While many people like the idea of granite countertops in their Maple Grove, MN kitchen and the bathroom, they may have heard stories about how difficult natural stone is to maintain. They may have heard stories about problems with keeping counters clean and streak-free or dealing with staining problems.
Built In Resistance
If you are one of those people that are not considering granite kitchen countertops because of these stories, stop and think again. The reality is that most of these issues people are talking about are issues that are more likely related to the softer natural stones. Granite and marble are often confused, with marble being the softer natural stone that is more prone to staining.
Surface scratches and stains are actually uncommon on granite kitchen countertops for two different reasons. The first reason is the natural hardness of the stone which protects the surface. The second is that granite is professionally sealed prior to installation, which virtually eliminates the risk of staining. The sealer stops the natural uptake of the liquid by the stone, eliminating the risk of any type of stain.
However, as with any type of material, if acids or oils are left on the surface for longer periods of time they can result in stains. These stains can be treated and the surface restored with the use of simple yet effective techniques and a coating of sealer over the area treated.
Basic Care
Basic care for granite kitchen countertops includes wiping down the counters with hot, soapy water after use. Follow up with a clean, lint-free or microfiber cloth with hot water to rinse off any soap residue.
For sticky messes or dried on materials use a traditional razor blade held at a slight angle to the surface. There are handy holders for these blades sold for cleaning glass and ceramic stovetops, but do not use the cleaning solution for glass stovetops.
Never use any type of abrasive scouring pads, dry scrubbing powder or even the “soft” types of scrubbing cleaners. With extreme types of stuck on or hard to remove items it is possible to use 00 steel wool, but only when required.
Finally, don’t use all-purpose cleaners or kitchen cleaners on your granite surfaces. These won’t harm the surface, but they will dull the natural gleam and shine over time. With just minimal care your Maple Grove, MN kitchen will look stunning and you can continue to enjoy your granite counters for years to come.
