| By :
Mark Etinger
Granite countertops are ideal for residential kitchens for many reasons, the most overwhelming reason being that they are incredibly attractive, an addition to their ability to increase your home's value. Another reason why granite countertops are number one in the hearts of homeowners is their durability. A diamond is the only thing guaranteed to scratch its surface, so you can have qualms about cutting with sharp knives or setting hot pans on your granite countertops--they can hold their own. But if you want to keep those countertops looking like new, you're going to need to get an effective cleaning method down. In order to help you in your quest for clean countertops, here are a few tips on what to do and what not to do when cleaning granite. Do's: -Blot up spills immediately. As you may suspect, acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce, soda, etc. could potentially stain the surface of your granite countertops. So take action immediately if you notice a spill -When wiping the granite surfaces clean be sure to use a non-scratchy sponge or a soft cloth. Also use specially formulated stone cleansers. These are ideal because they can protect the sealer on the surface of the granite. For quick-clean ups, hot water and a soft sponge will suffice. -Use preventative measures. Sure, one of the bonuses to having granite countertops is their extreme strength and resilience. But it is always a good idea to be proactive and get in the habit of using tivets or pot holders and coaster for drinks. It's saving you work by not having to scrub drink rings and stains from the bottom of pans. -Polish your granite to make it sparkle. Use something super soft like a chamois. The dry cloth should buff your granite to a lustrous shine--no chemicals needed. Don'ts: -Don't use generic household cleaners like bleach, glass cleaner, de-greaser, or ammonia. These products contain acids, alkaloids and other chemicals that will in time, deteriorate the granite sealer. The sealer is what keeps the granite shiny and stain-free, so you want that to stay intact. -Don't use bathroom, tub and tile, or grout cleansers. Though they are often in powder form or soft cream form, these contain abrasives and are harmful to granite. -Don't go overboard, even if you're trying to get a deep clean. As stated earlier, household products like hydrogen peroxide, acetone, or clear ammonia have the potential to dull your granite overtime. Ph-neutral dish soap and other specifically formulated stone cleaners are ideal. Best of luck with your granite countertops. Keeping your granite looking like new for years to come is rather simple if you keep these steps in mind. For more information regarding maintenance and care of your granite or marble, please visit Marble Institute of America's website ( http://www.marble-institute.com/).
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