Care & Maintenance: Granite
Granite countertops, born of nature's artistry, boast unique characteristics; with diligent care, you can preserve and enhance their timeless elegance for generations to come.
For everyday cleaning, simply wipe your granite countertop with a soft cloth, using mild soap and water. A mild household cleaner (ammonia-free and bleach-free) such as Simple Green® may also be used. Always wipe surface thoroughly dry to avoid streaking and film build up. Spills should be wiped up immediately. Always use a non-abrasive cloth when cleaning to avoid damaging your surface.
Granite countertops are typically semi-porous, yet will resist staining when properly sealed and maintained. Stains that have settled into the stone may be able to be removed from the stone with a baking soda mix or other poultice.
For stubborn spots on the surface of the counter, use a rubbing alcohol and water solution or a mild ammonia-free and bleach-free household cleaner, like Simple Green®.
Materials that harden as they dry (such as gum, food, etc.) can be especially tenacious. Remove these by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic scraper or razor blade followed by one of the approved daily cleaning methods.
When cleaning any surface, never apply pressure that is heavier than the natural weight of your hand to avoid damaging the finish and causing dull spots.
Granite countertops are composed of natural materials and are subject to variations in background color, veining distribution and pattern. Fissures, dry seams and pitting are naturally occurring features in granite and should not be considered a defect. These natural characteristics will not change over time and in no way will affect the performance of the granite.
Granite surfaces need to be sealed periodically; the frequency will depend on the specific stone and the amount of use and cleaning. Granite sealers penetrate deep into the granite pores and help prevent absorption of water and oils; which can leave a stain.
Typically, the higher the quality and cost, the longer the general lifespan of sealers. Some top-tier sealers offer protection for up to a decade, clearly indicated on their labels. It's advisable not to wait until the existing sealer wears off before applying more coats for added protection. Normally you can tell it is time to seal your granite by putting drops of water on the surface - if it beads up and remains on the surface, no sealing is required. If the water sinks into the surface, sealing of your counters is needed.
When using specialty products like these sealers, it's crucial to meticulously follow the application instructions provided. Many granite sealers specify application on dry granite, emphasizing the importance of this step. Merely drying the countertop after cleaning might not be sufficient, as lingering moisture can still reside within the granite's crevices, hindering proper sealer penetration.
Ensure the granite is entirely dry - let it air dry for 24 hours or expedite the process with a fan for eight hours. Granite appears richer when wet, so wait until it returns to its drier, faded appearance before applying the sealer.
Allow the sealer a few minutes to absorb (avoid letting it dry on the surface), then buff it with an old terry-cloth bath towel. These textured cloths work wonders in enhancing the granite's shine (do not use a mechanical buffer).
To remove hard water deposits on your countertops, use a cleaning vinegar or non-abrasive scale remover solution, followed by one of the approved daily cleaning methods.
Trivets: Granite countertops are very heat resistant and unlikely to burn or scorch. However, thermal shock or cracks may occur if the countertop is subject to extreme temperature changes. It is recommended that you protect your countertop and yourself from extreme heat by using trivets or hot pads.
Cutting Boards: While Granite surfaces are extremely scratch resistant, the use of a cutting board when using sharp objects is always recommended to protect your knives/utensils from becoming dull and to prevent metal transfer marks on the countertop surface.
The below list provides examples of items to avoid but is not fully comprehensive:
- Keep Solvents and Powerful Chemicals off of the Counter - Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals and solvents, especially paint removers or furniture strippers. Keep nail polish remover, bleach, detergent, and oil soaps away from your quartz. Also, avoid high-acid cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaner, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, rust remover, Bar Keepers Friend®, etc.
- Avoid the use of abrasive cleaning powders and pads or Magic Eraser® sponges (or similar products).
- Permanent Markers - Keep permanent markers and inks away from your countertops. Should these materials come into contact with the surface, clean first as outlined above in the Daily Cleaning section. If the stain persists, moisten a cloth with GooGone®, or a comparable product, and rub it into the stain. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaner residue.
If any of the substances mentioned above come into contact with your granite, rinse the exposed surface immediately and thoroughly with water.
Counter Solutions by Lumbermen’s warrants the purchaser that our fabricated products will be free of manufacturing or installation defects for one (1) year from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.
Counter Solutions by Lumbermen’s warranty obligation is limited solely to the repair or replacement of the fabricated product and excludes labor charges.
Counter Solutions by Lumbermen’s warranty does not include the following:
- Scratches, gouges, or chips
- Heat-related damage
- Improper use or abuse post- delivery or installation.
- Installations performed by individuals other than Counter Solutions installers
- Abrasive or chemical damage, including usage of household cleaners or substances unsuitable for the materials.
Countertops that are ordered “furnished only” are inspected before shipping. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to inspect all materials at the time of delivery. All damage claims on “furnished only” tops are to be reported immediately.
Countertops that are ordered “furnished only” should be installed immediately to prevent damage.
Some patterns are directional or have random patterns; therefore, Counter Solutions by Lumbermen’s will not guarantee color or pattern match at seams, miters, or other joints.
Please refer to the specific brand warranty information on each product’s individual website for the material warranty. Counter Solutions by Lumbermen’s warranties the fabrication and installation, not the countertop materials themselves.
