Some homeowners are hesitant to get granite for fear of difficult maintenance. There are tons of horror stories about granite countertops online, and the vast majority of them simply aren’t true. Before you scare yourself out of an amazing kitchen feature, we want to equip you with the facts. Read on to learn if granite is hard to clean.
Most Granite Isn’t Hard to Clean
Once granite is sealed, it’s no more difficult to clean than any other countertop. You can wipe it down with a granite cleaner or swipe crumbs away with your hands. If you want to go the extra mile, you can polish your granite countertops to enhance their appearance. This is similar to adding oil to your wood furniture or conditioning your leather sofa. It’s not required, but it certainly helps.
Some Granite Is Easier to Clean Than Others
The color and finish of your granite will impact how easy it is to clean. For example, glossy black granite tends to show smudges and fingerprints easily. Thus you may have to wipe that style of countertop down more than a lighter color or matte finish.
If your granite slab has small divots on the surface, those may trap crumbs over time. The same could be said about knicks in a butcherblock countertop. No countertop material is going to be maintenance-free, but granite is not inherently more difficult than most other materials.
How to Maintain Granite Countertops
Now that you know granite is not hard to clean, you may be wondering about general upkeep. Here are some tips for maintaining granite counters:
- Wipe the surface of the countertop as needed. In most homes, this will happen multiple times a day when the counters are used for eating/cooking.
- Polish the granite countertops weekly, if desired. This isn’t a required step, but it can revitalize the look of your granite.
- Seal your granite countertops once a year. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes, and it adds a protective topcoat to the surface. Granite that is not sealed may be prone to staining over time.
- Choose a granite color and finish that aligns with your maintenance goals. If you’re getting new countertops for your kitchen, this is a perfect time to set yourself up for success. Aim for a light neutral countertop with a slightly matte finish if you want the lowest maintenance possible. Follow the sealant recommendations above, since lighter colors are more likely to show stains than darker countertops.
At O’Hanlon Kitchens, we work with a wide range of countertop materials. We can help you determine if granite is right for you, or if there is a different surface better suited to your needs. Call 443-285-0558 to schedule a kitchen design consultation.
