Care and maintenance
Granite, an igneous rock formed from magma, is very dense, hard and brittle. Granite stands up well against heavy foot traffic, making it preferable for commercial lobbies and walkways.
While granite countertops are a favourite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not impervious to damage. Regular care includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining.
If there are oil stains on your granite countertop, use oil and stain remover. For heavy duty cleaning, use an alkaline cleaner and degreaser. The beauty, hardness and utility of granite make it a highly desirable material for countertops in home design.
Features of Granite stone :
- Naturally beautiful with unique pattern and colour
- Heat-resistant
- Scratch-resistant
- Stain, mould and mildew-resistant with proper care and maintenance
- Resistant to most acids, such as soft drinks and juices
The best way to prevent stains on granite is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away. Natural stone has varying degrees of porosity depending on the type of stone. If the stains are untreated, it can leave a mark forever.
Below are certain Dos and Don'ts of Granite :
- DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone.
- DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
- DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver and other objects that can scratch your stone's surface.
- DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
- DO clean surfaces regularly with a cleaner & protector.
- DON'T wait to clean up spills on stone.
- DON'T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub cleaners.
- DON'T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
- DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
- DON'T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
- DON'T use scouring powders and abrasives because they will scratch the surface.
