Granite Countertops

Granite is a very popular material in home remodelling and construction, and as such has become a common staple in newly renovated kitchens and bathrooms. It is one of the hardest stones that is used by construction companies today, and its durability is rivalled by no other stone. To clean granite countertops, your best bet is to use a cleanser that is made specifically for granite countertops. These cleaners will remove stains and disinfect the countertop without leaving soap residue that will build up over time, or damaging the countertop’s surface.

How To

Before you begin, you will need to gather a few necessary items: cotton towels, granite cleaner, paper towels, and if necessary, granite sealer. You will want to purchase a cleaner which is designed for granite specifically. Try to avoid using regular soap, because it will leave a residue. It will also dull the glossy finish. You will also want to avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach, and abrasive cleaners. Begin by spraying a moderate amount of the granite cleaner straight onto the countertop. Cover the entire surface with the cleaner and leave it on for about a minute before using a clean cotton towel to rub the cleaner around the countertop surface. Afterwards, use a separate towel to dry the countertop. Since most granite cleaners are made to be used daily, you will want to user the cleaner whenever the countertop gets dirty. Clean any stains or spills immediately, as the countertop will absorb any liquid that is left on its surface. You can restore shine by periodically cleaning your granite surfaces with a cleaner like Granite Gold, which is available at grocery stores and home improvement stores. To keep the countertop looking new, you will want to seal it every year or two. You can either pay a professional to do this for you, or do it yourself with a sealer, which can be purchased at any home improvement store.

Tips & Takeaways

There are many different types of cleaners that can be used to clean granite countertops, a few of which are detailed on theKitchn. Method granite and marble cleaner is on the expensive side, but it lets out a mist that reaches a large surface area, meaning you do not use very much product when you clean, causing the bottle to last longer. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Kitchen (Bleach Free) is a cleaner that kills salmonella and E.coli, keeping the countertop disinfected. It does contain harsh chemicals, however, and it does not have great environmental implications. Lastly, Mrs. Meyers Counter Top Spray has no chemical smell and few chemical ingredients and is relatively inexpensive. It does however, leave streaks. Granite counter tops are very hard - if you notice a scratch, you will need to have it repaired by a professional. Try to use coasters under all glasses to help prevent stains, and use a hot pad to help protect the granite against hot items. Alcohol and citrus products can dull and etch the granite surface if they sit on it too long, so you will want to watch out for that as well.