Tips For Maintaining Granite Countertops

Thanks to a wide range of natural colors and tones, Granite is one of the most beautiful, durable stones available. Long considered a “go-to” building material in antiquity – think Egyptian pyramids and Greek sculptures – its utility has only increased in modern times, as Granite is now a highly sought after surfacing material for countless residential and commercial applications. At Budget Construction Company, we have sourced Granite slabs from all over the world since 1976, and turn each one into Granite counter tops that accentuate any home décor.

Where Do Granite Countertops Come From?

Mother Nature, of course, deserves credit for creating Granite. As a naturally occurring rock, it is sourced from quarries worldwide, but mostly from deposits in Brazil, China, India, Italy, and parts of Africa. Geology.com further states that "Granite is a coarse-grained, light-colored igneous rock composed mainly of feldspars and quartz with minor amounts of mica and amphibole minerals." The rich textures and hues found in each slab make it an ideal surfacing material, hence the demand for our expertly crafted Granite counter tops from clients all around the Greater Chicago Area.

All of our granite counter tops are custom made for each application, including kitchens, baths, or even shelving in other areas of your home or business. When our design staff talk with clients, one question we invariably receive is, “Do my counter tops need to be sealed?” The best answer is “Not necessarily,” and here is why. While granite is naturally porous, slabs sourced from different locations have various degrees of absorbency. If a sealing agent cannot penetrate the surface of your counter top, then chances are other kinds of liquid cannot, either – including acidic liquids that traditionally give stone counter tops the most trouble, such as natural juices and red wine, grease from pizza, cooking oil, and permanent markers.

How Do I Maintain the Natural Beauty of My Granite Counter Tops?

One of the best ways for a homeowner to ensure her natural stone counter tops are as beautiful as the day they were installed is to exercise common sense. Home improvement projects, whether the do-it-yourself variety or carried out by a professional, can sometimes be expensive and time consuming. Protect your investment. Here are some tips to follow:

• Blot spills promptly instead of wiping them across a larger area, especially oil, wine, coffee, and juice.
• For routine cleaning, use warm water with a neutral stone cleaner, stone soap, or a small amount of mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Rinse the surface and dry it with a soft cloth so soap residue does not leave streaks.
• Avoid abrasive scouring products and acidic cleaners. Even though granite is a siliceous stone, acidic products can affect trace minerals or treatments on some slabs.
• Use coasters under drinks, trivets or mats under hot cookware, and a cutting board for food preparation.
• Do not assume granite must be resealed every year. Different stones absorb moisture differently, and some granite countertops may not need sealing at all. If sealing is appropriate, use a product intended for natural stone and follow the stone supplier or sealer manufacturer's guidance for that specific slab.

These care principles follow current Natural Stone Institute guidance for natural-stone surfaces. If a stain remains after normal cleaning, identify the stain type before choosing a treatment; stubborn stains can require a stone-safe poultice or professional restoration.

If you are planning a larger kitchen update, see our Chicago kitchen remodeling services or request a remodeling quote. For questions about purchasing or maintaining granite countertops, call Budget Construction Company at 773-283-9200.