Introduction
Granite worktops have however proven to be among the most desirable of the accessory elements that exemplifies sophistication, elegance and sturdiness in both the home and business facilities. Popular due to its appearance and its durability, granite worktops are popular in most of today’s kitchen and bathroom designs and some terrace designs as well. To possess the look which they have, and to built in sufficient strength to be durable, such tiles need proper attention and washing. Here in an attempt to provide all the necessary information associated with granite worktops I will focus on the features that describe granite worktop’s strengths, things to beware of; as well as the procedures are recommended to follow for its proper treatment.
Why Choose Granite Worktops?
Aesthetic Appeal
Another reason that makes most homeowners to Shift left the granite worktops is that they score a hundred percent as far as beauty is concerned. Granite is a natural stone material that will come in different hues, different grain size and direction and in different surface finishes. Granite you get is known for variation; therefore, you will find that Granite countertop slabs in two different places are not usually the same. From not very bright colors between black and white all the way up to bright contrasts and clear geometric patterns, a granite offers an impressive choice no matter in which direction you are ready to go. Durability This is one of the toughest stones that can be utilized in the household; hence an area with traffic density, the kitchen. It is very hard to scratch, heat resistant and not easily worn out therefore capable to stand the normal vices in a home. When maintained I suspect that granite worktops are likely to last for more than three decades so as to provide the best appearance and functionality. Added Value to Property The Granite countertops are viewed as the luxury in homes. Granite has the capacity of sometimes increasing the price for a property as well as increasing its appeal to the clients. This makes granite worktops to be seen as worthy the investment because these worktops are likely to last for a very long time..
Durability of Granite Worktops
Scratch Resistance
Granite is the hardest material found in nature or any where. In the Mohs scale that used to measure mineral hardness granite range from 6 to 7 in hardness. This makes it one of the most scratch resistant surfaces in the market, it is much harder than marble or laminates for instance. But it is advisable to use a cutting board because knives when used directly on the granite surface they get blunt.
Granite worktops – The Myth of Permanence.
Daily Cleaning
To prevent dirt and other stuffs from piling up on the granite’s worktops it is therefore recommendable to have it washed often. It is suggested having to make gentle scrubbing on the surface of the wood with mild dish soap and water each day. May we avoid any chemical treatment on the stone such as bleach, ammonia, strong detergent solutions, scouring pad and anything with acid in it, these are very counter productive and they tend to shorted the sealer’s useful life and in the long run they etch the surface of the stone. For the granite also there exist cleaner that are supposed to be used in cleaning the surface of the stone in a manner that it maintains its glamorous look. Last of all wet a soft fabric and wipe the surface clean to remove spots from water.
Stain Removal
As for the difficult to remove stains, one can use, baking soda scrub with water oder any from the market granite cleaner. Apply the paste on the stained area, let it dry for some few minutes then clean it by gently wiping on it. For example for oil based paints one can use the following remedy; baking soda and water for organic stains such as coffee or wine one can also use product based on hydrogen peroxide. Yet another thing that you should always keep in mind is that it is always advisable to first try out a new cleaner, in an area that one cannot easily see before using it on the granite.
Avoiding Damage
Even though granite is highly durable, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid accidental damage:Even though granite is highly durable, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid accidental damage:
• Avoid acidic cleaners: It is also important to avoid exposure to vinegar, lemon juice and other acidic solutions since they can actually etch the surface and thus lead to the breakdown of the sealant.
• Be cautious with heavy objects: Such as when heavy items are dropped on to the granite or around the edges even if they are sharp they can chip or crack.
• Use cutting boards: A cutting board will also be useful in that it will ensure that the granite surface does not get scratched by the knives even though granite is hard and scratch resistant.
Long-Term Care Tips
Resealing Frequency
This is why most professionals advise people to reseal granite worktops anywhere from once to twice within two years at most, depending on how often the counter would be used and the kind of sealer put on the granite counter. Some high quality sealers can go up to about 5 years of the structure before it needs to be recoated while in other instances sealers may only last for less than a year. It is recommended to perform water test on worktop’s sealant in a regular basis for you to be able to tension of the required protection.
Polishing Granite
It is also recommendable to polish the granite to improve on the natural sheen of the stone and make it to appear new always. In addition, utilize a special polish, which is best suited for granite, to clean the surface periodically in a more rigorous way so this restores the shine of the stone. One should not use all those available polish products because they cause residues or even distort the surface of the stone.
Conclusion
Granite worktops are a perfect blend of both hard wearing, aesthetically pleasing and practical which makes them perfect for any kitchen or bathroom. If the granite worktops are sealed in the appropriate manner and proper cleaning practices followed the lifespan of the granite worktops can be measured in terms of years and decades. Patience and hard work that you put into the maintenance of these luxurious surfaces guarantee you the lasting beauty of these areas in your home. Whether you own a stone-made home and have always pondered on the durability of granite or thinking of installing granite in your home, the following article will be very helpful to you
