It requires very little maintenance and is quite durable. However, when looking to maintain its stain resistance, some maintenance is required from time to time to reseal the material. In its natural state, granite is porous and absorbs liquids easily, therefore it needs to be sealed to make it stain-resistant.
Anywhere in between five and 30 minutes, the stone may benefit a sealer. Sealing granite is a relatively simple process and can be done by a professional or by homeowners.
Granite is a Porous Material
Brand new granite counters often have a sealant applied during installation. However, this sealant wears off over time, which is why reapplication is so crucial.
Unsealed granite counters are susceptible to stains from food, drinks, and other spills. Since granite is porous, is can quickly absorb food and liquids, which is then hard to get up. Sealing your countertops is the best way to avoid stains like this.
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.
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).
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
Unsealed granite countertops will soak up anything that is spilled on the surface. Put a few drops of water on the granite, leave it on the countertop for a few minutes. If you come back and see that the water is gone and soaked into the granite it is time for the stone to be resealed.
Standard Sealing Recommendations
Many professionals recommend sealing granite countertops at least once each year. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal the granite even more frequently. This used to be the advice from stone professionals over the years.
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.
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 fact is, the porous nature of granite can lead to absorption of water through tiny holes that are not visible to the naked eye. Just a small amount of water left to dry on your countertop may not cause a problem but if it is left for a very long period of time, it could cause the counter to darken in that one spot.
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.
Keep surface dry for 24 hours after the application process is complete. This is so the seal can completely cure and bond with the pores of the stone. After 24 hours perform the water test on all key areas of the surface.
Sealing is a simple process. First, thoroughly clean the countertop surface with water and ph-neutral dish detergent, rinse with clean water and dry. As a final step it's a good idea to use a cloth saturated with denatured alcohol (available in the paint department) to do a final wipe down.
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.
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.
As good as a cleaner for windows and other glass surfaces, Windex has some elements on its compositions that can permanently damage granite when used for a long time. For that reason, you should never use Windex on granite.
After sealing a granite countertop, you will need to wait a period of time to allow it to take effect. The most common length of time here is 48 hours, but this may vary between products – once again, read the instructions!
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.
Unlike granite, quartz doesn't need to be sealed on a regular basis in order to prevent staining. The nonporous surface makes it an ideal choice for food preparation and maintenance. You can clean these countertops with some warm and soapy water when necessary.
Natural granite stone will not fade or yellow in the sun. Granite slabs treated with dyes or resins can fade or darken over time. Avoid this problem by working with a reputable supplier and sealing your countertops regularly.
If it beads up, you have a secure seal. 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.
One question that comes up a lot when working with granite countertops is “Does granite need to be sealed?” The answer is very simply “Yes.” Certain stones, like granite and many other natural stones, are porous. This means that a sealant needs to be applied to prevent staining from water, oils, and other liquids.