Learn How to Take Proper Care of Granite Countertops
At Texas Landsource, we want to help you learn how to take care of granite countertops. Texas Landsource has been around for almost two decades and is known for East Texas land for sale, but did you know we have vetted contractors you can use like Post Oak Roofing serving the DFW and East Texas areas of Texas?
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Granite countertops are not indestructible, but with proper care and maintenance, your granite countertops will look great for years to come.
Granite countertops are having a moment: They’re more popular than ever before, and they’ve become a staple of kitchen design. But while they’re beautiful and long-lasting, granite countertops are still made of stone, which means they can be prone to chips, scratches, or stains if you don’t take proper care of them.
So how do you properly take care of granite countertops? It’s not as tricky as it sounds — we’ve got some simple tips for keeping your counters in top shape.
Clean up spills ASAP
Granite is porous, so if you leave water sitting on it for too long, it can seep into the stone and cause discoloration or even weaken the surface over time. Luckily, cleaning up spills is easy. Just wipe away any wetness with a dry cloth. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, mix up a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for several minutes, then wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Avoid using harsh cleaners on your granite
If you’re using a cleaner that’s extremely abrasive or contains bleach, don’t use it on your granite — these chemicals can cause damage to the stone’s finish by scratching off its protective layer of oxide, which makes it look dull and gray instead of shiny and black like new granite should look.
Don’t cut on your countertops
It should go without saying that you shouldn’t cut directly on any surface. Even though granite is very strong, it can still be scratched or chipped by sharp objects like knives. If some of your dishes and utensils are especially sharp, you may want to place a cutting board over the countertop while they’re not in use.
Seal Your Granite Countertops Regularly
Granite is porous and needs to be sealed regularly, so it doesn’t become stained or damaged. The frequency at which you should seal your granite will depend on the type of sealant you use — some need to be applied every six months while others last for years — but sealing should not be an infrequent task.
If you’re not sure when you last sealed your granite countertops, pour a little water onto the surface of one of them. If the water beads up, then you don’t need to reseal right away; if it absorbs into the countertop, then it’s time to seal!
Types of Granite Countertop Sealers
There are several types of granite countertop sealants available. If a homeowner is thinking about sealing their own granite countertops, it is important to understand the types of sealants that are available, as well as the pros and cons that come with each type.
Non-Toxic Sealers
The first type of sealer is a non-toxic granite sealant. Non-toxic granite sealants are easier to apply than other types of sealants; however, they do not penetrate and bond with the stone as well as other types of sealants. Therefore, homeowners will need to reapply non-toxic granite sealants more often than other types of granite sealants.
Solvent Based Sealants
Solvent-based granite countertop sealers penetrate deep into the porous surface of the stone to provide maximum protection and durability. Solvent-based sealers are more expensive than water-based ones and require more care when applied. These sealers are the most durable type of granite sealing product available on the market today.
Water-Based Sealants
Water-based granite countertop sealers are very easy to apply; however, they do not penetrate the stone as well as solvent-based or epoxy-based sealers. Therefore, water-based granite countertop sealers require more frequent reapplication. Water-based sealers are better for the environment and cost less than solvent-based and epoxy-based sealers.
Want to Add the Beauty of Granite Countertops to Your Kitchen?
Our team of professionals has years of experience with all aspects of home renovation, and we can assist you with any project you may have in mind. Whether you are planning an extensive update to your kitchen or bathroom or just want to replace your countertops with beautiful granite counters, we have the knowledge and skills needed to complete the job on time and within budget.
Reach out to Texas Landsource today for vetted contractors like Post Oak Roofing or with any type of help you need with a home improvement project.