Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Travertine, Quartzite)

Granite countertop care and maintenance comes down to just a few simple steps that will keep your granite countertops looking like new for years. Polished granite will not lose its shine and will not scratch from normal wear.

Granite is extremely hard but like any natural stone, it is slightly porous. Anything acidic can etch the glossy surface and oils can soak into an unsealed top, so it’s important to quickly clean up spills like wine, oil, mustard, citrus or chemicals before they can soak into the surface or damage the gloss. Although water left to puddle on the surface of the granite will leave a dark stain, this will disappear when it dries out completely. To be safe, seal granite countertops to reduce absorption of oils and liquids that may stain the granite.

Sealing Natural Stone Countertops.

iCraft recommends using a solvent-based natural stone sealer to help block the absorption of liquids and oils that can stain your granite. A good way to check the state of sealer on your granite surface is to sprinkle some water on your countertop. If it doesn’t bead up/soaks into the stone, the granite needs to be re-sealed. This can be done once a year or as necessary. Applying the granite countertop sealer is easy: wipe it on using a soft cotton cloth. The sealer is absorbed into the microscopic pores of the granite and is safe for food handling. We recommend using 511 Impregnator or for more porous materials, try 513S Silicone-Based Impregnator.

Cleaning Countertops

We suggest simply use warm water and mild, phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish soap, preferably light-colored and containing no aromatics. This is a gentle way to clean the grease and grime from your granite counters without damaging them. If you use plain soap and water, this can lead to soap build up and over time, will dull the glossy finish of your polished granite. Never use powdered cleansers to clean your stone as they contain pumice which is an abrasive. Never use acidic cleaners that may include ammonia.