STEP 1: Squirt dish soap or granite cleaner onto a soft sponge.
For regular granite clean, the best cleaner is nothing more sophisticate than balmy smasher soap diluted with body of water. ( You can besides make a homemade granite clean made with a base of rubbing alcohol. ) Wet a sponge with water from the tapdance and squirt dish soap into its center.
Reading: How to Clean Granite Countertops
ad Bear in thinker that granite scratches well. It ’ south important to apply the solution with a balmy sponge or a microfiber fabric, and never with an abrasive scrubber. The same general rules apply when using a commercial granite cleaner. When using a commercial merchandise, be sure to follow the instructions on the promotion .
STEP 2: Wring out excess water.
Massage the sponge or fabric until you see soapsuds, then wring it out indeed body of water does not pool on the highly absorbent material rock, which can discolor beneath standing water. ( You can skip this dance step if you are using a granite clean. )
STEP 3: Wipe the counters.
gently wipe the whole countertop in small, round motions. Dried-on food spill might require a little more elbow dirt, but proceed with this nonabrasive technique unless the counter is stained. ( Dealing with a mark ? See instructions below for how to clean tarnish granite. )
STEP 4: Dry granite countertops completely.
Dry the countertops carefully with a soft fabric. This protects the granite from water damage and can eliminate streaks, leaving the surface glistening and clean .
STEP 5. Apply baking soda or granite stain remover to spots.
To clean stained granite you can either function either a homemade baking soda-based spread or a commercial granite blot discussion, like Hope ’ mho Perfect. After your initial clean, apply granite stain remover to any remaining spots. If you ’ re using baking sodium carbonate, treat water system and oil stains differently :
- To treat a water-based stain, mix the baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.
- For an oil-based stain, mix the baking soda with water to form a paste.
liberally spoon and spread your paste over the stain and then cover the sphere with credit card wrapping, taping down its edges. Leave the homemade tarnish remover on overnight, or even for a couple of days. Once the paste is dry, lightly scrape it away with a formative scraper before rinsing and wiping the granite. ad hard stains that remain might require you to repeat the steps above a few times to lift the tarnish. If the surface appears etched, apply a granite polish and buff the spot with a burlap or felt pad to restore its appearance .
Tips for Granite Countertop Maintenance
Removing Stains From Granite Counters
Granite countertop care inevitably requires treating stains immediately and then, particularly on white granite kitchen countertops. Most of the meter, stained granite can be cleaned with common products that are already in your pantry. No matter the beginning of the stain, begin with baking pop. In reality, habit of a daily clean that you can simply spray on and wipe off can help prevent stains from occurring on any countertop surface. If you want only one granite-cleaning merchandise in your cupboard, choose an all-in-one product like Weiman Disinfectant Granite Daily Clean & Shine, or a commercial granite cleaner that says it besides can tackle stains. To far shield your granite countertops, purchase a granite sealant. If your even granite countertop concern routine fails to stop stain, and your homemade methods for removing stains do not work, you might need to choose a commercial stain remover ( typically in a poultice imprint ) or call in a professional .
When It’s Time to Reseal Granite Countertops
regular seal is something else you can do to protect your countertops from stains. Most install granite comes presealed but if you ’ ve repeatedly tried and failed to remove stains from your granite, it may need to be resealed. It ’ sulfur easy enough to test whether your granite countertops need to be resealed. Spoon out precisely a few drops of body of water onto the surface, and wait about 15 minutes. If water beads up atop the protective seal ; that means the sealant is solid. If the water penetrates the granite, however, address the urine stain quickly with baking pop and hydrogen peroxide paste as described in Step 5 above and schedule a time to reseal the granite slab. ad
Steer Clear of These Granite Countertop Cleaners
Some homemade and commercial cleaners actually can harm your granite countertops. general-purpose commercial cleaners might contain chemicals that can etch or dull stone like granite, and some items from your pantry can react with the stone, even stripping the sealer aside. Steer clear of the follow :
- Household acids including vinegar, lemon, lime, and citrus, which can etch granite
- Ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners like Windex, which also are acidic
- Bleach if used at full strength, which dulls the finish; if you must use bleach, dilute it first.
- Hydrogen peroxide as described above is OK for occasional use; don’t rely on it for regular cleaning
- Steel wool, which can cause scratches
- Scrubby sponges, which are also too abrasive
- Disinfecting wipes, which can contain citric acid (choose a granite cleaner or dish soap and a soft cloth instead)
- Commercial products with lemon scents, which might contain citric acid
Over time, practice of these ingredients can etch and dull granite and cause the sealant on the gem to weaken. Abundant sunlight besides can cut through sealer, so consider closing blinds to protect spots on the countertop that receive daily rays .
Final Thoughts
It ’ randomness common for homeowners to install new granite countertops when they update their kitchens ; white granite countertops in finical membership high for their clean and classic appearance. Knowing how to clean granite countertops can help protect your investment. The key to cleaning granite is to stick with mild or granite-specific cleaners. besides key is avoiding use of harsh cleaners and ingredients like citric acid. Remember that this tough stone can scratch easily, and that a soft fabric is a samara part to granite countertop maintenance. Use it for daily houseclean and dirt removal—never manipulation steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers on granite. finally, be certain to keep your granite sealed to prevent etching and tarnish. ad
FAQs About Cleaning Granite Countertops
once you select a homemade or commercial granite countertop clean that works and causes no harm, you can keep stains away and maintain the rock ’ s gorgeous natural ending. Questions still can arise, so see the answers to common concerns below .
Q. Is granite porous?
Natural granite is porous, which is the rationality a sealer is authoritative. The rock can absorb liquids, but a sealant observe liquids from soaking in besides cursorily, causing damage or stains. It is significant to check regularly to make sure the sealant is integral and to have countertops resealed as needed .
Q. What’s a good granite stain remover?
Baking sodium carbonate assorted with a little total of hydrogen peroxide is an easy fix to address a mark quickly. If dealing with an oil-based tarnish, you can mix the baking sodium carbonate with water. many commercial products like Weiman granite clean include stain removal ( and prevention ) in their tilt of features. If a few tries with homemade or all-in-one solutions fail to do the trick, try a commercial stain-removal poultice or call in a pro .
Q. What cleaners are hands-down safe for granite?
A meek dish soap is the handiest clean you have that is safe for granite. alternatively, consider a commercial clean that ’ s specifically formulated for granite. many natural clean products are besides safe for use on this surface, but read the label for confirmation before using them. When cleaning granite, use caution with general-purpose clean products ; many contain citric acid, ammonia, or other ingredients that can dull or ruin granite. No matter what product you use to keep your granite blank, avoid applying it with harsh cleaning pads—opt alternatively for a soft microfiber fabric .
Q. How do you get the shine back on granite countertops?
The best direction to make surely your countertops glow is by addressing spills as they happen ; cleaning spills regularly with a balmy, granite-safe clean ; and maintaining its seal. Mild dish soap can build up, so you should regularly use a granite clean that contains some polish to maintain its glow. If you notice dulling, learn how to polish granite countertops and check the sealer to be sure it is entire. then reseal the surface or call in a professional to do the job. ad
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Q. How do you disinfect granite?
regular clean with dish soap ( which has antibacterial properties ), warm water, and a delicate fabric can keep germs from building up. To kill germs on granite, mix 4 tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol and four drops of dishwashing soap in a clean 1-liter spray bottle, and then fill the bottle with warmly water. Spray the granite and wipe it with a clean, indulgent fabric. Avoid using bleach, ammonia water, or disinfecting wipes on granite. ad
