Granite tiles are tough and are not easily scratched. They carry an extremely dense grain, and this is why granite is considered the toughest of all building stones. In fact, only diamond or another piece of granite can scratch it. It is an igneous rock which has a composition much like that of lava. 

Although granite looks like a low-maintenance countertop material, there are some important things a homeowner with granite countertops has to keep in mind. Granite is protected from the elements with sealant. This sealant protects the stone, but is affected by acids and other chemicals which may wear it off. 

Vinegar, for instance, may adversely affect granite tiles' sheen when spilled and left uncleaned on the counter. There are a lot of household chemicals such as powders and liquid cleaners that may be too harsh and could not be used to clean granite tiles. Even grooming items such as toothpaste, hairspray, and perfumes may cause the sealant to erode when exposed to them for a long time. 

When these harsh liquids accidentally spill onto your granite Kitchen Countertop, immediately grab a sponge to soak the liquid. Do not wipe it off as the liquid may spread to a wider area and cause more damage. If the spilled liquid has some granules in it, be careful in getting rid of them too, as wiping them off may graze the sealant. 

To remove rust stains from granite tiles, first make a paste by blending together powdered whiting and a commercial rust remover. Apply a thick coat to the area stained with rust, and let this poultice sit for about 10-15 minutes. Cover it with plastic wrap and seal with masking tape to keep it from drying. Next rinse with clean water and rub the area dry using a soft piece of cloth. If the stain is not totally removed, repeat the process. 

For organic stains such as spills from coffee or tea, soak them in a 20% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Employ the same procedure as that of the one for removing rust stains but keep the paste on the stain for 1-2 days. If the stain does not come off with the peroxide solution, then use mild powdered detergent instead. 

To keep granite tiles clean, don't use cleaners or detergents that are highly acidic. Instead, choose a cleaner with a neutral pH. You can use mild powdered cleaning detergent or non-sudsy ammonia mixed with water. Use a soft cloth to wipe with. Some people use a non-yellowing paste wax for granite tiles every 6 months. 

Even if you clean granite tiles regularly, sealant still needs to be reapplied two times a year. If the granite tiles are exposed to spills more frequently, then you have to reapply sealant more frequently as well.

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