Granite countertops don’t actually require a significant amount of care. Once they are installed, it’s important to wipe a solvent based sealer on them. This is also commonly referred to as an “impregnator”. Apply this impregnator with a soft cloth.
It’s only necessary to apply one coat at a time. You want to make sure the first coat thoroughly absorbs into the granite before applying the second coat.
Many people incorrectly assume that just because it’s granite, stone, it doesn’t require any real maintenance or protection. That is completely unfounded. Granite is porous and will absorb various fluids, including chicken juice, meat juice, and everything else that it comes in contact with. Using a sealer helps to protect it from these fluids getting into the surface and causing serious problems in time.
Keep in mind, though, that using a sealer is not going to make the granite countertop stain proof. It just provides you extra time to clean up whatever was spilled on it. Make sure that when you are preparing food that you wipe down the countertops as quickly as possible afterward.
Acidic foods are the most potentially damaging to granite countertops. Any time you are cutting up or exposing the countertops to acidic foods, wipe it up immediately afterward.
Also avoid using any acid-based cleaning products, such as vinegar-based window cleaner. To clean the granite countertop, simply use a wet sponge and that will help to protect the surface for many years to come.
