Newly installed granite kitchen countertops look dashing and elegant, yet to ensure its brand new look always, you need to properly clean and maintain it. In this read, we are going to share some of our pros’ tips for caring for cheap granite countertops.
Enjoy reading and don’t forget to call us if you need technical assistance for your granite countertop installation requirements.
What are the materials you’ll need?
- Dish soap solution
- Spray bottle
- Sponge
- Dry clean towel
- Water
- Plastic spatula
- Baking soda
- Rubbing alcohol
- Gloves
In every kitchen remodeling, you can never be wrong in choosing white granite countertops since it has both a flair of elegance and functionality to withstand your busy kitchen. White or any neutral colors suits well because it projects a clean and spacious counter where you will prepare your food.
Besides that, choosing the best granite countertops color (with the help of our designers) will significantly appraise the beauty and value of your home. Alongside this, you need to daily wipe off your countertop and seal it to keep its captivating appearance.
Step1: Free Up Your Counter
Remove all large items and appliances from your granite tile countertop, so you can seamlessly wipe it down.
Step2: Wipe All Food Crumbs, Spills, and Stains
Spray your dish soap solution to your sponge, and then wipe it down on your countertop surface. Avoid using any bleach or strong cleaning solution on your kitchen island and granite bathroom countertops since it can dull it out.
Do an “S” pattern in wiping your countertop from its front and back section. Re-apply dish soap solution when the suds or lathe wears off.
Also, avoid using steel wool or any abrasive scrubbers for cleaning your granite counters to avoid peeling off its sealant coat.
Step3: Removing Stubborn Stains
There are inevitable instances where hardened stains are left on your granite countertops, so use your plastic spatula in scraping it off. Also, you can sprinkle some baking soda over it, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then rub again with a sponge. You can repeat this process until no stains are left on your countertop.
Step4: Don’t Forget to Disinfect!
Cleaning is different from decontaminating, so once you are done cleaning your granite countertops, you can spray a rubbing alcohol solution on their surface for disinfection. A 40% to 70% rubbing alcohol solution will be fine.
After that, let the alcohol sit for five minutes, then wipe it with a dry clean towel. With the pressing matters on health and contagious diseases, you can never be too complacent with your home’s sanitation.
Step5: Add A Slight Gloss
To make your white or black granite countertops shine, you can put a few drops of mineral or cooking oil (odorless ones) to a clean cloth and then wipe that across your counter. Also, don’t forget to annually reseal your granite countertops to keep their non-porous feature, so it won’t get stained easily.
Alongside this, you can choose various finishes for your granite kitchen island, where the popular choice is glossy and leathered. The former is the go-to choice of most homeowners since it takes little effort to make it shiny again.
What to avoid when cleaning granite countertops?
We always remind our customers not to use any acidic cleaning solutions for the daily care of their granite kitchen and bathroom countertops. It is to avoid destroying the sealant film on your granite and to avoid any discoloration.
Furthermore, avoid using any abrasive scrubbers like steel wool for wiping your granite surfaces. If you do, then expect to see some marks on your countertop surface.
What’s the average cost of granite countertops?
The average price for installing a granite kitchen island (36×78) is somewhere between $1,500 to $2,500. Meanwhile, for a 24”x180” granite kitchen countertop, your possible cost is around $1,900 to $3,400.
Conversely, for installing a 22×72 granite bathroom vanity top, your estimated budget is $750 to $1,300. All these prices are industry estimates which cover both materials and labor cost. If you want to ask for a free quote from us, then call our office or use our cost estimator on the website.
Is It Worthwhile to Install Granite Countertops?
Besides giving your kitchen and bath a stunning accent, it can enhance the function and economic value of your property. However, you will need the help of a professional contractor for your granite countertop installation since it is dense, and customizations might be needed.
Granite is highly durable to withstand your changing lifestyle in your kitchen and bathroom. Furthermore, here are the seven main benefits of granite stone countertops.
- They effortlessly add value and beauty to your kitchen and bath.
- They have excellent resistance against scratches and dents.
- With proper sealing, they can effectively resist stains and bacteria.
- They have impressive tolerance against heat and hot objects.
- It is easy to repair chips and dents on granite slabs.
- Their style and color can flexibly pair with modern, transitional, or classic kitchen themes.
- They require low cleaning and maintenance.
The average ROI for your cheap and mid-range granite countertops is around 50% to 80%, while for high-end granite countertops, your recoup is around 40% to 50%. However, make sure your granite counters complement your kitchen and home decor, so it can boost its pristine looks.
Looking for A Granite Countertop Supplier and Installer Near You?
KNC Granite is one of the leading suppliers of granite and other stone countertops used for kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Our services are from A to Z, where all our pros are licensed and insured to install bar tops, vanity tops, kitchen islands, and other stone surfaces inside your home.
For your free quotes and advice, don’t hesitate to call us now or visit us on Houzz!