You put a lot of money in upgrading your kitchen with granite counter tops. How do you keep them sparkling and looking their best? The first tip is to invest in several potholders and trivets. You need to protect natural stone surfaces from heat and the bottoms of metal pots. The heat can soften the upper layers of stone. The metal pots can have rough spots or edges that will cause abrasions in the stone. Potholders and trivets will keep the stone safe from heat and abrasions. It is smart to use them with anything you put on the stone surface. Choosing the right granite counter top cleaner is the next step.

The second tip is to avoid cleaning with acid or abrasive household cleaners. Stone surfaces are vulnerable to both types of cleaners. They can etch into the surface, leaving microscopic scratches behind. That will dull the finish and make the natural stone look dingy. It is important to use a good granite counter top cleaner from the beginning. It will help you preserve the beauty of your counter tops. If you have used other products, switching over to a proper granite cleaner will help you restore that finish. It is a good way to enrich old granite fireplace surrounds and floors.

The third tip is to find a granite counter top cleaner that you can use for daily cleaning. Cleaning granite requires a neutral pH cleaner. The cleaner needs to have no abrasives in the formula. The cleaner will also need the ability to float the dust and debris out of pores and cracks so you can effectively remove it. The final criterion for a good cleaner is that it cannot leave any residue. Acids, abrasives, and residue are all culprits in taking the shine off your granite counter top. A good cleaner will contain none of those properties. It will actually enhance the shine it has.

The final tip is to have your granite counter top sealed annually. Using a granite counter top cleaner is the first step to keep that shine. A good granite polish will provide a temporary seal that you need to replace every week or two. In order to protect your granite for the long term, you need to apply a granite sealant every year. The sealant goes into the deepest cracks and pores of the granite to form a firm bond. That bond will help keep the granite looking good with regular use. The resealing process will ensure that the bond never wears down to the point of causing damage.