Q. Can I use window (glass) cleaner on my granite? We recommend you clean with just water. However, you may, on occasion, use window cleaner that does not contain harsh chemicals, such as acids or ammonia.

Q. Can I cut on granite or do you use a cutting board to prevent scratching? You can, but it's not good for your knives. We recommend using a cutting board for this reason.

Q. Can Granite scratch? Only a diamond is harder than granite. However, another piece of granite can scratch a granite countertop. It is rare, but such instances can occur, for example, when a small stone gets stuck to the bottom of a box of groceries that is then set on the counter.

Q. Can Granite stain? No. However, granite porosities vary. Some Granite, if not properly sealed can absorb liquid into the pores. This may appear at first to be a stain; but in many instances a dark area on the countertop will dry and disappear over time. If discoloration occurs, there are products on the market to remove them. Consult your stone professional or retail store specializing in stone.

Q. Can I put hot pans on my granite counter tops? You can . Hot pans will not affect granite, but we do not recommend putting red-hot pans on cold granite.

Q. How often do you have to reseal granite (natural stone)? Traditionally, homeowners have been told to seal their granite yearly. However, with the advancements that have been made in sealing products, some sealers only need to be reapplied every 3-5 years. It is important to check the information on the back of the sealer and follow the recommendations.

Q. Do I need professional to seal natural stone? No, sealing natural stone is something a homeowner can easily do. The product is a liquid that is applied to a clean, dry countertop with a soft cloth. After the sealer is generously applied to the surface, the excess is removed with a dry cloth, and the countertops should be allowed to dry. Check the back of the sealer to determine when the countertops will be ready for normal use. Drying times can vary between 24-72 hours.

Q. Bacteria, will it grow in granite? Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live. Bacteria cannot eat granite. Unclean, unkempt countertops can harbor bacteria regardless of what countertop material is used. Granite has performed extremely well in testing; performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacterial growth.

Q. Will the polish on my countertops wear off over time? Depends on whether you have granite or marble. Granite, with normal wear and tear, no. That doesn't mean that if you attack your granite with a belt sander it won't dull the finish. The only things that could scratch granite are typically not found in the kitchen. Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite which will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper sealing and maintenance is more crucial with marble countertops.

Q. Sealer, will it wipe off when cleaned, or scratch off with wear? No, if you using Impregnator Sealer (which we recommend to use for Countertops Sealing), which is absorbed by the stone and fills the pores in order to repel food and liquid. Topical Sealers may requires frequent reapplication as it wears in heavy traffic areas. Over time, cleaners do reduce the effectiveness of the sealer, requiring re-sealing of the stone. Re-sealing could be necessary every 1-5 years, depending on the material and sealer used. In order to increase the life of your sealer, use cleaners that are intended for natural stone.