Granite counter tops are great to have in your home as they not only look fantastic, but they can increase the value of your home as well. Of course, it is not just enough to have granite in the kitchen. It needs to be granite that is well taken care of in order to look as good as it possibly can. 

Blot Spills Right Away

You never want to allow spills, no matter how small, to be left on your counter even if you have good intentions to clean it all up later. Granite is a very hard stone, but it is also a very porous stone. This means that it is going to soak up those spills and become stained in a very short amount of time. You will also want to make it a point to refrain from rubbing the liquid into the stone. Instead, grab a soft cloth or paper towel and gently blot the surface of your counter top until the liquid has been completely removed. This way, you are lifting the liquid up and away from the granite counter top instead of wiping it across it and further into the stone.

Always Use Hot Pads Under Hot Pans And Pans

Never place a hot pot or pan directly on to your granite counter top. While it may not happen every time, whenever a hot pan or pot is placed directly on to the counter top, the granite can experience what is called thermal shock. When that happens, you will find that the granite will crack and then you will have no choice but to replace the entire thing. It is much more affordable to simply purchase some hot pads that you will set down on the counter before putting down the hot pots and pans. You should be able to purchase the hot pads at most department and dollar stores.

Never Use Bleach On The Counters

The best way to clean your granite counter top is with warm water and a very mild soap. You may be able to find a gentle cleaner sold at the store that was created specifically for granite counter tops. Just whatever you use, you will want to make sure that you are cleaning it up right away and that you are quickly drying off the counters. This way, nothing will soak into the granite to damage it.

When you take your time to properly care for the granite counter tops, you will find that they will last many years for you. For more tips to keep your granite counters looking their best, check out a company like GranBrazil Inc.