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How To Treat Granite Countertops

How often do you need to seal granite?

Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule. How Often Do You Need To Seal Granite? Granite is a unique and natural material that is extremely durable, resistant to high temperatures, and easy to clean.

How do you clean and seal granite countertops?

In general, we recommend using a washcloth or sponge and a gentle soap and water to remove dirt and food debris. Dry thoroughly after washing with a clean, dry towel. Avoid harsh abrasives or highly acidic solutions which can scratch and dull your granite countertops. Bleach can also dull the granite surface.

Is it necessary to seal granite countertops?

Although most granite countertops don’t need to be sealed, it does help the stone resist dirt and spills, which can cause etching and staining [source: Marble Institute of America]. Generally, you should seal most kitchen granite countertops annually.

Can you seal granite yourself?

The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.

Can you use Clorox wipes on granite?

You should avoid using acid-based cleaners — lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach-based — on granite. That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite’s seal.

How do you know when granite needs to be resealed?

If the granite surface immediately takes in most of the water and develops a dark mark or ring, you need to seal it once every few months. If it takes a few minutes for your stone countertop to soak up all the water, you only need to seal it once every year or two.

How do you make granite shine like new?

To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine. Even if you know how to clean countertops correctly, your granite will need to be resealed periodically.

How do you get the shine back on granite countertops?

Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. It’s an easy fix, though. Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back. High mineral content in your water (hard water) can also result in a dulling buildup on your countertops.

What cleaners are safe for granite?

13 best natural granite cleaners. Dr. Bronner’s All-Purpose Cleaner. method All Purpose Cleaner. Seventh Generation Granite & Stone Cleaner. method All-Purpose Compostable Cleaning Wipes. Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaner. Caldrea Countertop Spray. method Daily Granite Cleaner. Grove Co.

What happens if granite is not sealed?

When you don’t seal your countertops, they tend to quickly absorb food and liquids, leading to deep stains. Since the countertops are bare, the stains develop within a matter of minutes, even if you are quick to wipe the spill. The countertops not only absorb liquids, but grease and pigments as well.

Do you have to polish granite after sealing?

As a general rule, you can use your granite again right away after sealing, but only if you have buffed the sealer into the stone without letting it dry on the surface. The surface will need to stay dry for at least 24 hours before polishing the stone, but the countertops can be used two hours after sealing.

Can you polish granite countertops?

Granite can be polished with dry or wet material. Powder granite polish can be used dry or wet, so it is more versatile. Wet polishing creates a lot of spray when used with power tools, so wearing water-resistant clothing will protect you, and plastic sheeting should be used to protect walls, furniture and cabinets.

How much does it cost to seal a granite countertop?

The national average materials cost to seal granite is $0.19 per square foot, with a range between $0.18 to $0.20. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $1.20, coming in between $0.77 to $1.63. A typical 120 square foot project costs $144.03, with a range of $92.54 to $195.51.6 days ago.

Is Lysol All Purpose Cleaner safe on granite?

Lysol Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner Containing both ammonia and lemon, Lysol Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner isn’t a good option for cleaning granite countertops. In addition, ammonia can scratch the surface of your granite and even start eating away at it.

Do Lysol wipes ruin granite?

You should not use Lysol on your granite countertops, backsplashes or vanity tops. The cleaner contains harsh ingredients that can cause your sealer to lose its effectiveness. The product also has ammonia, which is extremely harmful to granite.

Can I put hot pans on granite?

Homeowners don’t need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.