Anyone can clean granite countertops; all you need is patience and caution. Many everyday kitchen items that are OK for use on other surfaces can permanently damage the stone. If you follow the steps in this article for maintaining granite countertops, you will be happy with the results.
Cleaning Your Granite Countertops
1. Get Some Dish Soap or Granite Cleaner and Squirt It onto a Sponge
Cleaning granite with a mild soap and water solution is recommended. Instead of using a harsh scrubber, try using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to apply the solution. The same fundamental steps apply when using a granite cleaner that you purchase from a store. Regardless, always check the product’s label before using it for its intended use.
2. Remove the Extra Water by Squeezing
To avoid water accumulating on the absorbent stone, which can change color if kept in water too long, massage the sponge or towel until suds develop, then wring it out. (If you’re using a granite cleaner, you may skip this.)
3. Wipe off the Counters
Gently wipe down the entire counter in small, circular strokes. This non-abrasive procedure can remove dried food spills from the countertop, provided the surface is not discolored. (Do you need to get rid of a stain? (For instructions on restoring the original color of granite that has faded, scroll below.)
4. Keep the Counters Clean and Dry
Use a soft cloth to dry the counters gently. This prevents the granite’s surface from becoming dull from water and can remove stains.
5. Use Baking Soda or a Granite Stain Remover to Scrub the Stains
You may use a baking soda paste to restore the original color of your granite. Use granite stain remover on any unsightly residue after the initial cleaning. For oil stains, use baking soda differently than you would for water stains.
- You can merge baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste that you can use to remove water stains.
- Make a mixture out of water and baking soda to remove oil stains.
- Cover the stain with plastic and tape the edges after applying a thick paste coating. We recommend leaving the paste on the spots overnight for several days. Then use a plastic scraper to remove it before washing the granite gently.
- Stains that are very stubborn to remove may require further rounds of treatment. You can restore an affected surface by buffing with a burlap or a felt pad soaked in granite polish.
Don’t Use These Products on Your Granite!
Various commercial all-purpose cleansers and sealer removal with some grocery items can etch or dull granite. You should avoid using styrofoam, glass cleaner, paint, varnish, wax, water, detergent, fabric softener, rubbing alcohol, and detergent.
- Citric acid is a potential antibacterial ingredient in wet wipes (choose a granite cleaner or dish soap and a soft cloth instead)
- Citric acid is sometimes used to impart a lemony fragrance to items.
- A surface’s appearance is dulled with full-strength bleach. Dilute bleach first.
- Hydrogen peroxide is helpful for occasional cleaning, but don’t rely on it.
- Vinegar, lemon, lime, and citric can discolor granite.
- Cleansers like Windex and those containing ammonia are acidic.
- The steel wool causes scratches.
- Sponge towels that are too rough are ineffective.
These elements can scratch and etch granite and wear down its sealant. Don’t forget to draw the blinds if the sun is always shining on your counter.
When Should You Seal Your Granite Countertops Again?
It’s easy to see when the seal on your granite countertops has worn off, and you need to reseal them. Water will bead up and roll off after being appropriately sealed. The baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste from Step 5 should remove any water that has penetrated the granite.
Conclusion
When remodeling a kitchen, many people choose granite countertops. Regularly maintaining your granite counters may extend their life and avoid costly repairs. Sealing granite is suggested to preserve it from scratches and stains, as steel wool and other abrasives may readily scratch granite.
If all of these suggestions are difficult to remember, hiring a professional house cleaning service in DC, such as Ecoverde Maids, is the best option! We give exceptional service and cleaning to residents all across Washington, DC. Make an appointment with us today by calling (202) 618-0562 or visiting our website!
