caring for granite tile

Granite kitchen backsplash tiles are easy to care for.

On a daily basis, the best method is just to wipe down the surfaces with a soft cloth that has been wetted with soapy water. You may wish to brighten the tile by polishing it occasionally with a product like GG Granite Polishor using a cleaning-and-rejuvenating product designed for granite surfaces like GG Granite Cleaner.

Because granite is a porous material, it will stain. It’s important to clean up all spills promptly. A paper towel will blot up a spill quickly. Avoid wiping; that will just spread the spill! After the spill has been blotted up, use a soft cloth to dry the area completely.

Organic stains, caused by coffee, tea, or food, are the most common type. Red wine is the worst! Biological stains like mold or mildew are also common.

If your granite tile is stained, proceed cautiously. Ask your supplier about recommended cleaners when you buy the tile. Liquid cleaners are usually not very effective. Poultice powders are designed to re-absorb a stain from a stone surface, and they are often the best choice. Be sure to follow directions carefully. Never use lime and scale remover on granite. They are strong acid-based cleaners and they will etch the stone.

Granite tiles can be sealed to reduce stains. Sealers can be water or solvent based, but most professionals think the solvent-based sealers do a better job. GG Stone Sealer is a good example. The sealer works by penetrating the stone surface and creating an invisible barrier. Sealer is easy to apply and usually dries in about an hour. Stone surfaces should be resealed periodically. Generally, kitchen countertop and backsplashes need resealing every 6 to 12 months, depending on how much use they get.