How and when to seal your granite tops

The water test

If you're wondering how stain resistant your countertops are, try this test: pour some water (a quarter cup is enough) on the countertop and let it sit. The time it takes for the stone to absorb the water (it will get darker over time) should help you determine if you need to seal it. Use this guide:

• If it penetrates right away: You will likely need to add two coats of sealer once a year. Be sure to clean up spilled material quickly.
• If it takes 4-5 minutes: You need two or more coats of sealer, but only every three to five years.
• If it takes 10 minutes: A single coat of sealer is all you need and you may not need it for several years.
• If it takes more than 30 minutes: Avoid the sealant entirely. Treat spills quickly and keep these counters clean with a mild detergent.

How to seal granite countertops

According to Esposito, you can regularly seal your granite surfaces with an oil or acrylic based sealer. There are many options in the market - you can easily pick up a bottle at your local hardware store. Every manufacturer has different instructions for using their product - be sure to read them! - but it basically looks like this:

1. Clean everything on the counters and dry them with a cloth.
2. Spray the sealer. Let it rest; Some products take 10 minutes, others more.
3. Wipe off any excess material with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Keep the meters free for a few hours. Check the instructions again to see how long.
5. Clean the countertop with mild soap and water and resume use.

A simple cooking trick

Esposito says there's an even easier way to keep your countertops shiny without a sealant, and it's something you might even have on hand.

"Pledge's polishing properties are good for [flagstones]," says Esposito. Yes, there is a type of Pfand specially designed for granite and marble, but Esposito refers to the classic lemon-scented bottle from Pfand. He has recommended it to customers for years, despite noting that the product now says on the label that it is good on granite, marble and other natural surfaces. A light mist is sufficient before cleaning with a soft cloth. Too much will build up, just like with wooden furniture.

The final result

Maintaining your granite countertops is really a DIY job, whether you're using a bottle of caulk or trying the pledge hack (I did and it looks beautiful). However, if you have high quality finishes in your kitchen, e.g. B. Leather stones that you do not want to touch even with a stone-proof sealer or cleaner, contact the professionals who installed the countertops for maintenance advice.

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