There are many impressive countertop materials on the market today. Among them, granite is one of the most popular for kitchens because of its elegance, its heat resistance and, when sealed, a surface that is easy to keep hygienic. Those good looks and useful properties do come at a higher price than many other materials, so it is worth looking after.
If you have granite, or are thinking about installing it, this guide will help you keep your granite countertops looking fresh. Cleaning marble countertops follows similar principles, but granite has its own needs. We’ve gathered seven cleaning and maintenance tips that will help you clean your granite countertops without damaging them.
Granite Countertop Cleaning Tips
Granite doesn’t keep its brand-new appearance without proper cleaning and maintenance. Alongside everyday cleaning, plan to disinfect it regularly and to reseal it periodically. Here are the steps to follow.
Remove items and clean off the counter
This is the first tip, and an important one. Removing everything from the counter, such as small appliances, crockery, and keepsakes, ensures that no part of your granite countertop is left uncleaned. Then use a dry sponge or cloth to wipe away crumbs and dust, which makes the rest of the process easier.
Wipe the surface
When it comes to keeping granite looking good, simple is better: avoid strong or complicated chemical cleaners on your granite counter. Warm water with a little mild soap is usually all you need. Don’t flood the stone, and wipe and dry your countertops right after cleaning.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner on the countertop to avoid dulling the surface. Acidic or strongly alkaline cleaners can wear away the sealer and leave your granite looking dull and less appealing. Gentle dish soap and water are the safer choice.
Products you can 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
- Ammonia-based glass cleaners
- Harsh all-purpose disinfectant sprays
Remove unwanted stains
The key to removing stains from granite countertops is to work out what caused the stain. Below are the most common types and how to treat them.
Water spots
Normally, a water spot disappears once the water has evaporated. If your granite is very porous or poorly sealed, or the water sits for a long time, it can leave a mark. Water spots can also be caused by hard water, mineral deposits, or soap scum.
To remove water marks, wash the area gently with warm soapy water. Rinse with a clean damp microfiber cloth and dry thoroughly. If the mark is still visible after the countertop has dried, try a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water.
Oil-based stains
A paste of baking soda and water is a good remedy for oily stains, which can come from cooking oil, greasy food, and cosmetics such as 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 dry the area completely. A large or deep oil-based stain may need several rounds of treatment.
Organic stains
Coffee, fruit, soy sauce and similar foods can stain granite. If other cleaning methods don’t work, hydrogen peroxide can lift these stains. It can lighten some darker stones and is hard on the sealer, so test it on a hidden spot first and don’t use it routinely on your granite counter.
Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and talcum powder and apply it to the area. Gently rub the stain using a soft cloth, wipe away any residue using fresh water, and dry the area completely.
For dried-on residue that scrubbing won’t shift, a razor blade can help. Hold the blade nearly flat against the counter and scrape gently, so the edge lifts the residue instead of digging into the surface. Once the residue is gone, rinse your sponge and wipe the area, repeating as needed, and make sure no puddles of water are left behind.
Sanitize and disinfect the surface
The kitchen should be one of the cleanest spaces in your home, because it is where you prepare food. That makes disinfecting your countertops a sensible part of your regular routine, especially after handling raw meat.
To disinfect granite countertops, fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Spray the mixture over the entire counter and leave it for about five minutes. Then wipe the surface with a clean damp cloth using a sweeping “S” motion, and dry it.
Add some gloss
Granite countertop cleaning also means maintaining the stone’s natural shine. To restore some gloss, apply a polish made for granite with a soft cloth and buff it off. Some homeowners use a few drops of cooking oil instead; if you do, use it very sparingly and buff the surface until it is completely dry, so no oily film is left behind.
Seal it off
Sealer helps keep your granite countertop from absorbing stains, giving you time to clean up a spill before it does any damage. Two kinds of sealer are commonly used on granite countertops: topical sealers and impregnating sealers.
A topical sealer stays on top of the granite and forms a protective film. An impregnating sealer penetrates below the surface and fills the pores of the stone, so liquids are slower to soak in. Sealers wear off over time, so they need to be reapplied periodically; how often depends on the stone, the product, and how heavily the counter is used.
Maintain your granite counters
Aside from regular cleaning, the best way to keep your granite counters in good condition is to prevent damage in the first place. Here are some basic habits to keep in mind:
- Use trivets under hot pans, and don’t leave food or wet items sitting directly on granite surfaces.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Wipe off dust and debris.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners.
- Reseal your granite when water stops beading on the surface.