Granite counter tops are often chosen for their beauty, affordability, wide range of colors and patterns, ease of cleaning, durability and burn-resistance, unlike marble, which needs much care. Any homeowner can create elegant counter surfaces which need minimal maintenance effort, by using granite counter tops. However, something this beautiful cannot be literally zero-maintenance.

Let us observe a few tips to take care of and maintain the granite counter tops so that they stay just like new. For daily maintenance, use a synthetic scrub or cloth with a mild cleanser or dishwashing liquid to clean the counter top. A three-step process can keep the granite counter tops sparkling and pleasing to the eye ” Wipe any stains without delay using water and mild cleansers, rinse the counter top, and use a normal tablecloth to wipe and dry. The best care, however, is to take care that stains and damage do not affect the surface.

Granite is deceptively hard and durable, but rather sensitive to acidic substances like lemon or vinegar. Using a coaster under the next glass of wine, beer or orange juice can help you avoid irreversible damage to the natural shine of the granite surface. The same goes for the use of harsh chemicals, which, while removing rather adamant spills and stains, may also remove that satin finish you paid extra for. Prevent stains, and use milder solutions for the ones that get away, and the surface will sparkle like it did on day one!

Sealing and resealing is also a very important aspect for people who own granite counter tops. If you have done the sealing process, it will ensure easy daily maintenance. Some types of counter tops do not need sealing to protect their color and shine, but for the majority that do, the resealing could be needed as often as six months, or as seldom as once every 2 years. For all surfaces, and particularly kitchen surface, purchase non-toxic sealer, as most shine may have toxic chemicals. We can find two types of sealers which can be used for granite counter tops, penetrating sealers and topical sealers. As the names suggest, the first kind seeps into the stone and protects its natural structure, while a topical sealer simply provides an external coat.

Topical sealers themselves are of two types ” strippable and permanent. Strippable topical sealers are designed to be stripped off the surface with little effort, while permanent sealers contain solvent- or water-based polymers which are not advisable for use with granite.

Look no further for more information on granite counter tops than Granitetopia. The website also offers an understanding of a range of discount granite countertops for your kitchen and bathroom counters.