Granite countertops are very in-demand these days--particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. They're known for not only their beauty, but for their durability as well. Still, granite countertops do require some basic care and maintenance to keep them looking their best and to avoid premature wear and tear. If you have granite countertops in your home or are thinking about installing them in the near future, there are some things you need to know.

Re-Seal Countertops as Needed

One of the most important care and maintenance steps you'll need to take with your granite countertops is to re-seal them once every few years, or as needed. When your granite is installed, a clear protective sealant coats them. This coating protects against stains and other damage, but it will naturally wear away over time. You can either re-seal your countertops yourself or hire a professional to take care of this project for you.

Protect From Excessive Heat

While granite is known for being extremely resistant to heat, it's still best to play it safe and not expose your countertops to excessive temperatures. For example, when you're cooking, place trivets or towels down in between your countertops and hot pots/pans rather than setting the pots/pans directly on the granite.

Always Use a Cutting Board

While the durability of stone countertops may make it tempting to forego whipping out that cumbersome cutting board the next time you need to chop veggies, it's important to remember that granite is not impermeable to knicks, scratches, and other types of damage--especially from a sharp knife. While you probably won't cause any serious damage to your countertops if you drop something heavy on them or accidentally miss your cutting board with your knife, it's better to minimize this risk.

Spot-Test New Cleaning Products

Granite countertops can be easily cleaned with a mixture of warm water and gentle dish soap, but there are also all kinds of store-bought cleaners that are advertised as safe to use on granite. Still, whenever you're using a new cleaner on your granite counters for the first time, it's a good idea to test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours to make sure there is no discoloration or other damage.

By following these care and maintenance tips, you can keep the granite countertops in your kitchen or bathroom looking like new (and free of damage) for many years to come! For more information, contact a local countertop supplier like GranBrazil Inc.