Frequently Asked Questions

 Your daily habits could spell the difference between a dulled countertop and a bright shiny one many years from now. There are important things that you need to do and not do to preserve its luster:

• Wipe counters off frequently to remove debris 
• Don't use harsh cleansers like bathroom cleaners or grout cleaners
• Remove spills as quickly as possible 
• Avoid using abrasive substances to clean surfaces
• Wash with stone soap or a pH neutral cleaner 
• Don’t use vinegar or lemon juice to wipe surfaces
• Dry countertops thoroughly after cleaning or spills

Developing the proper maintenance approach is essential to granite surface care. It also helps to be aware of the best practices:

• Use coasters under drinks so that water left on your countertop does not seep into the porous stone and leave behind a stain
• Place trivets or mats under anything that could potentially scratch the surface
• Keep away non-pH neutral alcohol to avoid making granite countertop surfaces dull
• Never place hot items directly on polished stone surfaces
• Select a heavy-duty stone cleaner that removes grease from the counter and gets rid of surface sealants
• Choose stone cleaners specially formulated to deep-clean stone without damaging it
• Mix cleaning agents with water according to manufacturer directions before applying to stone surfaces
• Allow cleaning solutions to sit on the stone for the amount of time recommended by manufacturer
• Agitate the countertop cleaner with a sponge or soft bristle brush
• Mop up the soap and water then dry thoroughly
• Polish or buff surfaces to a brilliant shine with a soft cloth

To get rid of stains, try regular and deep-cleaning solutions first. If you find your countertops still in need of some extra care, try this:

1. Select a stone poultice that’s fine, non-acidic, and clay-powered
2. Mix the poultice to the consistency of peanut butter
3. Wet the stained area with water
4. Put a ¼ to ½ inch layer of poultice on the stain
5. Cover with plastic and tape the edges to seal it to the countertop
6. Let the poultice dry for 24 hours, then remove the plastic and let dry for another 24 hours
7. Gently remove the poultice, rinse with water, and dry with a soft cloth
8. Always refer to manufacturer directions before using cleaning agents
9. If surfaces become dull after applying poultice, use a stone-polishing agent to restore shine

Annual Care

To make countertops stain-resistant, have them sealed regularly. There are 3 types of sealers that you can use:

• Topical 
• Stone Enhancer
• Penetrating/Impregnating

Topical Sealers

This coats the surface of the stone but doesn’t seep into the stone like other options do. You can use permanent or strippable varieties. Permanent sealers are very difficult to remove once they are applied. Strippable alternatives are meant to be removed and can be applied again.

Stone Enhancers

 Stone enhancers do everything that a penetrating sealer does while also providing a cosmetic luster by darkening the stone. This brings out the natural colors and patterns in the stone the same way wetting a stone does. Enhancers brighten up older countertops and keep newer ones as beautiful as the day they were installed. Select a sealer that is rated to protect surfaces for long periods of time. Most stone experts suggest resealing annually or every 2 years.

Penetrating/Impregnating Sealers

Let the natural beauty of your polished or honed stone surface shine through. This kind of sealing agent does not add any extra shine to your countertop. Some are water-based and others are solvent-based. Select a penetrating variety that is designed to shield hard surfaces longer from potential damage. Though most coatings provide counters with ample protection, natural stone experts recommend sealing every year or two.

Applying Sealer

 Before applying sealers, always check manufacturer directions for proper use. Here are the general usage guidelines:

1.  Give the countertop a deep cleaning
2.  Dry it thoroughly
3.  Apply sealer with a soft cloth
4.  Work in small areas
5.  Allow the sealer to dry on the counter for 24 hours (or as the manufacturer recommends)
6.  Apply a second coat of sealer
7.  Double-check manufacturer recommendations for additional instructions
8.  Always follow the manufacturer’s directions

When deciding on what’s ideal for your kitchen, choose one that you feel offers more benefits in terms of quality, maintenance, and style. As always, form and function must meld wonderfully in any material and design choice you make.