Always use a trivet or a potholder; like many natural stones, granite has an incredibly high heat tolerance.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite 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.
This may be hard to remember, but cooks should try to remember to use some sort of protective covering when they're working with a lot of hot pots and pans. Even a tray or a cutting board can help protect granite slabs from damage, so fancy cooking accessories aren't necessary.
The heat from the pan could cause a chemical reaction with the granite, thus causing discoloration of the countertop. High heat on granite also can cause the seal on the countertop to wear down and weaken, which makes the countertop more susceptible to absorbing spills and any residue left on the surface.
Granite is resistant to heat but it is still recommended to use hot pads or trivets instead of putting your hot dishes from the oven on your countertop. It's best to avoid anything that could damage the surface of the countertop.
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.
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.
Use Trivets or Hot Pads for Hot Items
This is why it is so important to keep heat from coming in direct contact through the use of trivets, hot pads, or other types of pads creating a layer of protection between hot pans and countertops.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
Granite is so heat resistant that you can place a hot dish directly on it without leaving marks or stains. When it comes to heat-resistant materials, quartz is your second-best bet. You can't easily scorch quartz, but you will want to use a hot pad before placing a dish directly on it, or you could damage the quartz.
While granite itself is heat-resistant, it will need to be sealed. The products it can be sealed with can weaken with heat, thus cracking. That is why we recommend that you use trivets if you are going to put a hot pot or pan on a granite countertop.
The best way to protect your granite countertop from chipping is by adding a sealant and cleaning it regularly. Cleaning removes stains and other substances that may weaken the surface. Chipping is caused by hitting the surface with hard or sharp objects. Therefore, avoid hitting the surface with sharp objects.
Being born out of hot magma gives granite its hardness and density, as well as its remarkable heat resistance; granite's melting point lies between 2200 – 2300 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
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.
Silicone is an inexpensive yet effective way to protect your countertops from a hot dish fresh from the stove. Silicone has a low thermal conductivity, meaning that it transfers heat much slower than some other materials (like metal or glass), leading to excellent heat resistance.
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.
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 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.
You're going to seal your trivet with some cutting board oil! This will keep it from cracking when hot temperatures are constantly applied. Add the oil to a small container, then use a paintbrush to apply over the entire top surface.
The high quality silicone material provides a non-slip, heat resistant surface for pots and pans to protect your tabletops and work surfaces.
For caulking kitchen counters, it's important to get a caulk that's designed to provide a tough, watertight, mold-resistant seal. Loctite 100% Silicone is a top choice. It holds up to extreme temperatures and contains Mildewcide, a property that prohibits the growth of mold.
Buff the granite with cooking oil to provide shine and stain resistance. Apply cooking oil to a clean cloth, then make circular motions across the surface of the countertop. Use gentle pressure as you buff the surface.
Granite is a stone that's strong enough to support the weight of small appliances and cutting boards. However, it's prone to damage from sharp objects like knives. Avoid using your granite surface as a cutting board. This can cause chips, scratches, dings, and other damage.
An expertly sealed granite countertop should last your home for years with proper care. Introducing an acidic substance like vinegar can ruin this protective sealant and decrease the stone's durability. This can also make your counters appear dull and cloudy or cause etching.