How to Clean and Maintain Your Granite Countertops
How to Clean and Maintain Your Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are beautiful and durable, but they also require special care. The trick is to know what can and cannot damage your stone, so you can avoid stains, scratches, and other problems.
Regular cleaning with a mild dish soap and water is the best way to keep your countertops looking their best. Never use harsh cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic products that can etch and dull the granite surface.
Donate Your Old Countertops
Every year, millions of pounds of granite countertop end up in landfills as people replace countertops or fabricators throw away scraps.
Instead of throwing your old granite out, consider donating it to a housing organization, eco-depot, reuse center, or nonprofit. These organizations can put your stone to good use and save the environment by using it in their construction projects.
Aside from a tax write-off, donating your granite countertop can also help you save money. You’ll have to pay for shipping, but it’s worth it to keep your countertop out of the dump.
To ensure that your granite countertop stays in top condition, seal it regularly. This will protect it from spills, and help prevent etching. Moreover, it will make cleaning your countertop easier. This is because your countertops won’t have to be scuffed and scrubbed with harsh chemicals as often.
Seal Your Countertops
If you want to maintain the best possible shine on your granite countertops, you need to seal them regularly. This prevents dirt from accumulating on the surface and helps keep stains from sticking.
There are several kinds of stone sealers, each with its own specific instructions for applying and drying time. Check the product label for these, and follow them strictly.
Lighter colors of granite tend to be more porous than darker ones, which means they’re likely to need sealing more often.
A good way to tell whether your counters need to be sealed is to do a water test. Pour a small amount of water and let it soak into the granite for 10 minutes.
Clean Your Countertops Regularly
If you want to keep your granite countertops looking great for years, you’ll need to take some time to clean and maintain them regularly. You can do this with a simple routine that includes cleaning with soap and water.
You can also use a commercial cleaner that’s specifically for your countertop materials. It should be mild and pH balanced, so it won’t harm your surface or cause etching or dulling over time.
Avoid using any natural cleaners that contain acids, like vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide. These can eat away at your granite surface or weaken its sealant.
If you do need to clean your countertops, make sure you get rid of any stains immediately. Stains can smear your countertop and can leave behind streaks and blotches that can look unsightly over time.
Wipe Up Spills
Granite countertops are prone to spills and stains, so it’s best to wipe up any dirt or debris as soon as possible. Wiping up spills with a dry cloth will prevent them from seeping into the granite surface and staining it.
To clean up any dirt or debris on your granite countertop, use warm water and mild dish soap. After cleaning, rinse the countertop with clean water.
Oil-based stains are another common problem for granite counters. They can be caused by cooking oils, milk, peanut butter, creams, cosmetics and other materials.
These stains can be difficult to remove, since the oils don’t evaporate quickly. Using a natural cleaning solution like baking soda is a good option.