Maintaining Your Granite

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 Granite stone is an investment that serves by imparting its beauty  for many years to come. Stone is a natural product and simple care and  maintenance is required to keep it looking beautiful.
If you choose to use your own cleansers then  please be aware that although granite is a hard, nonporous stone that is  unaffected by most chemicals, it still requires high degrees of care while cleaning it. The most important rule when it comes to natural  stones is: never use anything on them that you would not use on your hands. It is advisable to keep away from the abrasive pads and powdered  cleansers when cleaning the natural stone. The soft scrub products  contain pumice and this can damage the stone floors and countertops.  You should also keep away from acidic products such as those containing  ammonia. To ensure the surfaces last longer, you should always use the  cleaning products and sealers that are specifically made for natural  stones.Here are a few recommendations to keep your granite surface clean:

1. Do use a clean rag and always rinse thoroughly – too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
2. Do clean granite surfaces with a small amount of neutral cleaner,  stone cleaner/polisher, or mild, liquid dishwashing soap and warm water.
3. Do wipe spills immediately to avoid staining.
4. Do remove stubborn or sticky materials by tipping a razor blade so  that it is at a slight angle from horizontal and go back and forth over  the area. Afterwards, use a fine steel wool pad (“000” or finer) to  remove the remaining residue.
5. Do NOT use products that contain any acids such as lemon or vinegar. The acid can etch the surface.
6. Do NOT use scouring powders or creams. The abrasives contained in these products may scratch the surface.
7. Do NOT use an SOS scouring pad or the abrasive back of a sponge to clean your granite.
8. Caution: overuse of an ammonia solution can, over time, dull the surface of the stone.
9. Do clean surface with mild detergent or stone soap.  
10. Do dust in between cleanings.  
11. Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.  
12. Do blot up spills immediately.  
13. Do NOT use grout cleaners, tub or tile cleaners.