Behind the diamond, granite is the second hardest stone in the world. Which is no doubt why it makes such an exceptional kitchen countertop. Its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, it's extremely difficult to scratch even with kitchen knives, and it can stand up to a piping hot pot fresh from your stove. But that's not to say that you shouldn't make every effort to take proper care of your new slab granite. Here are some helpful hints about things you can do to keep your countertop looking shiny and new for years to come:
The rule of thumb: let your hands be your guide. When it comes to cleaners, as a general rule you should never use anything on your granite that you wouldn't use on your own hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice which could potentially cause permanent damage. Also, never use any product which is acidic—which includes substances like ammonia and window cleaners.
What you should use to clean your new granite countertop is a mild, phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish soap which contains no aromatics. Follow up the cleaning with a thorough rinsing, and then buff it dry with a cotton, flannel, or chamois cloth.
Of course, if you want to be extra careful, there are a whole host of cleaners and sealers that are designed specifically for natural stone. Naturally, we carry these products at Carpet Exchange.
The countertop can cut it, but your knives can't. Using your granite as a cutting surface probably won't scratch your countertop, but, believe it or not, it will rather quickly dull your knives. We recommend that you always cut or chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
It can take the heat, which is why it belongs in the kitchen. Granite was formed by a combination of extreme heat and pressure beneath the earth's surface. So in comparison, the relatively low temperatures of a still-hot pot or frying pan from the stove pose no problem whatsoever—even when placed directly on the granite. But hey, what did your countertop do to you? We still suggest using a hot pad or a trivet anyway.