Granite is the most popular natural stone used for countertops, and for good reason. It has incredibly gorgeous colors and veining patterns that make every slab unique, but this beauty doesn’t take away from the fact that granite is also exceptionally strong. This means that granite counters provide homeowners with years of reliable durability and aesthetics—as long as they are sealed. Yes, the one drawback of granite is that it’s porous and therefore needs to be sealed periodically. Here’s what happens if you don’t seal granite countertops:
Food & Drinks Will Stain Them
Unsealed granite counters are susceptible to stains from food, drinks, and other spills. Since granite is porous, is can quickly absorb food and liquids, which is then hard to get up. Sealing your countertops is the best way to avoid stains like this.
Certain Cleaning Products May Damage Them
Some household cleaning products may contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to natural stone like granite. For example, some cleaning products contain citrus, which can quickly eat away at the calcium in the counters. It’s best to keep your counters protected from any of these chemicals by sealing them.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That’s because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
The way that you use your countertops will determine how frequently they need to be sealed, but the average time frame is every one to three years. If you need help sealing your granite countertops or are interested in updating outdated ones, you can turn to the experienced professionals at Granite & Marble Design. Speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today.
