A stone shop can also get you set up on a sealing schedule and even recommend specific commercial cleaning products. How to Clean Granite. Save Pin FB More. Think about sealing. Sealing granite surfaces with an impregnating sealer supplies protection against stains. Sealers do not make stone surfaces stain-proof but create surfaces that are more resistant to stains. Sealers in food preparation areas must be non-toxic and safe for use with food.
Devise preventative measures. Always use coasters under glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices, and place hot dishes on trivets. Don't store staining items—such as cooking oils and oil-based cosmetics and creams—on granite countertops. Protect against abrasive sand, dirt, and grit. Frequently mop interior floors using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Minimize tracked-in dirt by placing slip-resistant mats or area rugs inside and outside entrances. If using a vacuum cleaner on granite floors, make sure that attachments and wheels are in tiptop shape; worn equipment can scratch granite.
Stay on top of spills. Immediately blot don't wipe spills with a paper towel. Wiping spreads spills. Flush the area with a mix of water and mild dish soap; rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. This seals the pores in the natural stone.
The trick to keeping your granite countertops clean is to reseal the stone every two to four years. Follow these tips for the best way to clean granite:.
Daily cleaning is enough to keep your granite countertop in good shape most of the time, but if you spill something and it leaves a stain, you need to do a bit more deep cleaning. Remove stains from your countertop without damaging the natural stone by using these tips:. Well done! Now you know the best way to clean granite so it looks great and last for decades.
Give your house the same attention with ongoing house clean services. For all your home cleaning needs, rely on the professionals at Molly Maid. Our team is fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Contact your local Molly Maid or call today for a free cleaning estimate! To disinfect your granite countertop, use a mixture of one part isopropyl alcohol and three parts water.
Add a few drops of dish soap, and put the solution into a spray bottle. Mist the granite counter and let it sit for ten minutes before wiping away any excess with a dry microfiber cloth.
Pro Tip: If you want to add a scent to your cleaning solution, avoid citrus essential oils. Instead use tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender. As a natural alternative to dish soap, look for products with eco-friendly ingredients. Castile soap is also safe to use on granite. Just substitute a few drops in place of dish soap.
There are a number of ways to shine granite counters. You can buy a specialist granite polish for use on your worktops, or give one of these solutions a try.
Cleaning pros love baking soda. Make a mixture of three parts baking soda to one part warm water, and combine until smooth. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean cloth. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the granite for a smooth, shiny surface. Any typical oil will work, for example vegetable or olive oil. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using circular motions.
Oil will give your granite a nice shine, and also help it repel water. Sometimes granite looks dull as a result of etching. This is what happens when the granite surface is eroded. Small etches can be polished out using polishing powder usually tin oxide , but no amount of polishing will undo the damage done by deep etching.
Instead, call a professional who can refinish the stone and restore your granite to its former glory. Although granite worktop owners should try to protect their natural stone surfaces, granite is generally very resistant to stains. While the exact stain resistance of your granite will depend on its porosity and color, you can avoid it becoming stained by taking a few simple precautions.
Take care to wipe up any spills as soon as possible, and pay particular attention to your counter in wet areas such as around sinks, or where you chop food. Oils can discolor granite surfaces, and the stains they leave behind can be harder to remove than water marks. The best way to avoid oily stains is to be vigilant about wiping down your granite counter, especially around cooktops.
Some foods also contain oils that can soak into your granite, so try to avoid putting anything organic directly on top of your countertop. Use cutting boards and silicone mats to protect your granite from accidental damage. These drinks are all acidic, and have strong colors.
The acid eats into the surface of granite, and the color permeates the stone, leaving etching and stains behind. Always wipe up these types of spills immediately, and use coasters to protect your countertop from drink rings. You may be surprised to hear that hot pots and pans can damage your granite. After all, its natural heat resistance is one reason why granite is so popular.
Granite can still be damaged by heat because the sealants and finishes used on its surface are not heat resistant to the same degree. This can result in ugly black marks on your granite, or—in worst-case scenarios—even cause the granite to crack.
Rather than risk heat damage, use protective pads or trivets under your hot pans to protect your granite. Just like fruit juice, fruit itself is usually acidic and brightly colored. Berries, grapes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are particularly likely to damage granite and leaving stains behind.
Protect your worktop by always putting something underneath any food you set out, especially fresh fruit. Coffee is acidic enough to damage the surface of your granite countertop, leaving it dull and etched, and at risk of absorbing stains. Keep coffee grounds away from your counter, use coasters under cups to avoid rings, and consider putting a silicone mat beneath your coffeemaker to avoid any accidental spills.
You might not think about the damage that makeup can do to your granite counters, but makeup products contain oils and dyes that can discolor natural stone.
Avoid putting any makeup on your worktops, or place something underneath to protect the stone surface. In short, yes. Sealants protect your granite from absorbing stains, giving you time to clean up before any damage occurs. Unsealed granite is much more likely to be stained or damaged by everyday use. There are two types of sealant commonly used on granite countertops.
Topical sealers coat the granite with a protective layer, while impregnating sealers soak into the stone and fill up the pores that can absorb liquids and stains. Impregnating sealers tend to last longer than topical, but both kinds will need to be reapplied every year or two as they break down. You can also use a color enhancer to mask damage caused by etching. Additionally, color enhancers can improve the look of certain granite finishes, such as leathered or honed granite, which have a matte, dull finish.
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