254 799 8000

Natural stone materials are the most durable and beautiful materials available and an excellent choice for countertops and other surfaces. Here are a few tips to help you protect your investment and keep them looking as good as the day Italian Granite installed them.

Clean Spills Immediately

Granite is not as porous as other countertop materials, but any liquids left on the counter will eventually be soaked into the granite. Make sure you quickly clean any oils or acidic liquids before they can damage the stone. Water is more lenient, but it’s important to keep a well sealed counter to repel most liquids.

Clean Regularly

Keeping your granite countertops clean will avoid any missed spills that could soak and damage the stone. The easiest and most effective way to clean is to use warm water and dish-washing soap. Never use powdered cleansers or acidic cleaners because these will damage your counters and leave marks over time.

Seal

Although most retailers tell you to seal your countertops every year, it can actually wait until two years. A simple method to tell if you need to seal is to see how water sits. If it forms beads, you don’t need to seal, but if it soaks in relatively quickly then it’s time. Use a commercial sealer made specifically for granite and apply it to the countertops. Some sealers cure overnight and some only take a few minutes. Wipe off the excess sealer rinse your countertops thoroughly.

Polish

To increase the lifespan of your countertops, polish them every few months. Use a quality stone polish to keep the surface smooth, enhance the shine and add extra protection against stains and abrasion.