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There are a number of impressive countertops you can find in the market today. You can also see a lot of countertop stores offering you different kinds. Among them is granite, which is one of the best kitchen counters because of its elegance, antibacterial property, and heat-resistant property. However, granite’s beautiful looks and useful properties come with a premium price point.
If you are still considering installing granite, then let us help you keep your granite countertops looking fresh and pristine. Cleaning marble countertops may be a bit easier, but when it comes to granite, the approach is different. We’ve gathered the top 7 cleaning and maintenance tips that will help you effortlessly clean your granite countertops.
Granite Countertop Cleaning Tips
The brand new appearance of your granite doesn’t stay a lifetime without proper cleaning and maintenance. That said, it’s a must for you to sanitize and reseal your granite every year, or quarterly. We want to help you with granite countertop cleaning, so here are some tips.
Remove items and clean off the counter
If you happen to be one of those people who couldn’t spend money on house cleaning prices, then following such tips would be ideal. This is the first and most important tip you should know. Removing all items such as appliances, crockery, and keepsakes will ensure that there are no areas of your granite countertop that will be left unclean. After, use a dry sponge to wipe away any debris or dust to make the cleaning process easier.
Wipe the surface
When it comes to maintaining the good looks of your granite, avoid a lot of commercialized or complicated chemicals on your granite counter. Depending on the type of kitchen countertop that you have, it approaches different kind of cleaning. Wash your granite with water—this is the best way of cleaning it. Make sure not to flood the stone, and wipe and dry your countertops immediately after cleaning.
Try using a neutral pH cleaner on the countertop surfaces to avoid etching. Acidic or alkali cleaners can destroy the surface of your granite, making it look dull and less appealing. Use gentle dish soap and water instead.
Products you should use to clean your granite counters:
- Dish soap
- Castile soap
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Isopropyl alcohol
Products you shouldn’t use to clean your granite counters:
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Citric acid
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Windex
- Lysol
Remove unwanted stains
One of the important points to remember when cleaning stains on granite countertops is to determine the cause of the stain. Below are the most common stains and how to remove them:
- Water spots
Normally, water spots will disappear completely once it’s evaporated, however, if your granite is very porous, or there is too much water, it will end up discoloring the area. Water spots can be caused by hard water, mineral deposits, or soap scum.
To remove watermarks, use warm and soapy water to gently wash the stain. Rinse it away with a clean damp microfiber cloth, and dry them thoroughly. If the stain is still visible after drying the worktop, try using a paste of baking soda with a small amount of water.
- Oil-based stains
Applying a paste of baking soda and water is the best solution for oily stains. Oil-based stains can be caused by cooking oil, pizza grease, and lipstick.
Apply the paste to the stain using a soft cloth, and leave it for an hour. Remove any residue with a damp cloth and make sure to completely dry the area. If there is a large or deep oil-based stain, you need to repeat the steps several times to remove it.
- Organic stains
Coffee, fruits, soy sauce and more can stain granite. They can be removed using hydrogen peroxide if other cleaning methods don’t work on them. Since hydrogen peroxide is slightly acidic, it is discouraged to be used regularly on your granite counter.
Create a paste from your hydrogen peroxide and talcum powder and apply it to the area. Gently rub the stain using a soft cloth, and wipe away any residue using fresh water. Then, completely dry the area.
If scrubbing doesn’t work, use a razor blade to do the job. Don’t worry, you won’t scratch your granite counters! Simply lay the entire edge of your razor blade on the counters. Once you successfully remove the gunk, rinse your sponge and wipe away any residue. You may need to rinse your sponge multiple times and wipe away the remaining residue. Check if your counters are free from any large puddle of water or residue from the sponge.
Sanitize and disinfect the surface
The kitchen should be one of the cleanest spaces in your home as you will be dealing with food preparations. Hence, it is important that you sanitize your countertops as part of your daily routine. Doing this, especially if you just followed a unique kitchen remodeling idea, cleaning and disinfecting the area after is important.
When it comes to sanitizing and cleaning granite countertops, you will need a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Spray the alcohol/water mixture on the entire counter and leave it for 5 minutes. After, wipe the moisture off with a clean damp cloth using a sweeping “S” motion.
Add some gloss
Granite countertop cleaning involves maintaining its natural shine from its sealant. To add some gloss to your countertops, pour some cooking oil onto a soft cleaning cloth, and wipe it across the countertop. Polish it off. This will help your granite countertops remain stain-resistant and maintain its brilliant shine.
Seal it off
Sealant helps protect your granite countertop from absorbing stains, giving you enough time to clean it up before any further damage. There are two commonly used sealants on granite countertops, namely, a topical sealer, and impregnating sealer.
Topical sealer stays on the upper layer of your granite, creating a protective layer. While, impregnating sealers penetrate deep down the surface of the stone, and deposit solid particles in the pores of the stone that can absorb liquids and stains. Both kinds should be reapplied every year or two, as they wear and tear.
Maintain your granite counters
Aside from the regular house cleaning, you have to perform, the best way to keep your granite counters in their best condition is to prevent damage from occurring. Here are some basic steps you should keep in mind:
- Avoid placing hot objects or organic materials directly on granite surfaces.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Wipe off dust and any debris.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners.
- Seal your granite regularly.
Looking for a reliable granite countertop cleaning company near you?
Hiring a professional house cleaning service is your best choice if you want to keep your house clean. It also goes the same if you’re thinking about cleaning and maintaining your granite countertops. At Gold Cabinets and Countertops, we offer granite countertop cleaning services for a reasonable price. Our professionals are also experts in home granite countertop cleaning processes.
We use industry-approved stone cleaners and sealants for reinforcing the strength of your granite countertops. Should you need a free consultation or free estimate, you can contact us today. You can call us at (703) 783-5680, or request a free quote online. You can also visit us on our Facebook page for more!
