A lot people are hesitant to have granite and stone countertops installed because they have a fear of their upkeep. If you are like these folks…have no fear! If you’re in possession of regular laminate counters at the moment, the switch to stone isn’t a big deal. Natural stone is the strongest and most durable countertop material you can have installed. All you need is warm water, mild dishwashing soap and a soft clean cloth or sponge OR grab the cleaner from Rockstella Stonery. There are a couple of things to remember that will help keep your stone countertops looking beautiful and brand new.
When you have your granite countertops installed, have them sealed before you start using them. Have your installation team take care of that for you. The professional team Rockstella Stonery will explain that granite is a porous stone and can stain so sealing will be a huge step in preventing stains from occurring. Your counters should be resealed every ten to fifteen years. If water no longer beads up, the countertop will need to be resealed. Rockstella Stonery’s team can take care of that for you. When you’re cleaning the counters, stick with the cleaner available at Rockstella Stonery or mild dishwashing detergent. Harsh chemicals could damage the sealant over time so avoid those. Although stone is very strong, try and avoid putting hot pots and pans directly on the counter, to avoid cracking and discolouring. Your beautiful granite counters will withstand regular spills, just wipe them up like you normally would do. If you happen to put a greasy frying pan on the counter and it leaves oil behind, don’t fret. Just apply mild dishwashing soap and clean it up as usual. However, on the rare occasion that the oil is still there, you can buy a product that can be applied to the oil that will remove it without harming the countertops. Granite is known to show soap scum, so just keep them shiny with a quick wipe down regularly.
The easy way to clean and keep your stone clean and shiny is to squirt mild dishwashing liquid directly onto a soft cloth or sponge. (Make sure the soap you choose doesn’t contain alcohol.) Rinse away the soap with warm water. Use a soft cloth to dry the countertop. If you come across a stubborn stain, simply apply a baking soda paste (baking soda and water) or stone cleaner to the spot. This really works for oil stains. Remember to not use cleaners that contain vinegar, citrus products, ammonia (like glass cleaner) and bleach. For the actual wiping avoid steel wool, disinfecting wipes anything that feels abrasive.
Granite and stone countertops are beautiful and knowing how to clean and protect them is very easy. Just remember to always have mild dishwashing liquid, a soft cloth or sponge and warm water on hand. For all your granite and stone needs, contact Rockstella Stonery in at (905) 667-1376 or complete the form online and attach photos or spec sheets to get your quote online. The choice is yours!