Granite countertops have become a staple in luxury kitchen designs. The material is sturdy, long-lasting, and boosts the kitchen’s appeal. However, since these countertops are a large investment, it’s crucial to care for them to get the most out of them. Make sure to stay on top of the following maintenance measures if you want to preserve their quality and appearance.

3 Tips for Maintaining Your Granite Countertop

1. Remove Daily Messes

Your countertops are always going to be one of the messiest aspects of your kitchen, as they provide the main workspace for chopping, mixing, and plating. Also, many granite countertops feature a speckled design, which can conceal spills, crumbs, and other messes. If left unaddressed, these deposits could soak into the granite, or erode away at the surface over time. To prevent this, wipe down your countertops after every meal, or at least at the end of each day, with a paper towel.

2. Use Gentle Products

You can’t use just any products to clean the countertop—you’ll need to choose gentle solutions and tools that won’t discolor or scratch the natural stone. For the best results, use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge, and dip it into a mixture of lukewarm water and dish soap. You can also use a cleaning solution specially designed for granite countertops. Other solutions won’t be pH-neutral, which can damage the surface.

3. Seal Regularly

Of course, you can’t wipe down your granite countertops immediately after every spill, and even a few seconds of exposure could damage your investment. Luckily, when you apply a sealant to your cooking surface, you don’t have to fret about reaching for the sponge every few minutes. This protective coating will prevent the granite from absorbing liquids and their pigments, and keep the natural stone from getting scratched by crumbs and metal cookware. Talk to your contractor about how often you should repeat this maintenance measure since some types of granite require a reseal every year.

If you want to enhance your cooking space with refined granite countertops, turn to Modern Home in Nunda, NY. They have nearly 50 years of experience renovating bathrooms and kitchens for residents across Livingston County. From custom kitchen cabinets to bathtub installations, these professionals can bring your remodel to life. Call (585) 468-2721 or visit their website to learn more about their services.