Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
A simple water test will help you determine if sealer is needed. Pour about a quarter cup of water on a few areas of the counter. See how long it takes for the water to absorb. If the water absorbs into the stone in less than five minutes, the stone does need to be sealed.
The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop.
Granite is one of the strongest materials on Earth, so is it really necessary to seal granite countertops? Absolutely! Granite that has not been properly sealed can store germs and moisture – things you don't want on your food preparation surfaces.
It is like any other natural material. Wood has its grain, and stone has its pores. Fortunately, it's easy to seal a granite countertop. It takes just a few minutes and requires little more than a granite sealer and a clean pad.
Choosing the Right Sealant is Essential
For this reason, look for products in the class known as impregnating stone sealers. They are chosen by professional contractors for sealing granite, marble, and slate countertops. The top-rated product in this class is Tenax Hydrex Impregnating Stone Sealer.
Granite is Heat Resistant
Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
In addition, Windex products and all-purpose cleaners are generally not safe for granite countertops. While there is a long list of other troublesome granite cleaners, these are some of the most popular products used to clean granite that can have a negative impact on the life of your countertops.
It's important to understand that an impregnating sealer should not alter the color or finish of the granite counter. It won't make a polished surface dull, or a matte counter shiny. It's invisible when dry.
The truth is that most (but not all) granite countertops need to be sealed. There is a simple test to see if you need to seal the countertop you're choosing and determine when your countertop needs to be resealed (typically every 5-7 years, depending on the sealant).
A few '15-year' sealants are some of the best chemically engineered sealers available. They penetrate deeply into the stone and provide superior water & oil repellency. However, like all sealers, '15- year' sealers cannot prevent etching and unfortunately, they do not prevent stains for 15 years either.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
Granite is also highly durable, making it perfect for families with little ones. Granite, while less porous than marble, will still require sealing. However, it's not difficult and when done properly, granite can be just as maintenance-free as a quartz countertop.
Do use a mild detergent soap. Regular Dawn or other dish soaps work well. Do use a soft cloth. No special tools needed here: a soft cloth will help remove all grime and dirt without damaging countertops.
A half teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to 2 cups of water, applied via spray bottle, is typically all it takes to care for granite slabs. Be especially careful of acidic, caustic cleaners to prevent the dulling of granite surfaces.
If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone. DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges. Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided.
Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
DO NOT put hot pots, pans or appliances such as toaster ovens and slow cookers directly on your counter top's. Such items can cause serious damage to your stone or quartz counter tops.
Resealing granite prevents permanent damage to the stone and restores the original, factory shine. There are many sealers to choose from, but your granite countertops retailer should recommend the best product for your exact variety of stone.
It's best to use only dish soap and water. Cleaning granite is simple: just mix warm water with a mild dish soap and wipe the countertops gently until clean.
Granites vary in how porous they are. Actually, some granites never need sealer and should never be sealed. This goes for most black granite countertops which are typically very dense and will neither stain nor absorb sealer.