When it comes to keeping your granite countertops looking their best, proper sealing and regular cleaning are key. Sealing your granite countertop will help protect it from staining and etching, while regular cleaning with a soft cloth or mild soap and water will help keep it looking its best. For more stubborn stains, you can use a homemade or commercial granite cleaner. To clean granite regularly, the best cleaner is nothing more sophisticated than a mild dish soap diluted with water.
You can also make a homemade granite cleaner made with an isopropyl alcohol base. To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the surface. Often, a microfiber cleaning cloth, even a dry one, is all that's needed for basic cleaning. When spills occur or in everyday situations, try to clean your granite countertop every day or as needed with just water.
Once a week, clean granite countertops with a damp cloth and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. It is highly recommended to use a sponge or soft cloth to clean the countertop. These materials are soft and friendly to granite and won't scratch the sealant over time. Using them regularly is a simple and effective way to maintain granite countertops. If your regular granite countertop care routine fails to stop stains and your home methods to remove stains don't work, you may need to choose a commercial stain remover (usually in the form of a cataplasm) or call a professional. If left on the granite countertop for an extended period, certain substances can stain.
To avoid this, be sure to wipe up spills as soon as possible. If you notice your granite countertop is dulling, learn how to polish granite countertops and check the sealant to make sure it's intact. By investing a little extra budget in maintaining granite countertops, you can avoid a number of long-standing problems. If you just want to have a granite cleaning product in your closet, choose an all-in-one product, such as Weiman Granite Daily Clean & Shine sanitizer, or a commercial granite cleaner that says it also removes stains. To clean stained granite, you can use a homemade baking soda-based paste or a commercial treatment for granite stains, such as Hope's Perfect Cleaning. Cleaning granite countertops doesn't require special skill; the job just requires a little extra care and attention.
Granite is sealed during manufacturing, but these cleaners can remove the seal, leaving the granite susceptible to etching and bacterial growth. Once you choose a homemade or commercial granite countertop cleaner that works and doesn't cause damage, you can keep stains away and keep the stone's gorgeous natural finish. Granite countertops leave a very positive first impression on family, friends and potential customers who visit your home. By following these simple steps for proper sealing and regular cleaning of your granite countertops, you can ensure that they look their best for years to come.
