Granite countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their beautiful and unique patterns and colors. However, they require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Many professionals recommend sealing granite countertops at least once a year, but the frequency of sealing may vary depending on the variety of granite and how often it is used. To determine when your granite countertops need to be sealed, there is a simple test that can be done.
Darker colored granites such as Black Pearl, Indian Coffee Brown, and Tan Brown tend to be denser than light-colored granites and may not need to be sealed as often. The best way to clean granite countertops on a regular basis is to mix warm water with a spoonful of mild hand soap. To determine if your granite countertop needs to be sealed, you can do a simple test. Take a few drops of water and place them on the surface of the granite.
If the water beads up and does not soak into the stone, then it is already sealed. If the water soaks into the stone, then it needs to be sealed. Depending on the variety of granite, it could take between 1 and 5 years since they were last sealed. Sealing granite countertops is a relatively quick and easy process with proper preparation and research. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you may need to reseal the granite even more often than once a year.
Generally, it is recommended that you reseal your granite countertops every 5-7 years.