Best Ways to clean Granite Countertops for Kitchen and Bathrooms

In recent years, granite countertops have become well-known to a lot of homeowners for kitchen granite countertops and baths but it is not everyone that is familiar with the best ways to clean granite countertops. In the minds of most people, granite means resilience and strength.

Granite is not that prone to soaking up stain, spills, and oils. It is also very resistant to bacteria and less porous, which makes it great consideration, especially for kitchen counters. You are required to learn how to clean granite countertops carefully and regularly if you want to keep the glossy shine.

However, not many of them are sure about the exact things to do when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the surface of the stone. The stone’s surface is tough but it is still vulnerable to stains and inappropriate cleaning methods may result in accidental removal of the seal.

It is important to employ good cleaning and care strategies to ensure the surface of your granite maintains its durability and good looks.
The following are the best ways to clean a granite countertop:

 

How To Disinfect And Clean Granite Countertops

To clean and disinfect your granite top, you need the following:

  1. Gentle mild soap
  2. Warm water
  3. Cloth
  4. Terrycloth towel
  5. Isopropyl alcohol and a Spray bottle (both are optional)

How To:

  • Warm water and dishcloth can be used for general cleaning. Wet the cloth thoroughly with the solution of warm water and dish soap.
  • Use the wet dishcloth to wipe away any crumbs or spills on your granite countertop.
  • Dry your countertop properly with a soft terry cloth towel. This helps to avoid streaking.
  • Disinfect the granite countertop with a solution of 50:50 isopropyl alcohol and water. Allow the solution to remain on the granite for 3-5 minutes. Later rinse it with water and use a microfiber cloth to dry it.
  • Be sure to do this every few days.

 

How To Clean Granite Countertop By Removing Stains and Spills

While your granite kitchen or bathroom countertop may be properly sealed, it can only repel stains and does not have the ability to prevent them completely. This is why it is necessary that you take the following measures to hinder stains and spills from causing permanent damage to your granite:

  • Start by using a paper towel to blot spills up. Use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel to pat spills immediately to make sure the spill doesn’t spread. Avoid wiping and it would cause the spill to spread. Consistently clean and rinse the area with water and dish soap.
  • Clean up the spill with dish soap and hot water, using a clean microfiber cloth. If the area is still stained after doing this, repeat the step.
  • Remove oil stain with baking soda paste by spreading the mixture over the stain on the granite and rubbing it with a clean cloth to rub it into the stain.
  • Get rid of juice or water stains on the counters by mixing1 part water with 3 parts hydrogen peroxide. Pour the solution on the stain and wipe it with a clean cloth.
  • Rinse the area with water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

 

The Best Way To Clean Granite Countertops to Prevent Future Stains: Consider Sealing The Counters

While sealing your granite countertop surface does not make it stain-proof, it makes it more resilient to chips and stains. Take the following steps towards sealing your granite:

  • Check the seal you have on your granite. Splash water on it and watch the reaction of the water. You would know that the granite is still sealed with the water beads up and if not, it is time to do the seal again.
  • Thoroughly clean and dry your granite with a cleaner designed for just this purpose, either DIY or the one you bought.
  • Wipe the granite countertop with a clean cloth soaked in water along with the cleaner. Dry the surface with a microfiber cloth.
  • Allow the surface to be thoroughly dry, which should be between 10-15 minutes before sealing to make sure the seal adheres.
  • Evenly apply the sealant over the whole surface of the granite countertop. Use a granite-specific “impregnator” sealant. Remove the excess 15 minutes later.

 

How To Clean Granite Countertop Stains with Natural Products

One of the best ways to clean granite countertops is using mild dish soap. DIY cleaning solutions such as natural products like vinegar and lemon may not really be of help in this aspect. According to Amanda Thomas, Housekeeping and organization expert and founder of Moxie Girl, you should clean granite countertops dishwashing liquid and a damp rag every day, while drying the surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Drying is very important in this as it helps to avoid pesky water spots.

There is lots of dishwashing soap out there but you just have to look for products with transparency in labeling and simple ingredients. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) in their Cleaners and Air Freshener Guide provides people with information about products and ingredients to ensure they make informed buying decisions when it comes to what they bring into their homes for cleaning.

 

Take Away –General Cleaning Tips For Granite Countertops

To ensure proper maintenance of your granite countertops retain its gorgeous pattern that you love so much, keep the following tips in mind. They will help you make sure your granite stays crumb-free:

  • Use warm water, microfiber, and a bar of mild dish soap for daily wipe-downs.
  • Don’t make use of acidic cleaners on your granite countertops. Cleaners with vinegar, lemon or ammonia are too acidic for your granite countertops.
  • Stay away from using commercial disinfecting cleaners, especially the ones with a beach. Method Daily Granite and Granite Gold are cleaners specifically designed for granite.
  • Avoid using steel wool or sponges for cleaning your granite countertops.

Granite is an investment you would want to maintain. If you are not familiar with granite countertops and have questions, we suggest you to follow stone manufacture requirements and guides for specific sealing recommendation and using commercial cleaning products.

RELATED POSTS

How To Measure Kitchen Countertops

Whether you’re looking to learn how to measure kitchen countertops, either granite or quartz, you’ve come to the right place…

Read More
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Although engineered quartz countertops can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom renovation project or design…

Read More
Granite vs Quartz countertops

Your choice when picking out a countertop for your kitchen will rest on what you want in terms of color, patterns, and textures. Materials range…

Read More

GET QUICK QUOTE