Questions On Granite Care

Q. How does granite compare to other solid surface countertops?

Granite is one of the most durable, maintenance-free countertop materials available. This natural material, which consists of very hard igneous rock, is second only in hardness and compacted strength to diamond. As a result of its geological composition, granite is stain, scratch, and burn resistant. Highly sought after for its natural beauty, granite is easy to maintain and provides the homeowner with an investment that amortizes over time, retaining its original appearance long after initial installation.

Q. Can granite be used in food preparation areas?

Granite is an excellent product for use in kitchens and other food preparation areas. Under normal conditions it is stain, chip, scratch, and burn resistant. Like any other countertop material, if cleaned regularly and properly granite poses no health or sanitation problems.

Q. Can you cut on granite?

We don't recommend it. Even though Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone, you will dull your knives and scratch the polish.

Q. Can you set hot pans on granite?

Again, this is not recommended. Let's say you placed a hot pan on your Granite bench and the phone rang, by the time you got back your kitchen won't be on fire, but you may have damaged the polish. The stone itself will not burn when in contact with hot pans or open flames.

Q. Does granite chip or scratch?

Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions is chip and scratch resistant.

Q. Will granite stain?

Being a porous material, Granite can stain if not maintained properly. This porosity that allows for staining also allows for easy stain removal however. In most cases, stains can be prevented by quickly wiping the spill. If a spill is left overnight, especially if the liquid is grease, oil, coffee, or wine the granite will usually darken. To remove the stain, a poultice should be applied, which may pull out the stain from the granite. Please contact us for more information and support if this happens.

Q. Is granite a completely smooth surface like other Solid Surface Materials?

No. Many types of granite contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible.

Granite Cleaning and Stain Removal

- Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.

- Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available in hardware stores or from a stone dealer), or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.

- Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

- Remove a stain on granite, basing the method on the type of stain. Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.

- Scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse. If the stain is oil-based (e.g. grease, oil, milk), use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid - or try ammonia on it.

- Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an organic stain (e.g. coffee, tea, fruit).

- Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains.

- Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.

- Paste a mix of molding plaster and water over an oil-based or fat-based stain. Mold it into a bird's-nest shape and allow to stand for 3 hours. Remove and rinse.

- Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for recommendations. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.

- Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.

-Call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.


Granite Care, Maintenance & Damage Prevention

Granite is the hardest of all building stones with some having very dense grain, making it uniquely applicable for any interior use. Its high gloss finish will endure even harsh environments. These characteristics make granite ideal for counter-tops. Using the following recommendations ensures your investment will give many years of trouble-free, low maintenance pleasure.

- Avoid exposing stone to strong chemicals such as oven cleaners, oil, paint removers, fruit juices or any other acidic liquid. If spills do occur wipe away quickly and wash with clean water.

- We don't recommend using your bench-top as a cutting board.

- Arrange to have your bench-top resealed annually or more regularly if it gets heavy use.

- Avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects onto the bench-top.

- Avoid leaving hot cooking utensils on your bench-top for long periods.

- Do not use oil based cleaners i.e. Turpentine, Kerosene etc.

Cleaning Recommendations

- As with any other product, clean regularly. Once your stone counter has been sealed, it is relatively easy to keep clean. Do not use abrasive cleaners eg. scouring powders or creams. Wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth after cleaning.

- All natural stones are absorbent or porous, some more so than others. All installed bench-tops, are sealed using a special sealant. Important points to recognize about sealers include:

- Sealers will not prevent etching from acidic foods & beverages. However a treated surface will minimize the degree of etching by keeping the offending substance at the surface. This stops the deeper migration of the substance into the stone.

- A sealed surface is not a guarantee against staining. Repellent treatments are not stain proof. If an offending substance is left in contact for a prolonged period of time, a stain may develop. Therefore, care should be taken to remove any spills or foods from the surface as soon as possible.

- Worst offenders include things like red wine, beetroot, oils & acids.

Congratulations on your new granite tops. We hope that you will be as pleased with them as we are.