How To Clean Granite Countertops
Spots and stains on countertops are probably the most visible and pressing messes in your kitchen. While your granite counter may be porous and does require proper care, remember that it’s igneous rock, and can handle quite a lot of abuse.
Granite is tough to beat when it comes to durability, due to its heat and scratch-resistant qualities; it can bear up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Granite can also be stain and water resistant when it’s properly sealed. You don’t need to treat it with kid gloves, or be afraid to have it in a busy kitchen. In fact, for most of your day to day needs, having granite will be like having any other surface; you’ll wipe up spills and crumbs as you see them, and help protect your stone from foods that stain and heavy pots that could chip them.
MAINTENANCE
How often? Daily.
You can simply clean up spills or do general cleaning using a soft cloth, warm water and dish soap like Boulder Clean’s Green Apple Liquid Dish Soap. Just be aware that liquid soap can leave a residue that becomes visible over time, especially on darker stone. You can also purchase cleansers made specifically for granite. They are great for a deeper cleaning and removing sticky or dry food stains. Simply spray the area, let soak, then wipe away with a soft cloth (microfiber would work well!) We recommend our very own Stainless + Granite Cleaner.
Avoid acidic cleaners and citrus when possible. Glass cleaners, bleach, ammonia and acids such as lemon can strip the countertop sealant and leave granite vulnerable. Do not use vinegar to clean granite countertops. Even though it’s a mild all natural cleanser it’s too acidic to use on natural stone. And don’t use steel wool, which can scratch most countertops.
If you want to get maximum shine when you’re done cleaning quickly buff them with a dry microfiber towel.
Every year or two, seal your slab with an impregnating water-based sealer made for granite.
Keep stains off your granite countertops with a few simple precautions.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen, especially acidic liquids like tomato sauce or fruit juice.
- Blot up spills, rather than wiping, to keep them from spreading over the surface. Microfiber cloths are great for this purpose.
- Don’t store items that stain such as cooking oils on granite countertops.
Keeping a granite countertop clean requires frequency more than it does a lot of time and effort. All you have to do is create the habit of wiping down your counters regularly and immediately cleaning up spills, and you’ll be set to enjoy your countertop for years to come.