A popular choice for many homeowners, granite countertops are both elegant and durable. Many countertop materials can be cleaned with traditional cleansers that can be found at the store, but granite needs to be cared for in a particular way to avoid staining or long term damage. Here we outline some helpful tips on how to clean granite countertops.
Do Not Clean Granite with Traditional Cleaners
The most common issue is using regular household cleaning products to clean granite- DON’T. Many items may include acids, vinegars or other abrasive chemicals that could degrade the granite sealer and etch your granite.
Here is a list of cleaners that you shouldn’t use:
- Generic Cleaning Products
- Bleach
- Glass Cleaners
- Degreasers
- Vinegar
- Ammonia
- Citrus Cleaners-Lemon, Orange
- Bathroom Tub and Tile Cleaners
- Grout Cleaners
Instead, Use a Stone Care Based Cleaner
For regular, day-to-day cleaning, it’s as easy as soap and water with a sponge or soft cloth. For a deeper clean, you can turn to a stone-based cleaner. Cleaning granite requires a cleaner that is not abrasive. Try to look for cleaners that are designed specifically for stone-based surfaces, have low acidity and are PH neutral.
Caring for your granite is simple, cheap and takes little time out of your day.
Cleaning List for Cleaning Your Granite Countertop
There are a number of simple items to keep under your sink for cleaning your granite countertops. If you have the following items on hand, you should be able to take care of most stains and blemishes.
- Dish Soap
- Water
- Sponge
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Spray Bottle
- Clean Cloth or Towel
- Baking Soda
- Plastic Wrap
- Razor Blade
- Gloves
Removing Stains from Granite Countertops
If you are cleaning up spills on your granite countertops in a timely manner, you should not have to worry about stains. However, life isn’t always that convenient. After a spill, you might get distracted, forget to clean it up and then a few days later, notice a blotch on your beautiful kitchen countertop. Granite stains can be tricky, but not if you know how to attack them correctly.
- Baking soda: Depending on the type of stain, baking soda will likely be able to clean it up. For oil-based stains such as olive oil, butter and salad dressings, mix the baking soda with water to form a paste. For water-based stains like wine, juice and coffee, mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply: Take the baking soda paste and apply it to the stained area. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge and then rinse. This step may need to be repeated.
- Use a Razor Blade: For your own safety, wear gloves for this step. If scrubbing doesn’t work the first time, you may need to scrape away some of the gunk before applying the baking soda mixture again. Rest the razor blade flat on the countertop and break up the excess grime. If you hold the blade flat against the countertop, you won’t scratch the granite.
- Extreme Measures: If repeated attempts to clean the stain don’t work, there is a final option. Apply the baking soda paste again. This time, take plastic wrap, cover the stained area with the paste and tape the edges of the wrap down. Leave overnight or even a few days. The stain remover should have worked its magic by then. Simply rinse and then wipe with your soft cloth.
- Disinfect: Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Spray the counter with the mixture and wait 5 minutes. Wipe with your clean dish towel in an “S” motion.
- Job Well Done!
Use Normal Protective Measures
With granite being so durable, many use that as an excuse to be less focused on keeping the granite protected. If you spill something, blot it up with a paper towel or soft cloth. Use coasters, particularly when using glasses, bottles, and cans. If you take a hot pot off the stove, be sure to place a
Trivet or pad underneath the pot if you plan on putting it back down on your countertop.
This one may seem like common sense, but please DO NOT use your beautiful granite countertop as a cutting board. Not only could this potentially etch the surface of your countertop, but the granite will actually dull and damage your knives.
Seal Your Granite Countertop Frequently
Granite, like other stones, are naturally porous which makes them susceptible to stains. Using a sealant on your granite countertops is a very good way to keep your granite protected from harm and keep it looking beautiful.
Buy a non-toxic PH balanced sealer. Depending on the sealer you use, you may want to repeat every 6 months to assure protection and shine. Lighter granite stains are easier than dark granite so you may want to repeat more often. Simply clean the surface, apply the sealant and look at the beauty of your countertop.
Don’t Neglect Your Granite
With a busy schedule, it may be easy to forget to take care of your granite countertops. However, bathrooms and kitchens are critical rooms in your home both as a host and for someone who is interested in selling their home. Caring for your granite is simple, cheap and takes little time out of your day. Do yourself a favor and choose not to neglect your granite countertops.
Looking to Install Granite Countertops in Your Home?
Affordable Granite Concepts is a premier granite installation and fabrication company located in Orlando, Florida. We offer one of the biggest selections of granite, quartz, and natural stone to the Orlando area at our 12,000 square foot showroom. We prioritize satisfaction, quality, and timeliness. Our ultra-fast granite fabrication process for custom granite countertops takes only 3-business days. If you’re in Central Florida, you can count on us to make your vision come to life at the best price!