Instead, use specially-developed granite cleaners, like STAIN-PROOF Daily Countertop Cleaner with a soft cloth. Avoid bleaches, common household cleaners and acidic liquids, especially on unsealed granite, as they can eat away at the surface.
Clean granite with soft cotton cloths or clean rag mops along with neutral cleaners, mild liquid dishwashing detergent, and water. After washing with a soap solution, rinse the surface with water and dry with a soft cloth to eliminate water spots and streaking.
After scraping away the residue and cleaning the stone with water, you can use a polishing powder to restore the shine. These polishing products are safe for most stone. You will need to reseal the stone after completing this process. Another option for small areas is Stone Scrub or Acetone to remove residue.
If it isn't sealed, natural stone is porous – which means grease and grime can penetrate the surface if not cleaned properly. To avoid damaging your countertops, wipe the countertop daily with a damp microfiber cloth. You may need to use a cleaner to remove stains and grime.
Unsealed granite counters are susceptible to stains from food, drinks, and other spills. Since granite is porous, is can quickly absorb food and liquids, which is then hard to get up. Sealing your countertops is the best way to avoid stains like this.
It requires very little maintenance and is quite durable. However, when looking to maintain its stain resistance, some maintenance is required from time to time to reseal the material. In its natural state, granite is porous and absorbs liquids easily, therefore it needs to be sealed to make it stain-resistant.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (specific products from Lithofin for example), or a dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
Mix a poultice paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains), or baking soda and peroxide (for others), until it's as thick as peanut butter. Spread the mixture over the spot, cover it with plastic wrap that you've poked a few holes in, and secure it with masking tape. Let the poultice paste stand for 24 hours.
The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop.
As good as a cleaner for windows and other glass surfaces, Windex has some elements on its compositions that can permanently damage granite when used for a long time. For that reason, you should never use Windex on granite.
Don't use harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing tools: Stick with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth. Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house!
Warm water and dish soap: The best way to clean granite countertops is to use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, such as cleaning with Dawn Powerwash, says Ahmed Jamal, cleaning expert behind CleaningAdvisor.
If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone. DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges. Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided.
You can use a mop or a cleaner to swipe the wooden floor. However, beforehand, you should thoroughly wring out the mop or the cleaner to avoid dampening and damaging the floor. If the floor gets too wet, find a dry cloth as soon as possible, and absorb and remove all the remaining water.
Clean stone surfaces with warm water and a mild soap such as a clear Dawn Liquid Soap. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.
Baking soda is known as a stain remover. It can help to remove liquid stains such as tea, wine or coffee. It also helps to remove the unpleasant smells. It is quite affective on solid surfaces in general but it is not advised to use baking soda directly on natural stone surfaces.
With that said, there is always a risk anytime you use a harsh chemical cleaner on your granite countertops. With this in mind, it's generally best to avoid bleach and use a safer alternative to clean and disinfect your granite surfaces, especially if they haven't been re-sealed in a while.
Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
However, vinegar should never be used on your granite countertops. Vinegar is made up of acids that can severely harm your granite. Even if it is diluted, vinegar may still leave acids on your granite countertops. This can cause your natural stone countertops to etch.
It is like any other natural material. Wood has its grain, and stone has its pores. Fortunately, it's easy to seal a granite countertop. It takes just a few minutes and requires little more than a granite sealer and a clean pad.
Granite is Heat Resistant
Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.