CLEANING

• Clean the counter top with warm water and a few drops of dish washing detergent or antibacterial detergent using a soft cloth.

• Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

• If you spill something on your counter top, blot with a paper towel or soft cloth immediately. So do not wipe the area as this can spread the spill.

• Flush the spill with warm water and detergent and rinse thoroughly.

  Dry the area with a soft cloth. Properly sealed stone will repel most stains if the spills are cleaned promptly.

• When granite has been neglected, you will need to use a heavy-duty stone and degreaser to effectively remove dirt, grease, and grime. These products are concentrated and designed to deep clean without damaging the stone. It's important to follow manufactures instructions carefully.

• If you find you have a stain that is not easily removed by following the above directions for spills, a “poultice” can be used to pull the stain from the stone. Stone poultice is a fine, non-acid, absorptive clay cleaning powder that removes deep-set oil stains, grease and light cement grout haze from polished and unpolished natural stone. The poultice may dull the shine of the polished stone. If this occurs, you will need to use a marble polish to restore the natural shine

• Clean off wine, tomato sauce or other difficult stains with a paste of stone cleaner and baking powder

 

ESSENTIAL GEAR

• Cutting Boards - While granite is highly scratch-resistant, do not cut on it directly; use a cutting board

• Trivets - Hot cooking pots will not damage the surface, however extreme or constant temperature changes may harm your stone. Avoid leaving hot pans sitting on the counter for long periods of time, especially during the winter or use a trivet.

 

SEALING

• Know when to use a sealer. Not all granite counter tops require a seal according to the Marble Institute of America but may benefit from a quality sealer product. Most manufacturers place a resin treatment on granite at the factory.

• The sealant product should last ten to fifteen years and be of an oleophobic (resistant to water and oil or fat based stains) type. Once properly sealed, the stone will be more resistant.

  Alongside these instructions, be sure to refer to the specific manufacturer's instructions.

• Clean the stone thoroughly

• Allow the stone to dry for several hours

• Apply the sealer according to manufacturers directions.

• Wipe and buff sealer with a terry cloth.

 

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Do not put hot pots on the stone. Use trivets.

• Do not put flowerpots, containers or glasses that leave water marks on the surface.

• Do not use ammonia, vinegar, lemon or orange cleaning agents, bleach or any abrasive cleaning powders or cleaning pads. Also avoid coffee spills or carbonated beverage spills.