Granite countertops are a timeless investment in Indian homes—known for their elegance, heat resistance, and durability. But to keep them looking fresh year after year, you need proper granite care India and consistent natural stone maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore five essential tips—from daily cleaning to periodic sealing—using straightforward language, real homeowner examples, and local product recommendations to help you preserve your granite’s shine and strength.
1. Adopt a Gentle Daily Cleaning Routine
Small habits go a long way in granite care India.
- Tools to Use
- Soft microfiber cloths or mops; avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool.
- Warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, or a pH-neutral stone cleaner available at local tile stores.
- Soft microfiber cloths or mops; avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool.
- Cleaning Steps
- Wipe countertops daily to remove crumbs, spills, and dust.
- Rinse with clean water and dry immediately to prevent spots .
- Wipe countertops daily to remove crumbs, spills, and dust.
- Why It Matters
Prevents buildup that dulls granite’s natural luster and safeguards grout and sealant integrity.
2. Seal Your Granite Regularly
Though granite is dense, its pores can allow liquids to penetrate—sealing is vital.
- When to Seal
- Perform a water-drop test: if water gets absorbed in 10–15 minutes, it’s time to reseal.
- In kitchens, reapply sealers every 12 months—or twice annually in heavy-use spaces.
- Perform a water-drop test: if water gets absorbed in 10–15 minutes, it’s time to reseal.
- Best Sealers on the Market
- Nano-silane penetrating sealers from Akemi (available through stonemason suppliers).
- Local brands like Pidilite and Roff offer stone sealers suited for granite surfaces.
- Nano-silane penetrating sealers from Akemi (available through stonemason suppliers).
- Sealing Steps
- Clean and dry surface completely.
- Apply sealer as instructed; usually via spray or cloth.
- Let it sit for ~30 minutes, wipe excess, then test with water again.
- Clean and dry surface completely.
- Why Sealing Matters
Creates a protective barrier to prevent stain absorption while preserving the stone’s sheen.
3. Avoid Abrasives & Acidic Cleaners
Chemicals and rough tools can erode granite over time.
- What to Avoid
- Acidic cleaners: vinegar, bleach, ammonia—these strip sealers and dull polish.
- Scouring powders and rough pads—they scratch granite’s surface .
- Acidic cleaners: vinegar, bleach, ammonia—these strip sealers and dull polish.
- Use Instead
- Mild dish soap and water.
- Periodic use of fragrance-free isopropyl alcohol solution for disinfection.
- Mild dish soap and water.
- Result
Maintains original shine, clarity, and gloss—keeping your granite elegant and high-performing.
4. Protect Surfaces from Heat, Cuts & Heavy Items
While granite is durable, its seal and edges can still suffer damage from misuse.
- Heat Protection
- Always use trivets or hot pads under pots and pans.
- Though granite resists heat, preservatives and adhesives may be weakened by abrupt temperature spikes.
- Always use trivets or hot pads under pots and pans.
- Avoid Cutting on the Surface
- Use high-quality wooden or bamboo boards (easily found at local markets).
- Prevents nicks, scratches, and dulling that dull granite’s polish.
- Use high-quality wooden or bamboo boards (easily found at local markets).
- Prevent Chips
- Don’t place heavy appliances directly on edges—use wall-cabinet supports or dedicated stands.
- Handle such objects carefully to protect edge finishing.
- Don’t place heavy appliances directly on edges—use wall-cabinet supports or dedicated stands.
5. Deep Clean and Address Stains or Damage Promptly
A monthly deep clean and swift stain management helps retain shine and avoid permanent damage.
- Monthly Deep Clean
- Clear the countertop entirely.
- Spray granite-specific cleaner and allow it to sit.
- Wipe and gently buff with a microfiber cloth to restore shine.
- Clear the countertop entirely.
- Stain Management
- Oil-based stains: apply baking soda paste, cover, let sit overnight, then rinse.
- Organic stains: use a poultice (baking soda and water or hydrogen peroxide) and leave it for several hours .
- Oil-based stains: apply baking soda paste, cover, let sit overnight, then rinse.
- Repair Chips or Cracks
- Small chips fixed with granite repair kits from Akemi or local stone retailers.
- Larger damage can be addressed by stone technicians using epoxy fillers—available via regional granite suppliers.
- Small chips fixed with granite repair kits from Akemi or local stone retailers.
Real-Life Example: Maintenance That Stands the Test
A Bangalore home installed black Galaxy granite countertops 3 years ago. The family adopted this routine:
- Daily wipe-down with mild soap and microfiber.
- Annual sealing with Akemi penetrating sealer.
- Use of trivets and cutting boards consistently.
- Monthly professional polish.
The result: the counters retain gloss, resist stains, and have preserved their structural and visual perfection.
Local Products & Vendor Recommendations
- Sealants & Repair Kits
- Akemi Granite Products: Premium, imported options from India Stone Mart and Jaipur granite showrooms.
- Pidilite Roff Stone Sealer, available at larger hardware stores.
- Akemi Granite Products: Premium, imported options from India Stone Mart and Jaipur granite showrooms.
- Cleaners
- Balaji Expo and HR Johnson sell granite-safe cleaners nationwide.
- Generic pH-neutral bottles from local supermarkets labeled “stone-safe.”
- Balaji Expo and HR Johnson sell granite-safe cleaners nationwide.
- Accessories
- Trivets and cutting boards: Hippety/Urban Platter in Mumbai, Good Earth in Delhi for locally crafted wooden options.
- Trivets and cutting boards: Hippety/Urban Platter in Mumbai, Good Earth in Delhi for locally crafted wooden options.
Common Myths About Granite Maintenance
- Myth: Granite needs sealing every month
Fact: Properly sealed granite lasts 12–24 months before needing reseal. - Myth: Granite can’t handle heat
Fact: It resists heat, but prolonged exposure can degrade sealants and adhesives—use trivets. - Myth: Granite is high-maintenance
Fact: With simple care, granite is low-maintenance—professionals maintain it for decades with minimal intervention .
Conclusion
A stunning granite countertop carries the potential to grace your kitchen for generations—but only when cared for properly. With smart daily cleaning, scheduled sealing, heat and scratch protection, and prompt deep cleans, your surface will stay gleaming and strong. Use recommended products from Akemi, Pidilite, Balaji Expo, and local kitchen accessory vendors to make maintenance easy. Stick to these five proven tips, and you’ll enjoy your natural stone masterpiece for years to come.
Source : fulinspace.com
