Don’t Ruin your Granite Countertop Sealer

Sealing granite is done to slow down absorption, so you have much more time to clean up any spills. All stone products from C & G Granite come pre-sealed and treated to protect granite countertops, so with the correct care the Sealant should last at least 10 years. If you think your countertop needs to be re-sealed, you can contact us for a quote.

How to tell if your countertop needs to be re-sealed

Common Granite Sealer Threats

Generic or Household Cleaning Products:

It’s tempting to reach under the sink and grab the closest bottle of cleaning spray, but you may be damaging your granite sealer without realising it. Always check the product label, many household cleaners will state clearly on the packaging if the product is suitable for use on granite or natural stone.

Avoid using the following to clean your granite countertop:

Any products containing vinegar, ammonia or bleach
Bath, tile & grout cleaners
Orange/Lemon, citrus or glass cleaners
Hydrogen peroxide or disinfectants

There are many DIY tips available for granite care. Soap is a common recommendation, but not all soaps are 100% safe for stone. See our guide to maintaining your granite surfaces.

Leaving containers directly on the Granite surface

We are all guilty of plonking whatever armful load we are carrying down on the first available surface, but did you know that some innocent-looking containers could damage your granite counter? Bottles, packages, bags, jars which are unsealed, compromised or used, may have their internal products stuck to the exterior packaging. They could even leak on to your countertop without anyone realising.

These ordinary household items could threaten your Granite:

Ink

Perfumes.

Acetone (nail varnish remover)

Oil based products – grease, tar, cooking oil, make-up, paint

Metal – iron or rust nails

Organic material may react with the natural stone – flower pots containing soil, mould or mildew

Use Chopping boards and coasters

Minimise damage to your sealed granite by using chopping boards to prevent natural fruit and vegetable juice damaging your granite. Use coasters to lessen the risk hot cups of coffee and other dark drinks leaving stains.

Don’t leave hot pots and pans on the surface too long

We know you can take a hot pot off the stove and put it right on granite countertops without any problems, but there is a rare risk of “thermal shock” and crack. Try to use a trivet, mat or wire rack in the high traffic areas of your kitchen.

Also, any dirt or grit trapped between your counter tops and your hot pot may leave small surface scratches

Wipe spills immediately

Certainly the point of sealing granite is so that it won’t stain easily, but over time if your sealer has degraded stains may seep through. This is especially true of dark coloured food and liquid such as beetroot, ketchup and red wine. Lighter coloured granite will show up stains more easily.

If water is left to sit on an effectively sealed surface for 15-20 minutes or more (depending on the age and quality of sealer, and the porosity of the stone) then it may still absorb.

Don’t stand or sit on your Counters

Never forget that granite is natural stone, it can crack and can only support so much weight. Standing or sitting on your granite countertops adds extra pressure to your wooden cabinets.

Do you have a Stain or an Etch on your Granite Countertop?

Stain: A dark spot where a substance has absorbed into the pores of the stone.

Etch: A light and dull spot where an acidic substance has corroded or chemically burned the marble.

Etch marks can be repaired using a special polishing product. Stains can be removed by using a poultice. We do not recommend that you attempt a home repair. Please consult one of our experts! You can contact us here