Houston Home Maintenance Tips

Granite Countertop Care: Protecting against Stains, Spills, & Heat

One of the most coveted of countertops, granite offers a variety of styles and colors to coordinate with your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in your home. Homes with granite countertops tend to be more popular and sell more quickly as the durability of granite makes it a fantastic value in the long run. And let's face it, granite just looks and feels luxurious.

Despite its durability, granite is not immune to damage or stains caused by greasy food products and other goods spilled on it. Let's take a look at some preventive measures we can take to keep our granite countertops as shiny and brilliant as the day they were installed:

• Immediately clean any spills on your granite. Believe it or not, liquids like wine, grease, and tomato juice can actually stain your beautiful granite, so it's imperative to wipe up messes as quickly as possible.
• Avoid using dish soap to clean your countertops. Although limited cleanings will not damage the granite, prolonged use can dull the shine.
• Avoid cleaning products containing vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or other acids. These can degrade your sealant, leaving you more susceptible to stains.
• Use trivets, hot pads, and coasters underneath very hot or very cold items. Even a folded towel -- anything you have available to protect your granite from extreme heat or cold is recommended. Never place a pot or pan you've just removed from the stove directly onto your granite.
• Invest in cutting boards. While it's true that granite is extremely hardy and will take a lot of use and abuse, sharp objects like knives can still cause chips and scratches. An inexpensive cutting board can help you avoid those problems.
• If you have granite floors, invest in rugs and floor mats. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas.