Caring for Granite Countertops

    You’ve invested a lot of time and money into selecting the perfect granite countertop for your kitchen. Now it only makes sense to protect that investment. Here are a few simple steps that you can use to make sure that your beautiful new granite countertops stay looking that way over a lifetime of use.

Granite may appear impenetrable to the naked eye, but like any material, it has pores that can let in oils and acidic liquids, like lime juice, which can damage or stain your counter top over time. To avoid this, clean up spills as quickly as possible, especially if you spill anything acidic on marble, which is much more susceptible to corrosion than granite.

Heat can also be dangerous to your new countertop. Granite countertops are made up of a number of natural minerals, which give them their unique appearance and texture. Some of these minerals are more sensitive to heat than others and will crystallize if an excessively hot pot or pan is left on them for too long, leaving a permanent spot of discoloration. To avoid this, simply use a placemat under any hot items or leave them on the stovetop to cool off.

The final threat to your countertop comes from an unexpected place, your wedding ring. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but they can be less than friendly to your new granite countertop. That’s because diamond is actually the hardest naturally occurring substance on this earth, used in industrial stone cutting saws, and can very easily leave deep scratches in your countertop if you aren’t careful not to drag it along the surface. Our recommendation is that you probably usually take your rings off when cooking anyway, and that is the safest course of action for your countertops as well.

Just follow these easy tips, and your countertops will remain a beautiful and functional part of your home for years to come.