Sealed granite countertops are easy to clean, but there are a few things you should know before cleaning to help you protect your countertops.

First, granite requires sealing about once a year to protect the stone from stains and scratches. The sealing lasts different amounts of time depending on how often use your countertops, how hard you use them, and the type of sealing used. It’s important to know the state of your seal before cleaning.

Unsealed granite, or a countertop where the seal has worn off will allow the stone to absorb liquids and spills, potentially creating stains. To test your seal put a couple of drops of water in a few spots of you countertop and wait a couple of minutes. If the water soaks into the stone, it is probably time to reseal. If the water remains beaded on the surface of the granite, the seal is good.

To clean granite, the number one rule is be gentle. Here are the dos and don’ts:

Do

• Use Warm water with a mild dish soap
• Use soft Wash cloth and scrub gently
• Use cleaning products designed specifically for granite
• Dry and polish with a microfiber cloth or Terry cloth towel
• Occasionally a solution of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol (91% or less) can be used to restore the sine.
• Always clean up spills quickly, and wash frequently

Don’t

• Use acidic cleaners
• Use ammonia or bleach
• Use Windex
• Clean with rough scrubby sponges or steel wool
• Put vinegar, lemon, lime, or citrus on granite

While some commercial cleaners are okay, they may break down the seal faster. It’s best to use only dish soap and water. Cleaning granite is simple, just mix warm water and a mild dish soap and wipe the countertops gently until clean. After cleaning, dry with a microfiber cloth or terry cloth towel cloth to get rid of streaks. It's that simple. 

Preventative maintenance goes along way with granite. If you clean up spills quickly, seal regularly, and avoid using anything abrasive on the countertop, you can expect your granite to retain its beauty for a lifetime.

If you have questions about caring for you granite, or about new countertop installations or repairs give us a call at 316-946-0530. We provide service for homeowners and contractors in the Wichita area.

Granite and Marble are both all natural stone materials, they are similar in many ways.

Marble is a higher-end product that requires more care than Granite, however it offers a timeless elegance that is hard to match.

Visually, the patterns and color variations you see in Granite are small flecks, compared to swirling lines in a Marble. Marble’s color has more of a fluid feel, while granite is more random. Marble offers a cleaner, brighter feel, while Granite is more earthy and modern.

If you’ve narrowed your selection down to Granite and Marble, here’s what you need to know to decide which countertop is right for your home.

The main difference between Granite and Marble for many people is simply about the desire for an elegant luxury product that is more rare (Marble), compared to a more practical stone with less of a high-end feel (Granite). Both countertops are durable, and can last for decades when properly cared for, so either is a great choice.

Generally Marble is better suite for areas that will get less abuse such as bathrooms, accents or areas designed for baking. Granite is a more all-purpose stone that will hold up better in busy kitchens.

However, even though Marble is more expensive and more difficult to maintain. With proper care, it provides a timeless beauty that Granite cannot match. For this reason, Marble is often used in high-end applications. Marble Is known to raise the value of a property. If you’re willing to take the extra care to maintain your countertops, Marble is suitable for most homes.

Granite is more practical for high traffic areas and large families. It’s one of the most commonly used materials for higher-end countertops. While not a unique as Marble, it’s popularity speaks to its quality and durability.

Consider how your family will use your countertops over the years and give us a call if you’d like to start comparing the two products in person. We have a large selection of Marble and Granite in our Wichita showroom. 316-946-0530

If you’re looking for kitchen, bath or bar design ideas, take a look at our Granite and Marble galleries here.

Granite and Quartz are both great choices for a kitchen, bathroom or bar countertop. The two materials are very similar in price and durability, and choosing often boils down to a few personal preferences. ​