Not sure how to clean a granite countertop? Contrary to popular belief, granite or marble countertops cannot be cleaned with just any popular cleaning product! On the contrary, the maintenance of these counters deserves your full attention. What is the best way to clean granite countertops? You don’t need any special cleaners to make these countertops shiny and streak-free.
Often the granite used for kitchen counters is either varnished or polished and in principle, does not fear stains except acid stains and oils. So, contrary to popular belief, do not use popular products, limescale removers, vinegar, or lemon to clean your granite or marble counter. If the granite countertop is regularly cleaned, a cloth soaked in hot water is sufficient. You can also use soapy water or even better, a specialized product for cleaning granite. If the granite countertop is a little greasy add just a little dish soap to the hot water. Rinse well. Then rub with a cloth to remove any marks.
The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Granite
- DO: Make sure your granite countertop is sealed. Although granite is very hard and a less porous surface than marble, unsealed or loosely sealed granite will absorb oils, spills, and stains. To check if your granite is sealed, leave a few drops of water on the surface. If it rolls up, it’s sealed well. If after a few minutes the water has seeped into the granite, it is time to reseal the stone.
- DO: Be gentle. Use warm water, mild or mild dish soap, and a washcloth or microfiber cloth for daily wipe-ups.
- DON’T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges; acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon, lime, or anything else containing ammonia or bleach should be avoided. Frequent use of these chemicals dulls and weakens the sealer over time. Basically, the harder the cleaner, the faster it breaks down the sealer.
What About Disinfection?
A well-sealed granite countertop is relatively impervious to bacteria. Hot water and dish soap should be enough for daily sanitation. However, if you desire a stronger sanitizer, mix a 50/50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray on the granite, let stand for three to five minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.
Steps to Clean a Granite Countertop:
- Wet your dishcloth with warm, soapy water:
- Fill the sink with warm water and mild dish soap, then thoroughly wet a clean dishcloth.
- Wipe down the granite countertops
- Dry with a Microfiber Cloth to Avoid Scratching: Dry and polish your granite countertop thoroughly using a microfiber cloth or soft terry cloth towel to avoid streaking.
- Prepare a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol: To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap scum and restore shine, mix a 50/50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol.
- Shine and Sanitize: Spray the solution on the granite, let sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Cleaning countertops with denatured alcohol will give you peace of mind knowing that your granite countertops are clean and germ-free. Denatured alcohol disinfects your countertops and should be used to clean your granite countertops to keep them clean and prevent germs and other bacteria from growing in the pores of your granite or natural stone countertops. It is very important to protect the investment that your counter represents. Especially if you don’t want to have to replace those natural stone countertops in the future. By properly cleaning and sealing your natural stone or granite countertops, you will prevent damage and achieve a long-lasting kitchen counter.
Is Granite Countertop Cleaning Necessary?
Cleaning your granite countertops is necessary and mandatory if you want them to remain beautiful and as new as when they were installed. Cleaning should be done after each use and as often as necessary.
How to Remove Water Stains from Dark Countertops:
To remove water spots from your black or darker colored countertops, you will need to clean your countertops using the steps outlined above and exactly what is listed above. The most important part of cleaning your counters is the final step of drying the counters. This will avoid leaving watermarks. It should take some time to dry your countertops and you may need to dry them with multiple towels to keep the towel dry for this stage of the process.
How to Remove a Stubborn Stain from Granite:
Care must be taken when it comes to removing stubborn stains from shiny surfaces such as granite, marble, or quartz. The cleaning product or the trick that will be used must not scratch the surface, so be careful what you use so as not to permanently damage the granite.
So for a stubborn stain on granite here is a homemade cleaner recipe:
- Mix baking soda with water
- Mix well to form a malleable paste
- Apply the paste to the stain and leave for 5 minutes
- Take a damp sponge or cloth and rub to remove the stain
- Remember to rinse, dry, and buff with a soft cloth to finish cleaning the granite.
