7 Common Questions for Homeowners Who Are New to Granite
Granite has been all the rage for many years, spreading not only from kitchen countertops to bathroom vanities, flooring, showers, and even walls. Whether you bought a home with granite already installed, you're installing granite for the first time, or you're just thinking about installing granite, you probably have questions about using and caring for natural stone in your home. Here are answers to seven common questions about granite to help you make informed decisions.
1. What Is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock formed deep under the earth. It begins in a molten state, slowly hardening and crystallizing beneath the surface to create a uniform stone with speckles and veining ranging from black, brown, and white to red, green, and blue depending on the minerals in the stone. Granite is mined from quarries around the world and prized for its strength, beauty, heat resistance, and easy maintenance.
2. Can Granite Get Scratched?
Granite is very durable. In fact, it's one of the strongest stones on earth, and it can only be scratched by something harder than granite, such as diamonds, corundum, tungsten, or other pieces of granite. Everyday use of knife blades will not scratch granite.
3. Can Granite Stain?
Despite its strength, granite is a porous stone that will absorb liquids and stain if you don't care for it properly. The best protection against stains is regular sealing of the stone using a granite-safe sealer. You should also always wipe up spills right away. A paste of pure acetone and baking soda can remove oil stains, while liquid bleach can be used to remove organic stains.
4. What Can I Use to Clean Granite?
To keep granite sanitary and looking its best, clean the stone daily with a safe cleaner for granite like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®. Never use everyday household cleaners on granite to remove stains, as they can break down the protective seal and cause permanent damage to the stone. Avoid vinegar and ammonia, which can dull and weaken the seal and penetrate the granite. Abrasive and harsh chemicals, scrubbing agents, and sponges should also be avoided.
5. Do I Need to Disinfect a Granite Countertop?
A well-sealed granite countertop is highly resistant to bacteria, so disinfection is not a major concern as long as you clean the counters daily. When disinfecting the surface, use a mix of warm water and mild antibacterial dish soap. To prevent or remove streaks, clean the surface afterward with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®.
6. Does Granite Need to Be Polished?
There’s more to granite care than cleaning and sealing. Polishing granite regularly keeps the stone smooth and brilliant. You can polish your granite countertops and shower walls regularly to keep them beautiful for many years to come, but avoid using polish on your flooring because it can make the floor too slippery.