Granite is a very popular material that is used for kitchen and bathroom countertops all over the country, and even around the world. Their popularity is largely due to the natural hardness and resilience of the stone.

Because of these remarkable characteristics, granite countertops are the top choice of today’s homeowner. But even though granite seems to be impregnable, it is still a stone, and all stones have a natural absorbent quality. This is why it is necessary to seal granite countertops to prevent  granite countertops  chemicals or other damaging substances to seep through the stone and cause staining and discoloration.

If you have just bought a granite countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, you probably wouldn’t have to worry about sealing it until after several months. Most countertop dealers sell granite countertops that have already been sealed, but you can ask the dealer just to be sure.

The general rule is that you have to seal granite countertops twice a year. But the actual frequency depends on where your granite countertops are located and how much they are used. For more frequently used surfaces, you must seal granite countertops as often as every 4 months. If they are in a place that is not used very often, for example, the bathroom in the guesthouse, then it is enough to seal granite countertops once a year.

It is really not that difficult to seal granite countertops. Oftentimes, home owners do this task by themselves, unless they are probably too busy, in which case they will hire people who seal granite countertops to do the job.

Some people seal granite countertops using special granite sealants. But if you are on a tight budget, you can always use car wax. They are less expensive, and applying them will be just like applying wax on your car’s exterior.

Once you seal your granite countertops, it is important to practice the right daily cleaning practices to promote their durability. Take note that anything acidic may damage the sealant. It doesn’t matter if the acid comes from chemical cleaners, or food such as orange juice or coffee. Acid in any form can cause the sealant to wear away, therefore, the granite will be exposed to possible staining and discoloration.

Because of this, you must take care to choose a non-acidic cleaner to use on your granite countertops. Also, be vigilant with regard to spills on the surface. Mop or wipe them right away to avoid aggravating the problem.