When you’re in the market for natural stone, granite is the material that probably comes to mind first. It’s a beautiful stone, a classic for the ages, and its care and upkeep are relatively simple.

This stone is low maintenance, but in order to keep it looking stunning and timeless, it does require some love and attention—along with preventative care.

This guide will tell you all you need to know about taking care of your granite countertop to make sure that it acts as a mainstay for you and your family for years to come.

Everyday Cleaning

In order to keep the surface of your granite countertop looking its best, it needs constant attention. That attention looks like this:

• Using granite-friendly cleaners.

• • • Something as simple as soap and water will clean up your granite nicely, but there are also other granite-friendly cleaners on the market. All you need to do is spritz the cleaner on and wipe the counter down. Make sure to stay away from acidic cleaning products because when they come into contact with your granite countertop, there’s a chance that they’ll erode the protective sealant.

• Be consistent with cleaning.

• • Regular cleaning with a soft cloth (not a rough sponge) will keep your granite looking as beautiful as the day you had it installed.

Everyday Maintenance

Daily care of your granite counter is simple but necessary. Here are a few tips on how you can keep up:

• Clean up spills right away.

• • • Leaving a spill to soak could cause damage to your counter, even if it’s sealed. Clean up a spill right away to stay safe.

• Be gentle with your countertop.

• • Natural stone should be handled with care. Always use coasters when setting down drinks (so the moisture doesn’t soak into the counter), and always use hot pads when setting down hot pots or pans. (Although granite is heat resistant, constant exposure to heat will eventually cause damage.)

Sealing Your Countertop

All natural stone countertops need to be sealed, and granite is no exception. Sealants protect the natural stone from damage caused by liquid, and your countertop should be resealed every year. Though that might seem like a hindrance, the process is actually quick and easy.

Keep in mind that light-colored granite will need to be resealed more often than dark-colored granite—if resealing is something you’re especially worried about.

Resealing Your Countertop

It’s easy to tell if your counter needs to be resealed by performing a quick water test. Pour a little bit of water on the counter and wait about ten minutes; if the water forms beads and remains on the surface, your sealant is still good to go. If the water sinks below the surface, then it’s time for a resealing.

The Process of Resealing

• Find your sealer.

1. 1. 1. There are many options available on the market when it comes to sealers, so all you have to do is find the one that you like best.

• Clean and clear the counter.

1. 1. 1. Before resealing, the counter should be clean and free of any household items—a blank slate.

• Ventilate.

1. 1. 1. Open windows, turn on fans, open doors—the smell of the sealant can get strong.

• Apply the sealer.

1. 1. Every sealer should have a set of instructions on the label that are easy to follow. You might have to pour the sealer on or spray it using a spray bottle. Coat the substance onto the counter, then wait five to ten minutes. After ten minutes, you can wipe off any excess sealer and then allow the counter to set for twenty-four hours.

Stain Removal

The countertop is the main hub of almost every home, which means it’s sure to catch stains now and again. Here’s a guide on how to remove different types of stains from a granite counter:

• Oil-based stains:

• • • Make a paste out of baking soda and water, then apply that paste to the stain. Afterward, cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for a few hours—after poking holes into the plastic wrap. After a few hours, remove the plastic wrap and paste to find the stain gone. Examples of oil-based stains are grease and milk.

• Water-based stains:

• • These stains will typically occur when a countertop is not properly sealed. All you have to do to remove them is combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, then follow the same steps of removing oil-based stains. Examples of water-based stains are juice, coffee, and wine.

Granite Is the Way to Go

Granite countertops have been a staple of kitchens and bathrooms all over the world for many years. They have a sophisticated, sharp look that goes well with any style. When you follow this guide to care for your granite countertop, it is sure to look fantastic for generations to come.