Caring for Granite Worktops - Part 3
By John Evans on Feb 15, 2008 in Cleaning, Granite, Natural Stone, Problem Solving, Stain Removal, Worktops
Check the Sealer
If you do not know if the worktop has been sealed, or if you fear the sealer may be deteriorating, (no sealer lasts forever) there is a simple test you can carry out: a water-drop-test. Simply put a few drops of water onto a recently cleaned and unwaxed granite surface and leave it for about 10 minutes. Watch to see if the water stands up in tight beads or stays pretty much where you put it, or if it seems to soak into the stone. Wipe away the water and see if there is a dark patch that takes a while to dry out, or if there is just a feint shadow that dries to nothing in just a few minutes. If it is the latter then either:
1) the granite is so dense it does not really need sealing, or
2) it is sealed and the sealer is still performing.
If you determine that your stone would benefit from being sealed then use a good quality impregnating sealer such as Ultra Solv by Aqua Mix (for near invisible protection) or Enrich n Seal for a colour-enhanced effect.
Apply a top polish
For that factor-like gloss finish on a granite top, why not add a professional quality polish such as Brilliance by Aqua Mix? It is so easy to apply, just put it on with a clean cloth, polish it in and buff off – easy! It will add or help maintain that high-shine ‘right out of the factory’ look, but more than that it will also give your worktop some additional protection from light scratches and even some contaminants. You should not need to re-apply this more than once or twice a year, but you can if you wish.
Every-Day Cleaning
The really good thing about a granite work-top is that it is relatively easy to care for on a day to day basis. Provided your granite is in good condition and properly sealed, then there is a very quick and easy way to keep it looking sparking clean all the time.
After each use, or when you feel the surface needs a quick wipe down, try using Stone Clean & Shine by Aqua Mix. This ‘Spray & Go’ type cleaner in its handy, trigger-spray bottle is so easy to use and as it is designed exactly for your granite, it will not harm either the stone itself, or any sealer or surface polish that may be present. In fact, it is the perfect complimentary product for Aqua Mix Brilliance. Its non-streak formula quickly evaporates leaving a clean, smear-free surface.
DISCLAIMER - Any advice or recommendations given on this site are given on the strict understanding that neither the Tile and Stone Blog or it's authors can accept any responsibility for damage or loss arising out of the use or misuse of such advice or recommendations. These recommendations are intended as general guidelines for the product/situation covered. Always Read Product Labels Entirely Before Use. Always Conduct a Small Test To Determine Desired Results.
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