Seal Granite Countertops to Make Them Last Longer

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Many people believe granite to be a low-maintenance material for countertops, and this is true to some degree. For daily cleaning, all you will need is a slightly damp cloth to wipe away ordinary spills.

Several times a week, you may use a mild detergent or cleanser to disinfect and sanitize the surface, as members of your family may get into the habit of slicing food directly on top of the counter without using any chopping board.

It's important, though, to pay attention to spills from acidic liquids such as vinegar, coffee, juice, or wine. When the surface is exposed to acid for a long time, the sealant tends to wear off - making the rock prone to seepage and stains. Make it a point to immediately sponge off these spills to keep the sealant intact.

These are things you can do for short-term maintenance. For long-term maintenance, however, you have to seal granite countertops with a special chemical intended for this purpose. There are literally hundreds of brands out there to seal granite countertops with, but if they're from reputable companies and a friend recommends it, then you're safe.

When to seal granite countertops

Chances are your supplier has already sealed the countertop before installing it in your home. However, if they do additional cutting and polishing at the place of installation, then additional sealing is likewise required.

Always remember not to perform sealing during installation day. It's best to do this when all the ambient dust has settled or had been cleaned. You wouldn't want to seal a countertop with all that debris. However, you must seal the areas near where sinks, faucets, and cooktops are installed, as oil, water, and other particles may seep in if you wait.

When buying a new home, on the other hand, don't take chances that the granite countertop has been religiously sealed by its previous owners. Include a granite countertop sealer in your shopping list and purchase a bottle before you move in. Unlike the example above, you should immediately apply the sealant on the day of the move.

This is because if the previous owners failed to seal the surface, then someone in your family or even movers may carelessly set a glass of juice, a cup of coffee, or a box of greasy pizza on it before you can even seal it.

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