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As with any surface, simple preventative measures can be taken to protect countertops. Always wipe up spills and moisture as quickly as possible; prevent etching and stains by religiously using cutting boards, trivets, and coasters. Acidic products are common in the kitchen, specifically when caring for marble surfaces, wipe off immediately substances including tomatoes, citrus fruits, juices, alcohol, vinegar, red wine and oil. Keep all bottles and containers on a dish, including dish detergent, to prevent residues touching the surface of the countertop. Constantly dry the underneath off anything placed on the countertop, and wipe off water around the faucet and fixtures; water will calcify and though it is cleanable using a neutral cleaner once a week, it is also preventable.

Etching occurs when acidic organics like lemon juice, wine, or vinegar comes in contact with minerals like calcium carbonate found in marble.

Sustainability: Since granite does create naturally, it can be considered as a renewable resource; however, the process takes thousands of years. Granite countertops can last a lifetime, they do not contain harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses, which place them in the green building movement. Heat Resistance: Granite is currently one of the most heat-resistant materials for countertops. You may place a hot plate or pan directly on your granite countertop surface and it won’t cause any damage. Although, it is recommended to use a trivet when placing hot objects on your countertop for long periods of time. Scratch Resistance: Scoring a seven out of 10 on Moh’s scale of hardness, granite is fairly resistant to scratching. It is recommended to always use chopping boards when cutting anything on the countertop, but in order to protect the sharpness of the knife, since granite will dull your knives and possibly leave a metal residue on the countertop that could be difficult to remove. Resistance to Chemicals: Granite countertops are deemed to be very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm a granite surface. You should be careful about the frequency of use, since the repeated use of chemicals might wash away the sealer after a certain period, resulting in the need for re-sealing the surface before the due time. Stain Resistance: In general, darker granites are very dense and sometimes there isn’t a requirement for a sealer. On the other hand, lighter granites are more porous, which make them prone to stains, requiring multiple coats of sealer to be considered stain resistant. Whichever the case, if properly treated, granite will make a great stain-resistant countertop surface. Sealing. Granite: is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Being porous is not necessarily a bad quality. If liquids are left on the surface for long periods of time, they will eventually absorb. But just like they absorb, they will also evaporate. Depending on what the substance is that needs to be removed, you can apply different poultices to speed the process along. However, many will evaporate on their own without the use of chemicals or cleaning products. Maintenance: Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Technology for sealers has come a long way over the years, and many will last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Simply apply the product and wipe off the excess. It is a good idea to ask your installer which sealer was initially applied and use the same kind to reapply. Some sealers don’t play nicely with each other and when mixed, can create a sticky mess. Colour Availability: Since granite is a natural stone, we are limited to the colors and patterns that originate from the earth’s natural processes. Granite tends to have less variety of patterns and colours than other stones.Flowing waves and patterns will not be well represented in a sample, be sure to look at the exact slab that will be used in your project so you get the right image.

When caring for a marble countertop, pay special attention to acidic substances including tomatoes, citrus fruits, juices, alcohol, vinegar, red wine and oil; wipe off all of these immediately to avoid ending up with an etch or a burn mark. Prevent etching and stains by religiously using cutting boards, trivets, and coasters. Clean marble countertops on a daily basis with a soft cloth or a paper towel and stone cleaner or mild soap, avoid dish soap. Keep all bottles and containers on a dish, including dish detergent, to prevent residues touching the surface of the countertop. Constantly dry the underneath off anything placed on the countertop, and wipe off water around the faucet and fixtures; water will calcify and though it is cleanable using a neutral cleaner once a week, it is also preventable.