How To Maintain Granite Countertops

Even if the granite countertops are durable, sturdy, strong, and seemingly everlasting, it still needs proper maintenance and care to reduce its ageing process- fading and losing of charm. If you are callous in this aspect, you will inadvertently damage the granite countertop permanently.

Below are given some simple ways and tips to maintain granite countertops.

1. For removing general stains, make a think paste of flour and T Mild dishwashing soap. Apply this on the stain; leave it overnight after covering it with a plastic sheet. Next morning, scrape the mixture with wooden utensil and wipe that area.
2. For removing oil based stains, make a think paste of flour and T Mild hydrogen peroxide. Apply this on the stain; leave it overnight after covering it with a plastic sheet. Next morning, scrape the mixture with wooden utensil and wipe that area.
3. For organic stains like those of tea and coffee, clean with hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2-3 drops of ammonia.
4. For ink stain on dark granite, apply acetone to the stain and wipe it off.
5. For in stain on light granite, apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain and wipe off with a cloth.
6. For stains due to wine, make a thick paste of bleach and molding plaster. Apply on the stain for 30 minutes and remove. Clean the area with clean cloth.
7. Refrain from frequently placing hot dishes directly on the granite surface. Though the surface is sealed, the sealing may break with excessive heat and thus expose the surface to destruction.
8. Maintain the sealing to keep the surface non-porous. All natural substances are porous in nature, which is why you should not use granite without sealing. Sealing will prevent the stone from seepage of water, chemicals, and oil. Apply the sealant every 6 months if possible.
9. On a general basis, clean the surface with mild cleanser, warm water, and soft cloth. The cleaning solutions should not be harsh but especially made for cleaning natural stones. The cleaners should not contain high amount of bleach, acids, or ammonia.
10. If you spill something, clean it immediately by not wiping it but by blotting it with paper tissues.
11. Do not leave unwrapped food on the granite surface. Use trays and coasters for keeping glasses or dishes on the surface. 
12. Use poultice powder to clean stains. Not all stains can be removed by it. When you purchase a granite cleaning product, read in detail what all can be cleaned by it and what not.

These and many more steps are there to maintain granite countertop. Only proper maintenance will make granites last longer.