Granite Countertop Maintenance and Repair

Try to avoid getting acidic substances like salsa and citrus juices on your counter. These can eat away at the surface sealant and dull your finish if not wiped up quickly. Do not use any cleaner that has vinegar or lemon in it. If you chose a lighter color of granite, you also need to be careful of red wine stains and the like. If you get to a spill quickly, usually a stone cleaner or mild dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water will do the job. Use a soft, clean cloth to dry it after rinsing with warm water. If you do get a stain, try to remember what caused it.

Oil-based stains require a different solution than acid-based stains. Hydrogen peroxide or ammonia can help to remove oil-based stains. Wine, markers and ink can usually be removed with lacquer thinner. It is best, though, to consult a professional before trying more than one solution to remove a stain. Check your paperwork for instruction before trying anything and if you can’t get it the first time, call your installer or your supplier before going any farther and risking permanently discoloring your stone or marring the surface.

To maintain your granite countertops, remember that it is possible to scratch them. Do not slide rough items across the surface. Use coasters, trivets and placemats under glasses, plates, pots and pans. Do not cut directly on the surface of the granite. This will not only scratch the surface, but also dull your cutlery. If you do get a scratch, call an expert. Don't wait too long or you'll also be dealing with stains that can leach through your scratch.

Believe it or not your granite countertops can be chipped. Heavy objects get dropped. Do not try to repair this yourself. You want the finish on your countertop to appear unmarred by dents or chips and the color to be uniform. It may have to be sealed again. Make sure to call a professional. Matching your stone’s color and creating a seamless, sealed finish is a job you don’t want to pay for twice, so start with a pro.