Granite Care
The look of granite is completely unique, it is unacheivable with any other product. With a bit of awareness, the quality of your granite can be preserved for years to come. 
Cleaners: General cleaning can be done with warm water and a soft cloth. A mild, non-oil based detergent or stone soap can also be used. Avoid acidic or petroleum based cleaners. Overuse of ammonia can dull the shine of the stone. For a beautiful, clear shine, dry the stone each time with a soft cloth.
Scratching: Granite is virtually unscratchable. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness measures the scratch resistance of a mineral, based on harder minerals ability to scratch softer minerals. On this scale, granite rates a 7 out of 10. A stainless steel blade, generally used for cooking, rates a 6 out of 10. This is why your granite was custom cut with a diamond blade; a 10 out of 10. The granite sealer that protects the countertop can be etched or sometimes scratched by abrasive grit or sand that is ground into the surface. Be sure to wipe up any sand or grit as soon as possible. Avoid scouring powders or creams that can be dulling.
Stains: With a bit of knowledge stains can be avoided and removed. Polished granite is suprisingly non-porous, however the use of coasters and trivets add an extra bit of protection. General care includes a soft cloth in warm, soapy water. Use a mild, non-oil based detergent or stone soap. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
If a spill occurs, blot it up as soon as possible with warm water. Do not leave spills on the countertop overnight. If an unnoticed spill leaves a stain there are specific ways to deal with each type of stain.
Please don't hesitate to call Rausch Granite with any questions. If a stain is resistant or extremely large or deep, contact us.
Wine: Alcoholic beverages are acidic and can seep into the stone. Blot the spill immediately with a paper towel; don't wipe as it can spread the stain. Flush the area with mild soap and water, rinse and dry. If the stain is set, try a removing paste. Mix one cup molding plaster with enough bleach to make a paste. Spread the paste over the stain and let sit for 30 minutes. Wipe with a clean sponge and rinse. If the stain is still set, contact us and we will help.
Oil based Stains: Oil based stains, such as makeup, tend to darken the stone. Clean with a soft liquid cleanser with bleach, a household detergent, ammonia, mineral spirits or acetone. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Overuse of ammonia can dull the stone.
Organic Stains: Food stains generally lead to pinkish brown stains. Clean these with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. Food stains can usually be avoided by wiping with a sponge or cloth before they are allowed to set.
Biological Stains: Biological stains include algae, mildew, moss and fungi. These are likely to be food in a bathroom or shower. Clean these with 1/2 cup ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon of water. Never mix bleach and ammonia, as it leads to toxic fumes.
Ink: With a lighter stone color, clean ink stains with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. With a darker stone, try lacquer thinner or acetone.
Water Spots or Rings: Standing hard water can lead to water spots or rings on the stone's surface. Buff these with dry 000 steel wool. Avoid hard water rings by drying the vanity or counter after each use.
Etching: Acids left on the surface of the stone can lead to etching or staining and etching. If you have a light colored stone, contact us for assistance. If you have a darker stone or a slight etching, try 000 steel wool. For a deep etch in a dark stone, contact us.
Paint: Small drops of paint can be scraped off with a razor blade. For larger spills, allow the paint to dry, then scrape up the majority with a razor blade. Remove the remaining paint with a commercial paint stripper, following manufacturer's instructions.
At Rausch Granite, we are experienced and professional. Pleae contact us with any issues.