Daily granite countertop care is as easy as cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid. If needed you can use a synthetic scrubbing pad to clean your granite counter. With the proper maintenance, granite countertops stay new-looking for a long time.
Granite Counter Maintenance
I would not recommend harsh chemicals on it. Instead, clean your counters with a neutral, mild, vegetable oil-based cleaner such as our "Murphy's Oil Soap®." Synthetic scrubbing pads can be used on granite surfaces.
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.
Regular Dawn or other dish soaps work well. Do use a soft cloth. No special tools needed here: a soft cloth will help remove all grime and dirt without damaging countertops.
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.
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!
Glass cleaners, bleach, ammonia and acids such as lemon or vinegar can strip the countertop sealant. This will leave granite more receptive to stains. The best way to clean granite counters is to choose a countertop cleaner formulated for granite. Or you can make your own cleaner from mild dish soap.
A half teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to 2 cups of water, applied via spray bottle, is typically all it takes to care for granite slabs. Be especially careful of acidic, caustic cleaners to prevent the dulling of granite surfaces.
Granite that is not sealed is far more likely to develop stains, especially from soap. Sealing your granite closes the pores of the stone to prevent liquids from penetrating the surface. If you're unsure how to seal natural stone, you can seal it yourself in a few easy steps.
Windex contains ingredients that can permanently damage the granite. While the most common damage done by Windex is dulling the shine of the countertops, it can also cause pitting.
Granite polishing powder: Also called stone polishing compound, powder offers a quick and easy way to put a fresh gleam on granite while removing minor scratches and stains. If using it dry, choose a buff polishing pad to work the polish over the surface of the granite in a steady, circular pattern.
For heavy cleaning, dilute 1/2 cup Murphy per gallon. Clean well with wrung-out mop, and mop any excess water. No visible residue, no rinsing required.
Murphy® Original oil soap is the one Mom and Grandma used to clean wood to a natural shine. Pull out the bucket and get nostalgic while cleaning wooden floors and furniture, cabinets, tile and linoleum.
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.
Watch out for red wine rings if you leave your glass on the countertop, or a leaking carton of fresh blueberries. Some other culprits include coffee, tomato juice, grape juice, mustard, citrus products, toothpaste, and anything with chemicals.
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.
How to Remove Tough Stains From Granite Surfaces. Baking soda is a really wonderful ingredient that is extremely useful for removing stains from granite without damaging the surface with harsh and abrasive chemicals. Step 1: For cleaning oil-based stains, mix baking soda and water to form a paste.
Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.
How Often to Clean Granite. Granite countertops in a kitchen should be cleaned after every food preparation or at least daily to remove spills, food residue and to protect the finish of the sealant. Bathroom countertops should be wiped down after every use and thoroughly cleaned weekly.
Natural Stone Surfaces
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers can scratch glossy, delicate surfaces such as granite and marble. Even though you may not see the tiny scratches, using any abrasive cleaner will make the surface dull.
One way to get rid of the cloudy residue is to use a baking soda paste. Another option is to use a commercial granite polish and a buffing pad to remove the haze. However, if you fear that you may cause more damage by trying to fix the problem yourself, one final option is to call out the experts.