Granite has been one of the most popular materials used in making kitchen countertops for years. Installing granite countertops is one of the common projects during a kitchen remodel. The stone is found everywhere. Many people prefer granite because the stone isn’t as porous as marble, making it less prone to staining.
Prevention is key to maintaining kitchen countertops in good condition. Granite has high resistance when it comes to bacteria, an important consideration when choosing a new countertop. You can keep the glossy shine of granite countertops by cleaning them regularly and thoroughly.
Here are the five tips for cleaning Granite Countertops
Avoid Using Acidic Cleaners
Cleaning compounds that contain ammonia, lemon, and vinegar are too acidic for kitchen countertops and will damage them. However, some cleaning experts recommend using citrus essential oils because it is PH neutral. You should also avoid products that contain bleach.
You can find cleaning compounds designed for granite. If you’re uncertain about whether a particular cleaner can be used, read the instructions on the container. Many homeowners use vinegar because it’s readily available. When used, vinegar can cause the deterioration of the sealant on granite countertops.
Use Dish Soap and a Soft Sponge
For regular countertop cleaning, you don’t need to use products more sophisticated than mild soap. You just need to dilute it with some water. Take a sponge and wet it. Apply some dish soap into the center. Note that granite scratches easily. Therefore, avoid using an abrasive scrubber.
Clean Spills Immediately
Granite can easily stain, even if it’s water that’s spilled on it. The stains are avoidable if you clean them right away. You need to do this even if you’re exhausted. The few seconds it takes for the task will be worth the resulting beauty. Use a blotting motion with a cleaning cloth while cleaning the spill. Note that rubbing the stains can make it worse and spread the substance.
Use a Baking Soda Solution
If you need to do thorough cleaning for your countertops, dish soap and water may be ineffective. Instead, consider using a baking soda solution. Some of the things you’ll need include baking soda, water, a plastic wrap, spoon, and bowl.
Mix the solution using the spoon. Spray the countertops with the water and cover it completely with the solution. Use the wrap to cover the bowl and leave it alone. The mixture will dry up and remove the stains. Repeat the process as needed until you get rid of all the stains.
Use a Sealant
The above tips help to remove stains from your countertops when they get stained. Fortunately, you can use several methods to prevent staining. The easiest way of doing this is by applying a sealant on granite.
Sealants are readily available in Massachusetts’ home improvement stores. Look for products designed for granite. You can ask a sales representative about the intended use of a sealant you’re about to buy. It’s much better to ask the right questions than use products that may damage your countertops. Note that even if you have sealed the surface before, you’ll need to do it again from time to time.
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