Granite, known for its beauty and durability, is still a popular choice for countertops, floors, and backsplashes today. Granite is stain-resistant and easy to clean. While this is the case, you’ll want to take care when cleaning your granite countertops.
Can you clean granite with lemon juice? You should avoid doing this. This is because the acid in the juice could weaken the seal, causing damage to the actual stone. Lemon is also detrimental to granite because it includes calcite, so never use lemon-based cleaners on your granite counter and use caution while cooking with lemon.
At the same time, don’t use scouring cleansers on granite because they might erode the seal, leaving the stone vulnerable—only clean granite with mild soap and water. Make sure to rinse the soap off the countertop thoroughly, or you risk developing a buildup that will make your counter appear dull.
How to properly clean granite countertops
You’ll adore your granite countertops’ beautiful pattern. Unfortunately, crumbs can easily hide amid the speckles and swirls. Get down at eye level with your granite countertops and inspect them for residue. You’ll be able to find crumbs and trash that you might have missed.
Wipe down the countertops. To clean granite, combine a soft cotton cloth, a light liquid dishwashing soap, and warm water. If you want to take the easy option, use a commercially available stone cleaner.
Rinse and dry. To remove water stains and streaks after washing with a soap solution, rinse the surface with water and dry with a soft towel.
Deep Cleaning (Optional). Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water for a more thorough cleaning. A spray cleaner gives granite surfaces an incredible shine. This mixture can also help to remove bacteria and disinfect granite surfaces.
Tricks to remove stains from granite
Although your granite may be perfectly sealed, the sealer is intended to deflect stains rather than entirely prevent them. Blot spills immediately to prevent them from spreading. Then, use water and mild dish soap to clean the area, followed by numerous rinses with clean water.
Although granite surfaces are stain-resistant, stains are nevertheless likely to appear, particularly in food preparation areas and bathroom vanities.
Oil-based and organic stains are common on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and you can easily remove them by following the proper process.
You should start by making a poultice. A poultice can effectively remove stains from granite countertops. Use baking soda as a cleaning base, followed by water for oil-based stains and hydrogen peroxide for water-based stains. Combine the baking soda and liquid to form a paste.
You should then apply paste and scrub. Apply a poultice on the stain. Next, use a soft cloth to scrape the surface gently.
Once you are done, rinse and repeat. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain is removed.
Cover with plastic and let sit (optional). If the paste-rinse-repeat procedure isn’t working, add more paste and cover the area with plastic wrap.
Tape down the corners of the plastic wrap and let it sit overnight or for a few days. Remove the plastic wrap, then rinse and gently scrub the area with a soft cloth.
How to keep your countertops clean for a long time
Maintenance and preventative practices can help keep your granite surfaces looking crisp. To have an easy time keeping your surfaces in good shape, here are valuable tips you should follow:
Think about sealing. Sealing granite surfaces with an impregnating sealer protects them from stains. Sealers do not make stone surfaces stain-proof; instead, they make them more stain-resistant. Sealers in food processing facilities must be nontoxic and food-safe.
Use precautions: Always use coasters under glasses, especially those holding alcohol or citrus juices, and place hot foods on trivets. Items that stain granite surfaces, such as cooking oils, oil-based cosmetics, and creams, should not be stored there.
Protect against abrasive sand, mud, and grit by frequently mopping interior floors with a clean, non-treated dry dust mop. To reduce tracked-in dirt, place slip-resistant mats or area rugs inside and exterior entrances.
If you use a vacuum cleaner on granite floors, be sure the attachments and wheels are in good condition; worn equipment can harm granite.
Stay on top of spills: Immediately blot (not wipe) spills with a paper towel. Wiping spreads spills. Flush the area with a solution of water and mild dish soap; rinse thoroughly. Dry the area completely with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.
Avoid using strong cleansers. Granites may include trace amounts of acid-sensitive minerals, so avoid cleaning products with lemon, vinegar, or other acids. Do not use scouring powders, abrasive lotions, or rust removers.
Avoid ammonia, bleach, and cleaning agents containing solvents or caustics that may remove sealers.
How often should you clean your granite countertops?
You should clean worktops in the kitchen after each meal or at least once a day to get rid of spills, food residue, and protect the sealant finish. You should wipe bathroom counters after each use and clean them properly once a week.
Depending on the amount of foot activity, you should sweep granite floors or dust mop daily and clean weekly using a dishwashing detergent and water solution. You should note that desktops and mantles require weekly dusting.
When should you call a professional?
Granite countertops are an investment that you’ll want to keep looking nice for years. If you follow the above tips, you won’t have an issue keeping your counters clean and maintaining them in top shape for a long time.
If you’re new to granite care and have questions, whether you’ve recently installed new countertops or moved into a home with existing granite surfaces, it’s a good idea to speak with a granite kitchen countertops Durham professional at your local stone shop.
A stone company can also set you up on a sealing plan and provide specific cleaning products that won’t hurt your counters.
When you are looking for a professional, don’t hire just any you come across. Instead, take your time and find one who is experienced and knows what they are doing. The last thing you want is to ruin your counters in the name of fixing them.