| Among many home owners and contractors, granite | | | | circumstances.Imagine that horrible sound of a |
| is the countertop material considered the best choice. | | | | scratch being formed as you innocently slide |
| Its easy care and cleaning make it extremely | | | | something from here to there, the sound that tells |
| versatile, And its natural beauty is unmatched by | | | | you - oops it's too late, it's already done.True there |
| manufactured materials.Even the pickiest of | | | | are some manufacturers of products that claim to |
| consumers can find a granite countertop pattern, | | | | repair scratches or blemishes from granite, but |
| color and texture that will compliment their kitchen | | | | consider this - A slab of stone with a scratch means |
| decor, making for a kitchen they will love for ever, | | | | that some of the material has been removed. How |
| until the day they move on.Granite is also extremely | | | | can any miracle product put stone back? They can't. |
| stain resistant and durable. It stands up to acids and | | | | They can hide it if it's not too bad, but your only real |
| other harsh elements commonly found in any 'cooks' | | | | defense is to be diligent and prevent scratches |
| kitchen. This means less upkeep and care are | | | | before they happen.Cleaning your granite countertop |
| additional benefits to the kitchen owner.And it's | | | | is an issue too. Obviously don't use an abrasive like |
| gorgeous! The countless colors and patterns can | | | | Comet or Ajax - that's common sense. But did you |
| make it difficult to choose just one. Many samples | | | | know that ammonia based cleaners - used over time |
| have large clear crystals that give a depth and | | | | - will dull that amazing shine and luster of your granite. |
| texture unmatched. The color textures mix with the | | | | Never use an ammonia based cleaner. If you're not |
| depth textures to make a canvas you can stare at | | | | sure, don't use it. You're better off using warm |
| all day long, and constantly find new features.Granite | | | | soapy water for the time being - that is, until you |
| is so easy to clean, and annual sealing is a breeze. But | | | | can locate a good source specifically for granite |
| there are some things to be considered when caring | | | | cleaners.Granite needs to be sealed annually. Although |
| for your kitchen granite countertops.And granite | | | | it's a highly polished stone, it is still porous, and those |
| countertops are impervious to kitchen heat. Imagine | | | | pours need to be kept sealed. Sealing the granite |
| taking a boiling-over pot of water from the stove to | | | | helps it resist stains and keep its shine. Sealers can be |
| settle, and you place it on the Formica counter top - | | | | applied by anyone, since no special skill is required. |
| Oops, you could have discoloration or even a burn | | | | You can always call a local granite shop to do this |
| mark. Even if you're more careful than that, other | | | | work if you prefer, but either way, mark you |
| household members might not be.Not that a granite | | | | calendar and get it done each year.To summarize, |
| countertop doesn't need any care, it does. But with | | | | granite is the most beautiful, durable, and versatile |
| just a minimal amount of proper care, any granite | | | | countertop material on the market. Brand new, it's |
| countertop will maintain the sparkle and shine that it | | | | sparkle will draw the attention of everyone you invite |
| had when you chose the slab from the supplier.One | | | | into your home. But fail to care for it, and the shine |
| of the biggest problems you can face with all | | | | will eventually dissolve into a dull boring surface that |
| countertop materials is grit or sand. Any object you | | | | can never be repaired. So do seal your granite each |
| place on your countertop might have some grit stuck | | | | year, never use ammonia based cleaners, and try to |
| to the bottom. A cooler from the garage, or even a | | | | be aware of anything that might have grit that can |
| glass of ice-tea from the patio table could contain | | | | scratch.Scott Hares writes for A free informational |
| abrasive grit underneath - grit that can dig in and | | | | resource for anyone considering a new kitchen |
| scratch even your granite quartz given the worst | | | | remodeling project. |