Caring for Granite Tile
Deep and rich, granite tile is both exotic and durable. Timeless and beautiful, a granite surface that is well cared for may never need to be replaced. Caring for it, however, requires some special knowledge and supplies. If you have had beautiful granite installed in your home, here is what you need to know about caring for it.
Annual Applications of Sealant
You will need to apply sealant annually to keep your granite looking beautiful and fresh. The sealant protects your floor from traffic, and it protects your counters from stains caused by spills. The sealant is affordable and easily applied, so you will want to add this chore to your calendar and make sure you take care of it on a regular schedule.
Tile Grout Checks
Grout protects the edges of your granite. Crumbling grout will allow water to penetrate to the subsurface, and it can allow the edges of your granite to become cracked or chipped. You can protect the grout for years by sealing it when you seal the tile. Inspect it regularly to be sure the grout is not drying out or crumbling. If you notice that grout is crumbling, then you should invest the time and resources necessary to remove and replace damaged grout.
Keep Away from Heavy Cleaners
Harsh chemicals will damage your granite. Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals like bleach. When it’s time to clean the floor, use special cleaners formulated specifically for granite. You can also use warm water and gentle dish soap, but you should rinse the floor well to make sure all residue is removed.
Put Out the Welcome Mats
Welcome mats look nice, but they also serve a clear purpose. By catching the dirt and small rocks trapped in shoes, they protect your floor from scratches and other damage. In addition to 
putting out the welcome mats, make your house a shoe-free zone. Your floors will last longer, and you’ll spend less time cleaning them when people remove their shoes before walking around your house.
Regular Sweeping
If you have granite floors, you will want to sweep them regularly. Despite your best efforts at keeping dirt and debris out, some will still find a way onto your floor. Sweep the floors at least once a week and use a dry duster on them to prevent a dusty buildup and keep everything looking fantastic.
Avoid Stains
Granite is durable and strong, but it’s also porous. Spills that are ignored will eventually seep into the pores and permanently stain the granite. Sealing will help you avoid stains, but you should still tend to spills as quickly as possible. There are some cleaners that can be used to remove stains left behind by coffee, tea or red wine. However, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Avoid the problem by using coasters under cups, putting out the welcome mats, attending to spills quickly and sealing the floor once a year.
If you have chosen luxurious granite for your home, then you will want to take care of it to extend the life of the granite flooring or counters. Annually sealing the tiles doesn’t take much time and offers a great deal of protection. Avoid stains by cleaning up spills and investing in welcome mats. Finally, use the right cleaners to keep your tiles shining and looking elegant and beautiful for years to come.
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Tags: DirectBuy, granite tile, home remodeling, How To Clean Granite Tile