What can damage a granite countertop?

All acidic foods are dangerous for granite countertops, including citrus juice, wine, vinegar, and beauty products like nail polish remover. Acids can etch the surface, degrading its seal and exposing the vulnerable stone underneath to more stains.

What should you not put on a granite countertop?

What causes damage to granite countertops?

Granite is extremely unlikely to crack during normal use. Most cracks are the result of stress during handling, fabrication, or installation. However, it is possible to cause cracks or stress fractures by standing on countertops or, in some cases, placing extremely hot objects on the surface.

Can granite be damaged by heat?

Granite's Heat Resistance

Granite will resist damage from heat. A hot pan up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit will not damage granite, even if you place the pan directly onto the granite counter. An extreme heat source over an extended period could damage granite surface.

What can scratch granite countertops?

The only things that can scratch granite are objects that are equally hard or harder than granite. Another rough piece of granite could scratch a granite counter. A diamond ring pressed into the granite and pulled along the surface could also scratch the counter.

How to fix broken granite countertop.

What causes granite to chip?

Because of its crystalline structure, granite can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture. Granite that is not sealed properly may absorb stains such as oils, which may cause dark spots or discoloration.

How easy is it to scratch granite?

Granite is one of the hardest stone surfaces you can buy and is not easily susceptible to scratches, especially those from knives or other kitchen utensils. However, scratches can occur, and will often show up more readily on lighter-colored stones.

Does lemon damage granite?

Common misconceptions about granite

Myth: Granite is easily harmed by acidic liquids like lemon juice and tomato juice. Fact: Granite is a quartz-based stone that is acid-resistant. Lemon juice, tomato juice, and other acidic household items will not harm granite.

Will boiling water damage granite?

Granite Can Be Affected By Extreme Temperature Changes

Although granite is heat resistant, it can, however, crack with extreme temperature changes. For example, if you were to immediately replace an ice bucket with a pan of boiling water.

What temp will crack granite?

Will Fire Crack Granite? Granite is heat-resistant, which means you don't have to worry about it being damaged by heat. It can handle temperatures higher than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can have granite countertops no matter the climate you live in.

Is it OK to use Windex on granite countertops?

Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant.

Does alcohol hurt granite countertops?

Rubbing alcohol is a natural bactericide and can also kill fungus and viruses. It has no ill effects on your granite or the seal on your granite so it's an ideal way to keep countertops clean.

Can coffee stain granite?

Coffee, whether from spills or cup rings, can leave stains on granite counter tops. When possible, wipe up stains as soon as they occur to prevent staining. Stains that are not wiped up immediately require additional attention.

Can baking soda damage granite?

How to Remove Tough Stains from Granite Surfaces. Baking soda is a really wonderful ingredient that is extremely useful for removing stains from granite without damaging the surface with harsh and abrasive chemicals. To make a baking soda paste for cleaning oil-based stains, mix baking soda and water.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite?

Luckily, everything you'll need to clean your hard surfaces can already be found in your home: Concentrated dish soap that's tough on stains and grease while staying gentle on stainless steel, granite, and glassware, like Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray.

Does vinegar ruin granite?

Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house! Also, avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the stone.

Can I put a hot pan on my granite countertop?

The short answer is “yes, but you probably shouldn't.” Because of granite's heat tolerance, you can take a hot pan directly out of the oven and put it directly on your countertop. Granite is naturally heat resistant, and heat damage would occur only if the granite was heated unevenly.

Can water damaged granite be repaired?

Using baking soda or a granite cleaner poultice, spread a thick layer around the hard water stain. Cover it with plastic wrap and tape down. Allow it to dry for 24 hours and once dry, gently use your hands to rub off the dry poultice.

Does water soak into granite?

No, granite is a natural, porous material which can absorb liquids such as water or oil. When absorbed, liquids can leave a dark colored spot in the stone. Water will evaporate in time but oil substances can leave stains if not wiped up within minutes.

Does nail polish remover damage granite?

Keep all cosmetics off the granite as most contain chemical residues that will damage your granite after long-term exposure. In addition, fingernail polish contains Acetone, which is great for removing fingernail polish and your granite sealant.

Will tomatoes stain granite?

Granite is strong but, like other natural surfaces, very absorbent. When red, acidic tomato juice stains form on your granite surface, they slowly absorb into the stone. Tomato juice is notorious for hard-to-remove red stains.

Does pickle juice stain granite?

Actually, acidic foods are what one should be careful with around granite. Orange juice, pickle juice, coke, etc. (just went through this at great length with the countertop fabricator for our new home). Left unattended, acid can mar the appearance.

Can scratches be buffed out of granite?

Using ultra fine steel wool

Scrubbing with ultrafine steel wool or sand paper can also repair granite scratches.

Can scratches be removed from granite?

For small scratches, homeowners can attempt to remedy the scratch by cleaning the surface with warm water and dish detergent using a towel or rag. While applying gentle pressure in a circular motion, homeowners can remove some of the unsightly scratches in their granite countertops.

Can a butter knife scratch granite?

A knife blade will not scratch granite. Conversely, only cut directly on your granite countertop if you want to ruin your good knives! Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.