Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. 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.
Windex can be used safely on granite just as it can be used on a glass surface. Spray a light mist of Windex onto the granite countertop, and wipe off with a dry cleaning rag.
Glass Cleanser: Glass cleaners such as Windex may look like a good choice to use on the glossy finish of your granite counter. They're made to remove things like fingerprints and they leave a streak-free shine.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
Yes, Clorox® Regular-Bleach2 is safe for sealed granite countertops. Remember, bleach should never be used full strength for cleaning any surface — it should always be diluted with water first. For disinfecting countertops, use a solution of 1/2 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach2 per gallon of water.
Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite 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.
After cleaning, you'll want to polish with a product that won't leave behind residue or streaks. Simple Green Granite & Stone Polish is safe for use on granite, marble, travertine, limestone, porcelain, ceramic, quartz, Corian®*, Silestone®*, and other natural and engineered stone surfaces.
Dilute ¼ cup of Pine-Sol® in a gallon of warm water. Wipe down granite with a sponge or mop soaked in the solution. Scrub stubborn stains with full strength Pine-Sol®. Use a cleaning brush or plastic scrub pad rather than a harsh scouring pad, which can scratch unsealed granite.
Make a mixture of three parts baking soda to one part warm water, and combine until smooth. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean cloth. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the granite for a smooth, shiny surface.
A great way to keep your granite looking shiny and new is to keep up on cleaning. While wiping the surface with mild dish soap, warm water and a paper towel can be effective for a quick cleanup, you will need to use a granite cleaner such as this one to get a deeper, more effective clean.
Caring for your Granite Product. Clean the countertop daily with a soft white cloth and a neutral cleaner or household detergent such as Dove. Household cleaning products including Windex, Lysol Disinfectant and 409 can be used, but may leave a film.
For daily use, granite cleaners or soap and water are the best ways to clean and disinfect your countertop. Granite cleaners are specially formulated for natural stone, so they won't ruin its surface or sealer. Rock Doctor's Granite & Quartz Cleaner is the perfect cleaner for your black granite countertops.
Hard stone countertops like granite and quartz can withstand knife work in the kitchen without scratching. However, if you cut acidic foods like citrus fruits, the acid can degrade the surface of the countertop, leaving a noticeable dull spot.
According to Trulia Design Panel's trend predictions released last month, granite countertops are out. And in a kitchen trends survey conducted by Houzz, the home remodeling and design resource found that granite is no longer the most popular countertop material.
What Happens If You Don't Seal Granite Countertops? If you don't use a granite sealer on your countertops (or you wait too long before resealing granite countertops), they will: Absorb food, grease, and liquids — causing set-in stains on your countertop. Absorb water — making the countertop always look dirty.
Create a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the countertops by spraying it on and just use regular newspaper to wipe it off. Keep buffing away at that counter till the solution dries, and you won't see any more streaks. Granite cleaners.
Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back. High mineral content in your water (hard water) can also result in a dulling buildup on your countertops. Most soap film removers will do the job, but you can also find combination soap buildup/mineral deposit removers that can tackle both problems.
Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule. How Often Do You Need To Seal Granite? Granite is a unique and natural material that is extremely durable, resistant to high temperatures, and easy to clean.
Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is specially formulated for use on smooth, polished stone – including granite, marble, and quartz.
Vinegar spells trouble for granite countertops (and any other natural stone countertop). The acid in vinegar wears away at the protective sealant that prevents spills from penetrating the stone and causing permanent stains. In addition, over time vinegar can cause etching in the granite itself.
Cons for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant. It contains 5% acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. It's also great at cutting through grease and grime, so it's perfect for cleaning kitchen surfaces like stovetops, tables, and counters.