What Could Happen If You Neglect Sealing Stone Counters?
It's important to seal granite, marble, and other porous natural stone often to keep liquids from seeping into the stone and causing damage. The more porous the stone, the easier it is for damage and stains to occur. The good news is sealing your countertops is easier than you might think. With the right stone-safe granite sealer, the process can keep your countertops beautiful. Here's what can happen if you neglect sealing.
Stains from Food and Grease
When natural stone is left unsealed, it can quickly absorb food and liquids and lead to deep stains in the stone. This staining can happen in a matter of minutes, even if you're quick to wipe up the spill. It's not just liquids you have to worry about. Natural stone can also absorb grease and pigments. Leave a carton of strawberries on unsealed stone and you may discover a deep red square on your otherwise flawless countertop.
Damage from Cleaning Products
There are many common household cleaning products that can damage natural stone, even if it is sealed, but unsealed stone is even more susceptible to this type of damage. Some cleaning products contain citrus, which can quickly eat away at the calcium in the stone and leave pits. Chemicals that seep into the stone can damage the finish and cause discoloration. A sealer works to seal the cracks and tiny fissures in the stone to keep stains from going deep into the countertop.
Stains from Water
When granite and other types of natural stone are properly sealed, they repel liquids and prevent them from permeating into the stone. Unsealed stone absorbs liquid quickly, which can become a problem in a kitchen or bathroom where countertops are bound to get wet. You might think something as natural as water wouldn't be a problem, but it is. Without sealing, water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, some small, some large, giving your stone a perpetually dirty appearance.