- Do: Protect counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or place mats, particularly under containers or glasses with alcohol or citrus juices.
- Do: Blot up spills immediately. Acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce and sodas can etch the polish or stain the surface. Cooking oils may also leave a stain if not wiped up quickly.
- Do: Clean surfaces using a sponge or soft cloth. Always use a specially formulated neutral pH stone cleaner. Repeated or excessive use of regular soap, household cleaners or even water will cause a build-up of chemicals and mineral deposits that will dull your counter top's shine.
- Do: Polish your counter top regularly using a Granite spray polish, this really helps maintain brilliant color and the protective coating that safeguards your Granite. (By the way, Liberty does have Granite Spray Polish available for you. Call 586-294-3111 or log on to http://www.libertyservicesofamerica.com/ )
- Do: Remove water spots by rubbing with a #000 steel wool.
- Do: ALWAYS USE A CUTTING BOARD! Again, avoid the possibility of scratching the surface and protect your knives.
- Do: Use trivets and hotpads under pots, pans and dinnerware. Yes, you can take a hot pot off the stove and put it right on the granite, without any problems. Not true for all other surfaces. But you must consider other issues as well.
Grit that gets trapped between objects and the countertop surface may scratch the surface, even granite. Granite is very hard and can withstand considerable abuse, but will wear eventually. ALL other surfaces are softer than granite. Better safe than sorry. If it does happen, don't fret too much. Most chips and scratches can be repaired by a skilled professional, but it's best to avoid them by following these simple Granite counter top care tips.
What you SHOULD NOT do
- Don't: Cut on your counter top surface, this will prematurely scratch, dull and damage your Granite as well as wear the knives' edges quickly.
- Don't: Use generic cleaners such as bleach, glass cleaner or degreasers. The products at your local store contain acids, alkali and other chemicals that can damage the counter top surface, leave dirt attracting residues or degrade the granite sealer leaving the stone more vulnerable to permanent staining. Trying to save money by using these chemicals only ensures that you'll spend a lot more time and money on your granite counter top maintenance in the long-run.
- Don't: Use vinegar, ammonia, bleach or citrus cleansers.
- Don't: Use dish soap for regular cleaning. Dish soap is also commonly recommended for stone and counter top care as a daily cleaner because it will not damage your stone or sealant if it's mild, plain soap like Ivory. However, soap scum will build up over time, dulling the surface and requiring a thorough cleaning with special products to restore the original luster. So, while using a soapy sponge or cloth for quick clean-up while you're cooking, etc. is certainly fine, cleaning your counter tops with soap is not the best or easiest method.
- Don't: Use bathroom, tub and tile or grout cleaners. The powders and even the "soft" creams contain abrasives that will scratch and dull surfaces.
- Don't: Sit or stand on your counter tops. Unlike laminate counter tops, granite, marble and quartz counter tops are very hard, but not flexible, and the DO NOT have a plywood backing, so too much weight in one spot could cause a crack.
- Don't: Place toiletry products directly on your counter top surface. Hair products, perfumes, colognes, nail products, creams, lotions and potions may stain or damage the surface or etch the polish, leaving a ring. Protect your counter top by placing these products on a decorative tray like they do in fancy hotels!
Bad Advice You May Have Heard
'Unfortunately, if you search around the web you'll find lots of conflicting and plain wrong information about the characteristics of counter top surface maintenance. I've seen Windex, Pledge and even Simple Green recommended for cleaning granite. True, it will clean it and your counter top will look nice and shiny. But as noted above, when used consistently over time, Windex and all other generic cleaners may damage the surface or granite sealer. You won't see it right away, but by the time you notice the damage is done.
You May Even Void Your Warranty
And don't forget when cleaning your mirrors in the bathrooms, to spray the glass cleaner away from the counter top and on to the paper towel or cloth FIRST, then wipe the mirror. Don't spray it onto the mirror because guess where the overspray goes? That's right, all over your counter tops.
Good Advice
Daily: Hot water and a sponge is sufficient to wipe up spills and debris and keep your counter tops clean and tidy throughout the day. At the end of the day, a quick spray and wipe of the most heavily used areas with our stone cleaner will adequately clean, disinfect and protect your counter tops.
Weekly: Use the stone cleaner over the entire surface. Then spray with aerosol counter top polish and buff dry with a clean, dry terrycloth towel. (And don't forget! We have that in stock for you!)
Granite counter to maintenance is very easy. In fact, if all you ever did was follow thee instructions after we have completely protected your surface, your stone will still look great 20 years from now!
I hope you found this valuable, and that you use these tips for years to come. If you have any further questions, we're always more than happy to help you! Call 586-294-3111 or click on http://www.libertyservicesofamerica.com/
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