Granite Countertops

 Congradulations on your new Granite countertops!  

Granite is extremely durable and easy to maintain. It will look beautiful for many years to come as long as certain guidelines are followed. Caring for a granite countertop is simple and includes good judgement with a little knowledge.

I  have often said ; 

" The demand for a granite countertop is far ahead of the knowledge on how to take care and maintain the granite countertop."

  I can't tell you how many people I have spoke to that have spent $5000 - $6000 thousand dollars on new tops and the original company never did explain how to take care of this major investment.

  Please, take the time to read the information below and print a copy for future reference and remember, NO WINDEX!

General Care:

 In general, granite slabs in countertop material is polished to reveal a deep high gloss finish.   This is not something that is "applied" like a spray or compound. It is buffed over and over again to reveal a shiny surface.  So, most products will not remove this original shine.

 I have seen granite that we have installed 5-6 years ago that looks the same way it did when we first installed it.

     The bad news is: 

This shine can be deminished due to improper care or cleaning products.

     The good news is: 

 Granite can be buffed and polished again to make it look as it did when it was first installed. Even after years of extreme abuse. Remember, we also install outdoor kitchens they are exposed to many more things than are in your home.

 Every day cleaning can be done by using denatured alcohol ( rubbing alcohol ) and clean water mixed at a ratio of 50/50 in a spray bottle. Simply spray this mixture on the top and wipe dry with a soft 100% cotton terry cloth. ( Like wash cloth or hand towel ) This will take off any soap build up and eliminate streaking. 

Cleaning: 

 Do not use abrasive cleaners. If you need to use the green side of a sponge this is perfectly fine.  If it is necessary use a neutral ( ph-7) not fat, mild detergent without additives or fragrances. Like "Clear Ivory or Clear Dove." Too much soap will leave a film or haze, if this occurs follow up with your bottle of 50/50 alcohol and water. Avoid Ammonia,  like windex or any ammonia based cleaners. You can dump a bucket of windex on your countertops this will not hurt anything. Yet if you use windex for a long period of time then the effects from the ammonia will eat away at the finish and dull the surface.

Surface Spots:

( spagetti sauce, peanut butter, or other dried food spills.)

 Most surface spots can be removed by first scraping the area with single edged razor blade.

Don't be afraid to use the razor blade, we use it during installation to get rid of glues and adhesives.

If necessary, you can use dry 0000 steel wool.

Then follow up with your 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water mix.

Staining:

 A sealer is applied by us at the shop and on site. This is a premium sealer that is not that available to the public.  This sealer may need to be applied every 3-5 yrs. Not once every year  like the uneducated  mis-conceptions out there.

 If you wish to purchase a quality cleaner call : (972)-900-4088.

We recommend using Stone Care International's products.

They make produts that are formulated for natural stone.

We sell a full line of SCI's products that include: 

cleaners, sealers, and polish to help your granite keep looking beautiful

for many years to come!

Sincerely,

Levi Walker

Owner

Call (972)-900-4088 to purchase additional cleaning products.