will not penetrate the stone, as it will create a cloudy surface that will have to be removed by stripping the entire countertop, using harsh solvents. Apply a granite polish on your tops that you can purchase from us or from your local home building store.

HOT PANS
High and low temperatures will not harm granite in any way. You can take a pan off the stove or a dish out of the oven and set it directly on your countertop without the worry of damage. If you have a seam in your countertop, it is best to avoid setting hot materials on top of it. The epoxy in the seam is heat resistant, but it can be melted if exposed to heat for an extended period.

GRANITE CARE DO'S & DONT'S
DO: dust surfaces frequently with a soft, clean cloth.

DO: clean surfaces with a few drops of pH balanced dishwashing liquid and warm water. Rinse after washing with a soap solution and dry completely with a soft, clean cloth to avoid streaks. (Too much soap may also leave a film and cause streaks)

DO: wipe clean any countertops that come into contact with cooking oil. While stains are rare, they are caused most frequently by cooking oil.

DO: use a glass cleaner that does NOT contain ammonia.

DON'T: leave acidic liquids (vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, lime juice, soft drinks and wine) on it's surface for an extended period, as they can etch the surface and dull the finish. Polished granite countertops are rather delicate and must be treated with more care.

DON'T: use cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, acid or alkaline, such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, abrasive cleaners (liquid or powder), lime removers or tub and tile cleaners.

DON'T use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

DON'T: store bottles of cooking oil directly on your granite.

DON'T: store metal pots and pans on your countertops as rust can stain the granite.

DON'T: be alarmed if your granite darkens when it is wet. The sealer is not a waterproofing agent. It will return to it's original color when the water evaporates.

DON'T: slide appliances, utensils or pots and pans on the surface of your granite, as they may scratch the polish surface.

DON'T: apply a stone sealer that will not penetrate granite, as these harsh solvents will eventually become hard to remove.

DON'T: worry if you have a question not covered on this page. Just give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.