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There's just something extra elegant about a kitchen with granite countertops. The unique patterns in the stone add visual interest to the space and provide a durable work surface. But if you want to maintain the stone's attractive appearance, you must care for them in the right way. These five tips can help you clean and maintain your granite surfaces, so they always look like new. 1. Seal It Granite countertops aren't as porous as marble or other materials, but they can soak up moisture and become weakened over time. To keep yours in good shape, make sure that they're sealed. Purchase a granite sealant from your local hardware store or home improvement center, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, you'll need to reseal every three to five years. If you're not sure whether you need to reseal, drip a little water on the surface and if it beads up, you can wait. If the stone absorbs the water, it's time to reseal. 2. Use the Right Cleanser Your counters may be durable, but that doesn't mean you can use any cleanser on the surface. Harsh abrasive cleansers can damage the stone and ruin its seal. Avoid acidic formulas, such as those containing lemon, lime, or vinegar, as well as harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and Windex. Instead, opt for gentle products, such as mild dishwashing detergent or a pH-balanced cleanser meant specifically for stone. 3. Wipe with Microfiber On a day-to-day basis, you'll likely only need to wipe down the surface with a dry cloth to remove dirt and debris. However, you should be careful about the cloth that you use because a rough, abrasive material can damage the stone. Opt for a microfiber cloth, which is extremely soft and helps lift dirt and dust off instead of just pushing it along. 4. Be Vigilant with Spills When you spill anything on your countertop, wipe it up as soon as you notice the mess. The longer that a liquid sits on the surface, the greater the chance that the stone absorbs it and a stain forms. Be particularly careful with oily or acidic spills, which are more likely to stain. Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away the liquid as quickly as possible. 5. Go Pro for Repairs Even if you are extremely careful with your granite countertops, issues may develop over time. Stains and cracks can appear on the surface, or you may notice cracking near the seams. Don't attempt to repair these problems on your own. Instead, contact a stone care professional to take care of the damage and call for assistance as soon as you notice the issue. Waiting too long for repairs may cause the damage to worsen and require more significant treatment in the long run. If these steps are followed, the quality of your granite is sure to hold up over time. When looking for granite countertops, Medford, OR area residents go to EleMar Oregon. To learn more, visit http://elemaroregon.com/inventory.html.
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