Granite countertops add a touch of elegance and refinement to any kitchen, while also providing a durable and dependable surface sturdy enough for everyday use. By making a bit of care and upkeep part of your routine, your granite countertop will last for years to come. Below are some do’s and don'ts to bear in mind.

Do:

Seal the countertop regularly.

Sealing helps protect granite from damaging stains, and it also enhances its luster and shine. In general, plan to reseal at least once a year. Darker granite is less porous, resulting is greater stain-resistance, so you may not need to reseal this kind as often. When in doubt, perform the following test; place drops of water at several different spots on the surface and wait 30 minutes; if any of the spots have been absorbed and darkened the granite, it's time to reseal.

Clean spills immediately.

Any kind of natural stone countertop has a certain degree of porousness. Oily liquids, like cooking oil and salad dressings, as well as acidic liquids, like coffee, wine, and tomato sauce, can stain if spills aren't cleaned up right away. As soon as you see a spill, soak it up with a dry cloth.

Don't:

Use acidic cleaning products.

An acidic cleanser can be just as damaging to a granite countertop as a spilled pot of coffee or an overturned bottle of red wine. For this reason, avoid cleaning products that use ammonia, vinegar, or citrus oil. Instead, use either a cleanser designed for marble and granite or warm water and a soft, clean cloth.

Forget to use a cutting board.

Never cut foods directly on a granite countertop. Even using something as seemingly dull as a butter knife can leave scratches and nicks. Keep a cutting board handy at all times; if you invest in several different sizes, you'll have one to accommodate any cutting job. 

IronClad Construction has more than 20 years of experience providing quartz, marble, and granite countertops to the Broomfield County, CO, area. They offer home and business remodeling services, and they are also available to work on new constructions. Call (720) 389-8545 or visit their website to request an estimate.