Why You Need to Remember to Properly and Regularly Seal Granite Countertops
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios


Defined Tag: Seal Granite Countertops.

While granite is a naturally hard stone and generally resistant to damage it is still a stone and is, therefore, porous and so it is necessary to seal granite countertops in order to insure their longevity in your home. Usually, the slab will arrive pre sealed by your supplier and the seal will last many months but in high use areas, especially where acidic foods and other substances are prepared, it can lose its effectiveness and some recommend resealing the stone every 6 months to a year in order to ensure the stone doesn’t lose any of its brilliance, shine and colour.

The first thing to know is that you should use a proper cleaner for your granite countertop and not just any old cleaner. Ordinary cleaning chemicals may actually further deteriorate, or even remove, the stone’s seal leaving the porous stone surface itself exposed and vulnerable to damage. Such a condition can allow stains to appear in the stone and, therefore, ruin the natural shine and beauty of the countertop for good.

It is possible to get special cleaners designed for use on granite countertops which are less likely to destroy the stone’s seal. Granite is a very strong and resilient material; it is resistant to hot or cold temperatures and does not easily crack and can, potentially, last for very many years and it only requires simple care and attention to its cleaning and protection in order for it to retain its attractive finish and remain beautiful and shiny for a long time.

Since Granite is also no prone to sheltering bacteria it is a good surface for kitchen countertops and to clean it, it is really only necessary to wipe it with a wet cloth or sponge and an ordinary dish cleaner or washing up liquid usually used for your cutlery and dishes which may also be an antibacterial wash. It is then a good idea to use a granite cleaner to leave the surface clean without stripping the seal away. If your surface gets a lot of use then it is good to reseal it every 6 months to a year for which you will require a specialist granite sealing product, although some even use a can of car wax for the job since it contains virtually the same sealant as the speciality products on the market and can often work out a bit cheaper to seal granite countertops with it.