What Could Happen If You Neglect Sealing Stone Counters?

What Happens If You Neglect Sealing Stone Counters

It's important to seal granite, marble, and other porous natural stone often to keep liquids from seeping into the stone and causing damage. The more porous the stone, the easier it is for damage and stains to occur. The good news is sealing your countertops is easier than you might think. With the right stone-safe granite sealer, the process can keep your countertops beautiful. Here's what can happen if you neglect sealing.

Stains from Food and Grease

When natural stone is left unsealed, it can quickly absorb food and liquids and lead to deep stains in the stone. This staining can happen in a matter of minutes, even if you're quick to wipe up the spill. It's not just liquids you have to worry about. Natural stone can also absorb grease and pigments. Leave a carton of strawberries on unsealed stone and you may discover a deep red square on your otherwise flawless countertop.

Damage from Cleaning Products

There are many common household cleaning products that can damage natural stone, even if it is sealed, but unsealed stone is even more susceptible to this type of damage. Some cleaning products contain citrus, which can quickly eat away at the calcium in the stone and leave pits. Chemicals that seep into the stone can damage the finish and cause discoloration. A sealer works to seal the cracks and tiny fissures in the stone to keep stains from going deep into the countertop.

Stains from Water

When granite and other types of natural stone are properly sealed, they repel liquids and prevent them from permeating into the stone. Unsealed stone absorbs liquid quickly, which can become a problem in a kitchen or bathroom where countertops are bound to get wet. You might think something as natural as water wouldn't be a problem, but it is. Without sealing, water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, some small, some large, giving your stone a perpetually dirty appearance.

Sealing Stone Isn't Difficult

Natural stone is certainly strong, but it isn't a perfect and impenetrable material. Without proper maintenance, even the strongest stone countertops can experience damage to the finish, unpleasant stains, and irreversible damage to the stone itself. The good news is maintaining your stone countertops is easy. All types of stone countertops can be sealed regularly with a stone-safe sealer to maintain a strong seal against stains, liquids, and corrosive compounds. If you don’t know how to seal natural stone, the process is fairly simple. First, clean the stone thoroughly with a granite-safe cleaner. Spray the sealer onto the stone in three-foot sections, then immediately wipe it into the countertop with a lint-free cloth. Buff the surface right away until it's dry for a flawless finish and the best possible protection. To learn more about caring for granite and other types of natural stone like slate, travertine, marble, and quartz, get in touch with the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold®. Our stone care expertise spans three generations, dating back to the 1950s. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives would be happy to assist you.
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