Vaughn Granite Professionals’ Maintenance Advice

Granite is made from solidified magma or lava, making it fit the description of an igneous rock. Compared to other natural stones, granite is known to be one of the stronger types, in which its density is an aspect of its formation deep under the earth's surface. There, it is subjected to extreme pressures.

 

Granite is made up of other natural minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Each of these minerals influence granite's popularly pleasing appearance by indicating the colour of a granite piece, and its pattern. Knowing this, it is easy to understand why granite is so valuable, since it is an extremely unique and complex stone. In fact, there is no such thing as two granite pieces being the exact same in appearance, or its integral structure.

 

Within the home space, granite can be used in many different applications, making it not only a beautiful stone, but a very useful stone as well. Granite is typically used to design countertops, particularly kitchen countertops, because it is able to withstand the heat of kitchen items like pots and pans. In fact, granite can handle temperatures as high as 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit or 6,600 degrees Celsius. Also, because of its strength, which is often compared to the strength of a diamond, granite does not stain, scratch, etch, or chip, as easily as other organic rocks.

 

However, as with most things provided by nature, granite does require some care and attention, in order to maintain its quality.

 

Luckily the cleaning requirements of granite are really not that strenuous. Simply wiping the piece daily with a clean chamois or micro-fiber cloth will suffice. Yearly requirements call for granite pieces to be resealed, to ensure its features and strength.

 

 

Depending on when it is most necessary, it is advised to use a proper stone cleaner on granite surfaces, on a weekly or monthly basis, in addition to the daily cleaning advice of wiping the piece down with a soft cloth. Ideal granite stone cleaners have a neutral pH balance, which can be found on most products' labels. Chemicals not specified may contain harsh chemicals or abrasives that will damage the surface, leading to scratches or other cavities.

 

 

A poultice is considered to be one of the most effective and safest ways to remove stains from any granite surface, without risking any further damage. A poultice can be made with most "at-home” ingredients, or ingredients found at most local grocery stores. Ingredients would include:

Mixing these ingredients to form a paste will usually remove any stains when left on the affected surface area over night.