One of the most popular materials to have for kitchen countertops is granite stone. While it is a beautiful and versatile material, it also needs special care and attention. Here are some essential tips to follow when maintaining your granite countertops.

Clean Up Spills Promptly

With granite countertops, it is important that you clean up the spills as quickly as possible. No matter what you are doing at the time, you should tend to spills as soon as you notice them. Even if just water was spilled on the countertops, take a moment to get some paper towels to soak it up, then wipe the counters down. Spills like tomato sauce, soft drinks, and fruit juice are acidic and can stain the surface, though they won't cause scratches. Even cooking oil with no colour can leave behind a noticeable stain. When wiping down the countertops, make sure you only use mild cleansers and soft sponges or cloths.

Know What Not to Use

When washing your granite countertops, use either plain water, or use commercial cleaning products labeled as safe for granite surfaces. You can also use mild dish soap, as long as you rinse it well after cleaning the stain. However, you need to know what not to use. For example, never use grout cleaners, bathroom cleaners, or anything abrasive on the countertops. Also don't use the scrubbing side of a sponge, scrubbing brushes, or baking soda, since that can scratch the surface. Avoid acidic cleaning products, such as vinegar.

Protect the Countertops

You also want to work to protect the countertops from accidental scratches and stains. Start by always placing cups and cans on coasters. Even with available tables, people are bound to leave their opened cans of soda or bottles of beer on the counter when you are having a party. When setting up for an event, set out plenty of coasters for everyone to use. Make sure you have plenty of cutting boards available so nothing is ever cut directly on the countertop. Place a pot holderunderneath hot pots and pans when setting them on the countertop.

Have the Countertops Re-Sealed

When you first get your granite countertops installed, they will likely be sealed by the contractor. This helps provide a protective layer to reduce water absorption, stains, and scratches. However, the sealant won't last forever, so it should be re-sealed periodically. Ask your contractor how often to get this done.