Three Simple Rules for Proper Care & Maintenance of Granite Countertops

Granite is a natural countertop material, one of the hardest natural substances available which can last for decades. It can withstand few knife slips where other material surfaces could get scratched. However, there is hesitation among some homeowners about installing a granite countertop in the bathroom. They fear that the upkeep and maintenance of granite bathroom countertops are costly and involve tedious processes. 

The following facts about granite countertops and their maintenance procedures will alleviate some of your major concerns:

Seal your Granite Bathroom Countertop:
People who take care to seal their granite bathroom countertops on time are sure to enjoy stain free living for a long time- and remember it won’t cost you too much. Your granite countertop should be sealed every year, but if it is done too often, it can lead to milky appearance. 

You can do two tests to determine whether it’s time to seal your granite bathroom countertop.

• Take a small quantity of paint thinner and keep it on a small corner area of the countertop. Watch the surface carefully. If the surface begins to darken in colour, then you have to protect the countertop against oil based stains.
• Place a wet paper towel piece in a small area of the surface of the countertop. Leave the paper towel on the spot for a few minutes. If the area gets darkened then you have to seal it against water based stains. Obviously this is very important inside the bathroom.

Before applying the sealer, be sure to neatly clean the granite bathroom countertop with a high quality granite cleaner. This will ensure applying the sealer effectively.

Properly clean your granite bathroom countertop:

It is crucial to use the right type of cleaners or the countertop will lose its lustre finish.  The obvious cleaners to be avoided are bleach, ammonia, lemon and other acidic cleaners.  All you need is just a mild soap and some water. Make sure to keep dry cloth around to clean the spills then and there on your granite bathroom countertop. This will keep it out of stains. Stain will not happen if there is good sealant but it is better to safeguard than getting stained.  

Prevent damages to the countertop:

It is true that granite countertop is highly resistant to heat. Why to test it unnecessarily?  Be sure not to place curling irons or hot items directly on the surface of the countertop. Leave your hairdryer off while leaving it. Enough heat could damage anything on earth, even granite.

Hang all the items with sharp edges as they can damage the surface over a period of time. Keep a pad around always if you are setting something sharp on it in the same spot daily to avoid any damage to the countertop.

The above mentioned facts and tips are not too complicated and easy to follow. You can keep your granite bathroom countertop looking great by regularly sealing it with the help of a stone restoration specialist.  Some sealants may claim to last for two to three years, but always consult stone care professionals like The Marble Man to be on the safer side. This way you can have granite bathroom countertops in perfect condition without worrying about its care & maintenance.

If you are intending to carry out any natural stone restoration process, then contact ‘The Marble Man’, a leading natural stone polishing and sealing specialist Company in Australia. The professionals in ‘The Marble Man’ are specialists in polishing, sealing and repairing all type of stone surfaces such as Marble, Granite, Travertine etc.  For further information about polishing, sealing and repair works contact The Marble Man stone restoration team on 1300 627 626 or visit their Website.