However, if the granite is unsealed, the liquid may penetrate the stone's pores. Nevertheless, even when this occurs, the stain is not necessarily permanent. A topical paste can be applied to draw out the moisture and effectively remove the stain in most cases.
Fissures and Pits
Any granite that you purchase, no matter its source or its grade may have natural fissures or pits in its surface. Some of these are harmless; cosmetic cracks or small indentations in the stone. But others could actually weaken the structure and integrity of the countertop.
Sometimes, a thorough cleaning can help lighten darkened granite. Use a granite-specific cleaner to gently cleanse the surface, removing any surface stains or residues.
Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
Water and baking soda poultice for granite help remove oil-related stains, while combined water and hydrogen peroxide are great for others. For your mix you want the consistency of a thick paste. It should also have a puffy appearance. Next, apply the paste to the stained area of granite.
While water stains are not particularly common with granite countertops, if you do encounter them, they can be removed easily. Through a simple homemade solution, your countertop can be back to looking as good as new.
Vinegar is made up of acids that can severely harm your granite. Even if it is diluted, vinegar may still leave acids on your granite countertops. This can cause your natural stone countertops to etch. You can tell that your granite countertops have begun to etch by seeing a small ring or some sign of a watermark.
Granite and Quartz can both be damaged by exposure to high temperatures since some of the elements contained within each one is susceptible to being damaged by intense heat. Granite is porous while quartz is not, so granite can suffer from spills and stains while quartz is more stain resistant.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.
Grays, browns, whites, tans, olives, and other neutral colors are a great choice, helping the style of your kitchen outlast the trends and fads that come and go year in and year out.
Why Granite Can Stain. Imagine granite countertops like a sponge, but a really hard one! This sponge can soak up things like water, juice, or even oil if they're spilled on it. That's because granite has tiny holes in it called pores.
Unfortunately, most common DIY cleaners aren't suitable for use on natural stone. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and will damage your granite surfaces. However if you get a stain on your granite countertop, you can treat it with a poultice of baking soda and water.
Jokes apart, it is expected that with proper care, the lifespan of a granite countertop can be up to 30 years or more. In fact, it can even outlive your house. However, that is just an arbitrary number that can increase or decrease depending on how you maintain granite.
Both countertop materials are similar in terms of cleaning and maintenance, but it seems that quartz may have a slight edge since it never needs to be sealed, and since it's a nonporous surface, stains or liquids penetrating the surface aren't as worrisome as they are with natural stone.
You can put hot pans on granite with no worries if you place something underneath them. A trivet, pad or potholder will absorb the heat from the pan before it reaches the surface, preventing damage to your countertop and preserving its beauty.
Not entirely. While granite countertops may not be the trendiest option in 2024, they remain a durable and beautiful choice for many homeowners. The key is to integrate them into a modern kitchen design with thoughtful updates and complementary elements.
Some people find that granite feels cold to the touch, especially compared to wood or laminate. If you live in a cool climate or simply prefer a warmer feel, you may not like leaning against a granite counter.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
Granite is durable, beautiful and would be uniquely yours. But you can't' beat quartz if you want the classic beauty of natural marble without the headache and heartache of keeping natural marble looking good.
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.
Cost Comparison of Countertop Material
Corian generally has a lower overall price tag, averaging $60-140 per square foot installed. Natural granite countertops span from $70 on the low end to over $200 per square foot for premium stone.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use to clean granite countertops. Not only is it safe to use on your cooking and food prep surfaces, but it is also a great degreaser and can remove stubborn grease stains. Be sure to mix it with water so the concentration isn't as strong, as you don't need to use more than a few drops.
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. 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.
Use a pH-neutral granite cleaning solution and work it slowly and methodically across the countertop. Using anything too basic or acidic will weaken the sealant, so avoid solutions like bleach or vinegar. Some soap and water will suffice, along with a soft sponge. Also, avoid using abrasive pads for scrubbing.