How Sanitary Are Granite Countertops?
Granite is perhaps the most popular countertop material, and it is prized for its beauty and durability. However, when choosing a countertop material, appearance is likely not your only concern. A surface you use for food preparation should be sanitary and easy to clean. When it comes to cleanliness, granite does not disappoint.
Granite Isn't Nonporous
Granite is a naturally porous stone, though it's not as porous as some other types of natural stone like marble. This means granite has tiny crevices or holes that allow air and water into the stone. When a surface is nonporous, such as stainless steel, it cannot absorb anything at all. However, this doesn't mean granite acts as a sponge. Granite won't absorb much liquid and it's unlikely to harbor bacteria. When the granite is sealed, it's less porous and easier to keep clean and sanitary.Sealing Granite Makes It More Sanitary
Granite is naturally resistant to bacteria, but this does not mean it is impervious to germs. Regularly sealing the stone helps the surface resist liquids that can harbor bacteria. Sealing granite closes the tiny crevices and pores where bacteria can thrive. Though germs and bacteria can still grow on sealed granite, unsealed granite has a higher chance of harboring these microorganisms. Learning how to seal granite is easy, and it can be done yourself without any experience. Working in three-foot sections, apply a stone-safe sealer directly to the granite and immediately buff it into the stone with a clean, dry cloth. Keep buffing the surface until it's dry to prevent hazing. There is no harm in regularly sealing granite because it can protect against bacteria as well as stains, water marks, and acid damage, and it is not possible to over-seal granite.Granite with a Polished Finish Has Fewer Pores
Another way to increase the cleanliness of granite countertops is by choosing a polished finish. Unlike a honed finish, a polished finish seals most of the pores on the surface of the stone. Polished granite is less porous than other finishes and repels moisture more easily. This makes it even harder for the stone to harbor bacteria.How to Sanitize Granite Countertops
Mix mild antibacterial dish soap with warm water and apply to the surface. Following, to prevent or remove streaks, use a granite countertop cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®. Do not apply vinegar, citrus products, or household cleaners to your granite countertops. Instead of sanitizing, many common cleaning products can damage the stone. To keep your countertops shiny and clean, make sure to purchase a granite polishing kit from Granite Gold® today. We are a leading provider of stone-safe products designed to help you maintain the natural beauty of your stone. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE to learn more.
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Posted on September 27 2017