Maintaining Your Exquisite Granite Worktops

When it comes to kitchen surfaces, nothing compares to the allure of granite worktops. Crafted from one of the most resilient substances in the universe – natural stone – these worktops boast unparalleled uniqueness. The remarkable durability of granite has earned it a well-deserved reputation, standing as a testament to its exceptional quality. Its innate heat resistance and remarkable density render it impervious to scratches and stains, further solidifying its appeal.

Granite worktops are not merely a short-term investment; they are a long-lasting testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of nature. With proper care, these worktops can easily endure for over 15 years, surpassing expectations and leaving homeowners delighted by their longevity. However, caring for your granite worktop is not an option; it is an absolute necessity to ensure its continued radiance and performance.

Delving into the realm of advantages that granite worktops offer reveals a vast landscape of benefits, far too extensive to enumerate on a mere handful of fingers. A few of these benefits are:

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  • Unparalleled durability
  • Low maintenance requirement
  • Ease of cleaning 
  • Adaptability 
  • Unique combination of strength and sophistication 
  • Long lasting 
  • Affordability 
  • High resistance to chips and scratches 
  • High resistance to heat and stains, etc.

Importance Of Regular Maintenance And Polishing

Granite worktops will most likely outlast the rest of the house, but only if it is properly cared for. The presence of sealants makes it impenetrable to liquids that can leave stains, but not a hundred percent impenetrable. This simply means that scratches, stains and chips can plague your granite worktop too. The way to prevent this is by regular maintenance.

The cost of maintenance is nothing compared to the cost of repair or worse, replacement, therefore, maintenance is highly beneficial.

Restoring And Enhancing Aesthetics

Regular polishing helps to restore the natural shine and luster, bringing out the full beauty of the granite and making it a focal point in any space.

Preventing Stains And Damage

Regular maintenance, including polishing, forms a protective barrier on the surface, making it more resistant to stains and easier to clean.

Additionally, polishing helps to smooth out minor scratches and imperfections, preventing them from developing into more significant damages.
Maintaining Hygiene And Cleanliness
Regular maintenance, including thorough cleaning and polishing, ensures that the surface remains hygienic and free from contaminants. Polishing also helps to eliminate any residual grime or residue, keeping the worktop clean and sanitary.

Prolonging Lifespan And Durability

Dust, dirt, and debris can cause micro-abrasions, and spills can penetrate the surface, leading to etching and staining. By regularly polishing the worktop, you create a protective layer that helps to prevent these issues, extending the lifespan of the granite.

Preserving Value And Investment

Granite worktops are a significant investment in any home or property. Regular maintenance, including polishing, ensures that the worktop retains its value over time. Well-maintained granite surfaces are highly sought after and can add value to your property if you ever decide to sell or rent it.

Granite worktops will most likely outlast the rest of the house, but only if it is properly cared for. The presence of sealants makes it impenetrable to liquids that can leave stains, but not a hundred percent impenetrable. This simply means that scratches, stains and chips can plague your granite worktop too. The way to prevent this is by regular maintenance.

The cost of maintenance is nothing compared to the cost of repair or worse, replacement, therefore, maintenance is highly beneficial.

Restoring And Enhancing Aesthetics

Regular polishing helps to restore the natural shine and luster, bringing out the full beauty of the granite and making it a focal point in any space.

Preventing Stains And Damage

Regular maintenance, including polishing, forms a protective barrier on the surface, making it more resistant to stains and easier to clean.

How To Maintain Your Granite Worktop

These are some of the ways to maintain your granite kitchen worktop:

Use Coasters, Placemats, And Trivets

Place coasters or placemats under glasses, cups, and hot dishes to prevent direct contact between them and the granite surface. This protects against potential etching and heat damage.

Avoid Cutting Directly On The Granite

Always use cutting boards or chopping blocks to prevent scratches on the worktop.

Clean Spills Promptly

Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining, as granite is porous and can absorb liquids.

Use Ph-Neutral Cleaners

When cleaning the granite worktop, opt for mild, pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for granite. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.

Buffing With Cooking Oil

You can use this remedy as often as you desire. A small dab of your regular cooking oil on a clean, soft cloth can be used to polish the worktop and make it shine.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Regularly dust and wipe down the worktop with a soft cloth to remove surface debris. Additionally, perform regular polishing to maintain its shine and luster.

How To Polish Granite Kitchen Worktops

Polishing is an integral part of maintenance. But not to worry, it is not as tedious a task as you may think. It only requires minimal mechanical skills and with the right equipment and preparation, your granite worktop will be polished in little to no time. 

Can You Polish Your Granite Worktop Yourself? 

Have you ever wondered if you can take the reins and polish your granite worktops yourself? The answer is a resounding yes! With a bit of guidance and the right tools, you can achieve a professional-grade polish that enhances the beauty of your kitchen.

However, improper techniques or abrasive materials can potentially damage the surface. Therefore, it’s essential to approach the task with care and follow the recommended steps.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that coveted mirror-like shine on your granite worktops:

Prepare The Work Area

  • Clear all kitchenware from the worktop. Wipe off dirt, dust and residue from the surface. 
  • Using a putty knife, scrape off any gunk on the surface. 
  • Place all the cleaning and polishing materials at hands’ reach.

Clean The Granite Worktop

  • Prepare a mixture of warm water and mild soap or detergent. Fetch a bucket or bowl of water, spurt a few drops of soap into it and lather.
  • Take a microfiber cloth, soak in the soapy mixture. Use the damp cloth to clean the granite surface so as to properly wipe of spills and stains.
  • An alternative to the water and soap mixture is a specialty granite cleaner or a mixture of equal parts of isopropyl and water. 
  • Keep harsh chemicals and abrasive materials away from your granite worktop to avoid damaging it with scratches or discoloration. 
  • After thoroughly cleaning with soapy water / granite cleaner / isopropyl, rinse with clean water.
  • Using a microfiber cloth pat the surface dry to avoid streaks which serves to further blemish your worktop. 

Remove Stains

Polish The Granite Worktop 

  • DIY: make your polish by mixing 3 parts baking soda to one part warm water. Ensure to get rid of lumps in the paste.
  • You could instead buy and use a retail granite polishing cleaner or powder. Ensure to read through and follow the instructions on the product. 
  • Place thin, even coating of polish on the granite surface and let it sit for about 3 minutes. 
  • Using a polishing pad, work the polish into the surface by buffing with small, circular motions. 
  • Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth. Wipe off excess water too to get a streak-free finish. 
  • Get professional help if damage proves to be too much for the domestic remedies to cure.

Seal The Granite Worktop

The last piece to the puzzle is sealing the granite worktop. Apply a good sealant to the granite surface to protect the surface and maintain its lustrous appearance for an extended period.

These are some of the materials you need for proper maintenance of your granite kitchen worktop:

For cleaning and buffing granite worktops:

  • Bucket
  • Warm water 
  • Mild soap
  • Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
  • Granite cleaner (optional)
  • Soft cloths

For polishing granite worktops:

  • Baking soda
  • Warm water 
  • Small bowl
  • Granite polish
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Buffing pad 

For preserving granite worktops:

  • Soft cloth
  • Cooking oil
  • Cutting board
  • Heat-resistant mat
  • Granite sealant

By embracing the challenge of polishing your granite worktops yourself, you not only save money but also gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in your DIY skills. Remember, though, that if you’re uncertain or hesitant about the process, it’s always wise to consult a professional to ensure the best results.

So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner DIY enthusiast, and embark on a journey to transform your granite worktops into shining masterpieces that exude both elegance and your personal touch.

References 

  • https://www.wikihow.com/Polish-Granite-Counter-Tops
  • https://eaglestonesusa.com/how-to-polish-granite-countertops
  • https://american-marble.com/5-benefits-of-granite-countertops

 

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