Granite Countertop Maintenance

Granite is considered one of the traditional materials used for countertops. This natural stone, with its beautiful patterns and textures, its hardness and durability, as well as its resistance to heat and fire, makes for a great decorative option you may want to add to your home.

However, like all natural materials, granite requires maintenance to preserve its beauty and like-new appearance, and to extend its lifespan—which can last for decades.

Since it is porous, granite is vulnerable to stains and deteriorates over time. That’s why it’s essential to seal it regularly to enhance its resistance to staining, make it easier to clean, and prolong its lifespan. This process is generally simple and only takes about 20 minutes using polishing products. You can perform a quick test to check if your countertop needs sealing by pouring a bit of water on the surface. If the water is absorbed within 10 minutes, it means your countertop needs to be resealed.

It’s also important to clean your granite countertop daily and wipe up any stains or liquid spills before they dry. During this process, it’s recommended to avoid abrasive or harsh products that can damage the countertop’s sealant or even the material itself. To keep your granite countertop as shiny as new, you can use a glass cleaner after cleaning, or a product that both cleans and polishes the surface at the same time.

Granite is known for its hardness, but the sealant used is not as tough and can be damaged if you’re not careful with sharp objects like knives. You should also avoid exposing your granite to strong impacts or heavy weights, which can cause cracks to develop on the surface.