Granite tile care and maintenance

One of the hardest minerals on Earth, granite is a favorite natural stone of homeowners. This igneous rock is dense and stable, perfect for counters, flooring and wall cladding. What's more, granite comes in a variety of colors and styles, as the molten rock absorbs different minerals while it hardens and cools in the earth. When it comes to making a bold statement, it's hard to beat granite. Of course, if you install granite tiles in your home, you want to make sure their visual impact and performance last. Here are steps you should follow to keep your granite tiles gleaming:

Sealing granite tiles

All natural stone is somewhat porous, meaning it can absorb liquid and stain. The degree to which this can happen depends on the stone, but even with hard granite, you should seal your tiles. After installation, use an impregnator sealant on top. This type of sealant contains microscopic balls of silicone that adhere to the surface of the stone and prevent staining. In fact, the silicone becomes part of the stone, working to keep water out. 

Even though sealant permanently adheres to your granite tiles, you should reapply it every once in a while. For granite, plan to reseal the surface every couple of years. Though in high-traffic areas, such as kitchen countertops, you may need to perform the task more often.

Cleaning granite tiles

Use only pH-neutral cleaners on granite tiles, as other substances can wear the surface of natural stone. Acidic and base cleaners get into the pores of the stone and may discolor your granite. Look for pH-neutral cleaners marked for use on stone. Fortunately, sealant will help prevent staining even if lemon juice sits on your tiles a little too long.

Additionally, use a gentle cloth or sponge to wipe down the surface of your granite tiles. For floors, avoid using rough mop heads or vacuums. Instead, use a soft mop and dry duster to clean the surface. 

Clean your granite tiles as needed. High-traffic areas (countertops and walkways) will require cleaning more often than other spots. Additionally, perform more thorough cleaning (by wiping the entire surface and gently scrubbing the grout) once a month. 

Removing rings and stains

Knowing that acidic substances can discolor or erode granite, you may also guess that you should clean up acidic food and beverages right away, too. While granite tiles can be used as cutting boards, chopping things like tomatoes poses a potential issue. As such, avoid placing acidic food and drink on the tile, and clean up spills caused by these items right away. This will prevent staining. 

If, however, you didn't notice a spill and your granite tiles were stained, you can remove the mark. Consider using a poultice kit or consulting a stone-restoration professional. When it comes to the kit, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure you properly remove the stain. 

Whether they're in your bathroom, kitchen or foyer, granite tiles should be cleaned regularly.

General care tips

In addition to sealing granite, using neutral cleaners and removing stains, you should follow a few procedures:

• Place hot dishes on a trivet or cloth instead of directly on the countertop.
• Avoid putting metal or other objects that could scratch your stone directly on the tiles (this goes for flooring and counter tiles). 
• Test cleaners on an out-of-the-way area of the stone to ensure it doesn't discolor your tiles.

By following these tips for granite tile care and maintenance, you'll keep your surface in top condition for years to come. After all, natural stone is the stuff of the pyramids and the Colosseum, so you know it will last.