It is important that you read this entire paper and familiarize yourself with the information contained in it. Refer to this paper when you have questions concerning the care and maintenance of your granite countertop.

​Cleaning

• Granite is a natural stone, which is more scratch and heat resistant than most other surfaces, but if your granite is scratched or damaged it must be professionally repaired. This can be avoided by always using a cutting board. Using a cutting board will also help preserve the life of your knife.
• To keep your granite looking shiny, keep it dusted regularly to remove loose soil and dust that can scratch the surface.
• When cleaning your granite use a pH neutral cleaner and a clean cloth. Typically a wet rag is all that is needed to clean your granite.
• Never use harsh abrasive or acidic cleaners on the granite such as vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners. These could discolor the surface or etch the polish.
• Blot all spills immediately to prevent any staining on the top.

Heat
Granite is heat resistant, however we recommend that you put hot items on a trivet or hot pad, and not directly on the surface. Extreme heat can damage the surface and decrease the life of the sealer. Heat can also crack granite.

Sealing
Granite is porous and should be sealed approximately once a year to prevent any staining. We seal your granite before it is installed in your home. The sealer protects the stone from water-based, and oil based stains. Applying sealer to the countertop can be done by the homeowner. You should not use your countertops for 24 hours after you have sealed them. Sealer can be purchased from CVCT or most home improvement stores.