If you have granite or other natural stone surfaces in your home, you are probably looking for easy ways to keep it clean and polished. I’m pleased to tell you that I have found an easy three-step system that is available at some of your favorite local stores.
I admit that for the last five years, I have been improperly caring for my granite countertops. This was mostly due to the fact that my installer didn’t recommend any products to me, there aren’t any commercials on TV that talk about caring for granite, and the local stores’ cleaning aisles are overwhelming. I typically just reach for the cleaners that smell good or seem healthier for my family, not taking into consideration the fact that they might be bad for my granite. Needless to say, my once beautifully shiny granite is looking rather dull and, to be honest, grimy and dirty.
Before I begin explaining the easiest way to take care of your granite countertop, I wanted to briefly share the process in which stone’s natural shine undergoes, so you can fully understand its need for TLC. From the moment the stone is first quarried from the earth, these 40,000 pound stone blocks are taken to a factory for processing, where giant gang saws using diamond blades slice them into calibrated thicknesses. From there, they are sent over to a polishing line where they pass under diamond polishing heads that apply thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch. At this point, finer and finer grits bring out the natural polish of the stone and slabs are then bundled and shipped to your local stone manufacturers and installers.
Selecting a stone for your countertops can be overwhelming, but I remember how beautiful they all seemed at the manufacturer. The reason I chose the granite I chose was because of the different sparkles and colors that showed through, and it’s almost like those colors and sparkles have disappeared. It didn’t take long for my granite countertops to start dulling as a result of improper care, but I’m here to help you avoid this problem using the Granite Gold® three-step process for proper stone surface care: clean, seal and polish.
Daily Granite and Stone Maintenance – Clean
To maintain the beautiful finish of your granite or stone, you should know that daily care is important. You should be using a natural stone-approved daily cleaner on your granite surfaces. Granite Gold’s Daily Cleaner® is a streak-free formula that safely deep cleans granite, marble, travertine and all other natural-stone and quartz surfaces. The Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® is a non-toxic formula, is biodegradable, non-acidic, pH balanced, safe on food-prep surfaces, and contains no phosphates or ammonia. This formula can replace your typical, everyday household cleaning product which may be damaging your stone.
Frequent Granite and Stone Maintenance – Seal
You maybe have been told that sealing your granite or other stone surfaces helps protect against staining, etching and soil build-up, but did you know that you should seal your stone often? Learning how to test your granite’s seal will help you know when you should reseal. I personally have been using Granite Gold Sealer® once a week just to be sure we have a good seal.
Test your granite’s seal:
Regularly check the integrity of the seal with an at-home water test. Pour water (about 3 inches in diameter) on the surface in several locations and let it sit for 30 minutes. If you see a dark mark or ring, the water is penetrating the stone and it’s time to reseal.
Granite Gold Sealer® creates a barrier to protect all natural stone. It is a water-based formula with no strong or harmful odors. This is a completely biodegradable formula that is safe on food-preparation surfaces, is non-toxic and non-acidic. It contains no phosphates or ammonia and is easy use. By sealing your granite frequently, you are helping to maintain maximum surface protection to help your stone looking nicer longer.
Give it a good polish!
Have you ever noticed how good your car looks after a good polish? Or after you polish that antique wood furniture in your home? Imagine how fabulous your granite, marble or other stone would look if you gave it a good polish. Polishing your granite after cleaning it help provide ongoing protection against water spots and fingerprints. If you have kids in the home, you might know good and well about the fingerprints. Not only are they all over your appliances and glass, but the shiny stone surfaces show them, too.
Granite Gold’s Granite Polish® also works great on quartz surfaces such as Silestone, Corian and Cambria.
Tips: Polishing shower walls and tub surrounds will help prevent soap scum build-up. Do not use on floors, which can become slippery.
Where to Buy Granite Gold® Products
Granite Gold® products are available nationwide at Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon.com. You can find the nearest location using the store locator: www.granitegold.com/store-locator/.
Start taking better care of those beautiful stone surfaces in your home. You’ll be glad you did!
