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