Your decision to buy granite was not just a choice but an investment, here is how you can protect your investment to make it last for years to come.

Granite countertops require special care to continue looking pristine for many years. Although granite is quite easy to care for, to properly maintain this type of countertop material it's advised to follow a few simple procedures. 

• Spills have a tendency to soak into granite's porous surface, so to avoid deep staining, wipe up spills quickly. 
• For natural stone surfaces, a neutral cleaner such as stone soap or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water is safe to use. When cleaning with a soap solution, use a soft clean cloth and then rinse the surface thoroughly. Finish off by drying with a soft clean cloth. 
• If you do happen to stain the surface, removal depends on the type of stain. First, try removing it with this paste: Mix together one cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and water. Place the paste over the stain, cover in plastic wrap and leave overnight. In the morning use a wooden utensil to scrape away the paste and give it a rinse. This method is effective except on stains made from grease, oil or milk. In these cases, use hydrogen peroxide or ammonia in place of dishwashing liquid.
• Ink, marker and wine stains on darker stone require adding a lacquer thinner to acetone for removal. Hydrogen peroxide works well on light colored granite.
• Another method to remove wine, ink or any other non-oil stain is to mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste. Apply for 30 minutes, remove and rinse. 
• For oil or fat-based stains, create a paste of molding plaster and water. Apply and leave on the stain for 3 hours, then remove and rinse.
• Granite countertops require resealing with a non-toxic sealant once per year on surfaces used for food preparation. Quartz, however, does not require a sealant - this is manufactured into the stone itself. 
• New disinfectant cleaners on the market now come in formulas designed for granite and quartz countertops - purchase this type of product if you prefer disinfectant cleaners to other cleaning options.
• For any problem that you can't handle on your own or are not familiar with, call our office number to speak to a representative at (402) 474-0848.
• Remember to use coasters, especially for alcoholic and citrus beverages as the acid in these drinks can dull the stone's surface.
• For quartz countertops, use a hot pad under appliances or cookware exceeding 175 degrees. 
• Always test these cleaning methods on small discreet area for color fastness or countertop damage.