Care & Maintenance of Granite & Marble Countertops

Description: Care and Maintenance

Care & Maintenance Common Questions

Trinity Granite & Marble presents the best way to care for and maintain your custom granite and marble countertops.

Q: How do I care for my stone?

A: If Trinity Granite & Marble fabricated your project, all pieces will have been sealed with an impregnator, which penetrates the natural pits and veins present in natural stone.

We suggest that you use mild soap and water as a daily cleaner (without moisturizers and citrus scents or cleaning agents)
Avoid ammonia and abrasives, which may breakdown the sealant over time.

Wipe up food and spills as soon as possible.
Use cleaner/polish/protectant weekly.
Use coasters, trivets and hot pads.
Cutting directly on your granite tops will dull your knives.
Do not stand or sit on your tops.

Q: What if I accidentally stain my granite countertop?

A: Much will depend on the type of stain. Always try mild soap and warm water first. If this does not remove the stain, you may try a poultice solution: mix baking soda and water to thick pour-able consistency, apply a thick layer to the stain, cover and let sit until dry. If the problem persists, call us.

Q: Will the sealer wipe off when cleaned, or scratch off with wear?

A: No. The sealer is not a coating on top of the stone, it is an impregnator, which is absorbed by the stone and fills the pores in order to repel food and liquid. Over time, cleaners do reduce the effectiveness of the sealer. We recommend a cleaner/polish/protectant every 2-3 three weeks to keep your countertops look new.

Q: My countertops seem dull; what can I do to restore the original luster?

A: First, be certain that you are using the recommended cleaning products. Products like Windex and Soft Scrub will dull the original polished surface. Trinity Granite & Marble carries a cleaner, polish, protectant, which may be used weekly. It is a simple process and will temporarily intensify the original reflective qualities of your stone surface.

Q: Will granite stain?

A: No. However, granite porosities vary. Some granite if not properly sealed can absorb liquid into the pores. This may appear at first to stain; however in many instances a dark area on the countertop will dry and disappear over time.

Q: Will the polish on my countertops wear off over time?

A: That depends on whether you have granite or marble. Granite, with normal wear and tear, no. That doesn't mean that if you attack your granite with a belt sander it won’t dull the finish. The only things that could scratch granite are typically not found in the kitchen. Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite, which will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper sealing and maintenance is more crucial with marble countertops.

Q: Can marble countertops be refinished once they become scratched?

A: Yes. Marble can be refinished through a process of grinding and repolishing. The process will vary depending on the damage or wear. This is not a do it yourself project and requires a professional refinisher.

Q: How do you know when granite needs to be re-sealed?

A: Many people in the industry recommend an annual re-sealing of your stone. However, many types of granite are harder than others and may never need to be re-sealed. If you notice water absorption into the countertop or darker areas around the sink that is an indicator it is time to re-seal.

Q: Can my countertop burn or crack?

A: No, granite is not susceptible to burning or cracking with normal use. Sometimes granite may crack during delivery or installation. You should never stand or sit on your granite tops. We strongly suggest that you invest in a good stepladder for changing light bulbs and putting dishes away on the top shelf.

Q: How does most damage to granite or marble tops occur?

A: Believe it or not, most damage occurs due to a lack of education. Share this information with the people in your household (children/spouse), as well as cleaning services, which you may employ. Try to be proactive about the care of your tops; this will help to avoid costly restoration fees.

Cleaning Countertops - Countertop Comparison: Which is the Easiest to Clean?

Laminate, wood, tile, concrete, stainless steel, and granite are the most common materials used for home counters. When choosing a surface, appearance and price are always the top priorities. However, homeowners should also consider the sanitary properties of each material.
In an experiment published by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in 1991, each of these six materials was tested to see which was the easiest to sanitize. A sample of each surface was treated with E. coli, the bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Afterward, each sample was washed with regular dishwashing soap and a washcloth and then rinsed. This simple wash and rinse experiment replicated common household cleaning practices.

After each surface had been washed and rinsed, samples were taken from each material to determine which had retained the most bacteria.
Granite performed the best, with less than 0.003% of the bacteria remaining after simply cleaning with dish soap. The retention of the E. coli was from most retained to most removed as follows:

Laminate
Wood
Tile
Concrete
Stainless steel
Granite

In the next part of the experiment, the washed and rinsed samples were cleaned with a solution of vinegar and water. This test simulated the cleaning practices of commercial kitchens. Again, laminate, wood, tile, and concrete did not perform as well as stainless steel and granite samples. In this test, stainless steel proved the most effective, with 0.0000005% of the bacteria remaining, compared to 0.00002% on the granite.

In both cases, the amount of E. coli remaining on the surface is well below sanitation guidelines and would be considered safe. Cleaning the laminate, wood, tile, and concrete with vinegar removed as much bacteria as soap and water did on the granite and stainless steel surfaces. Homeowners should reflect on their own cleaning practices when selecting a countertop material. Cleaning a solid surface, such as granite or stainless steel, will only require a mild detergent. Laminate, wood, and tile will require harsh chemicals for the same result.

It’s no surprise that stainless steel performed well in these tests—it has been the surface of choice in the commercial kitchens for years. However, granite’s sanitary properties may surprise some. Unlike stainless steel, granite is available in a wide number of colors and designs. Granite is popular in homes because it doesn’t show fingerprints and is resistant to denting or scratching.

When shopping for new counters, it is tempting to choose a material based on looks alone. That’s why some homeowners are surprised to learn that naturally beautiful granite is also safe, sanitary, and easy to maintain. The “greenest” kitchen countertops are also the cleanest and it has become the top choice for home countertops.