A Complete Cleaning Guide For Granite Countertops
by Brittany W. Content WriterGranite is an igneous rock that comes in a range of colors. Granite is one of the most widely used countertop materials and for good reasons. This naturally occurring stone is known for its durability and its unique veining patterns that lend it a signature look. This premium countertop material was earlier used only in luxury hotels and restaurants etc, nowadays it is used widely by homeowners. When buying granite countertops in Denver, you need to take into consideration its cleaning and maintenance criteria.
Granite is a natural stone and just like other natural stones, it is porous in nature and prone to staining. But once you get an idea of what easily stains the granite surface and the most effective way to clean them, you can maintain the countertops easily and keep them looking good as new.
Materials Required:
Mild dishwashing soap
Microfiber cloth
Soft Sponge
Plastic Wrap
Bowl
Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking Soda
Basic Cleaning
Granite is a super durable countertop material but that does not mean you can use any type of cleaner and tools to clean the granite. This is because granite is porous and does not take well to certain cleaners and materials. Some products and techniques can cause serious damage to the surface of the granite. For regular cleaning, you can follow the below steps.
Step 1: Use The Soap
Take a mild dishwashing soap and dilute it in warm water. Dip a sponge in the solution and use it to scrub the surface slowly. Keep in mind that granite scratches easily, so avoid using scouring pads or steel wool on granite surfaces rather use a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge to clean the surface. Do not use too much water on the sponge, keep in mind the porous nature of granite, as it can lead to discoloration.
Step 2: Scrub Using Circular Motions
Use gentle circular motions to clean the surface of the granite. Even if there are dried food stains do not use abrasive scrubbers to clean them, use the gentle cleaning approach to get the food out of the surface.
Step 3: Dry The Surface
After cleaning, dry off the countertop properly. Since granite is porous in nature too much water can damage the surface of the granite and also leave streak marks and you do not want that.
Removing Stains
Granite countertops are prone to staining but can also be removed if the cause of the stains is known and the right technique to clean them is known. Here are some tips to help you remove stains from granite.
Water Streaks
Water stains usually disappear as the water evaporates but sometimes water streaks are left behind if the spill was very large or the granite is too porous. To clean these marks use mild dishwashing soap and warm water solution and gently scrub away the stone with a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge. If the marks still remain even after washing with soap water then use a little baking soda and mix it with water to clean the surface.
Organic Stains
While organic stains like food stains do look very bad but they can also be cleaned. Organic stains can be stains left by hard water, mineral deposits in the water, cooking oil, pizza grease, juice, coffee, fruit stains, etc. While most of them can be removed by soap water solution, some stains can be a little tough. Hydrogen Peroxide can be used to clean these stains but hydrogen peroxide is a little acidic so it should be used sparingly and only for tough stains. Do not use hydrogen peroxide regularly on granite surfaces.
Oil Stains
For oily stains, the best bet is to use baking soda and water. Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water and apply it over the stained area. Leave it for an hour and then wipe off the residue with a soft, damp cloth. You might have to repeat this procedure more than once to get a clean surface.
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Created on Jul 23rd 2021 03:58. Viewed 93 times.