Cleaning pros love baking soda. It's an incredibly versatile, effective, and gentle cleaner for all kinds of surfaces—and it can also polish your granite countertops.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
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.
Fizzy soft drinks such as cola are also acidic and contain strong colourings. Oils: spilt cooking oil from pots and pans can leave permanent stains which are difficult to remove. Some foods also contain oils, so remember to use chopping boards or mats for food preparation.
Storing Acidic Things on Your Granite Countertop
Be careful with these common acidic household items that can damage the seal on your granite: Vinegar. Citrus fruits. Soft drinks.
The list of materials that can never be used on a granite countertop is extremely long. Basically, anything that is not perfectly PH neutral is going to harm your stone in some way. This includes any product – natural, man-made, or homemade – that contains anything acidic or alkaline such as lemon or citric acid.
Unfortunately, most common DIY cleaners aren't suitable for use on natural stone. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and will damage your granite surfaces. However if you get a stain on your granite countertop, you can treat it with a poultice of baking soda and water.
Your granite countertop is sealed when installed, and it is recommended that it be resealed one year after installation or sooner if you start to notice water stains that evaporate slowly in a given area. You might also consider sealing granite if you are selling your home.
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.
Etching:
Etching is the result of a chemical reaction on the surface of granite or other natural stone with acidic chemicals or even foods. They can often look like watermarks or a surface stain, but it is actually physical damage.
The exposed granite weathers and is eroded by water, wing, and ice, reducing the granite to sediments. The sediments deposit in a basin some distance from the granite source. Over time sand-‐sized particles of quartz may be cemented together, forming sandstone.
Hydrogen peroxide can be effective for removing certain types of stains on granite countertops, but it should be used with caution. It is important to test on a small, inconspicuous area first and to avoid using it too frequently, as it can potentially damage the sealant on the granite over time.
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.
Granite is the ideal choice for those who prefer an all-natural stone with distinct patterns and who don't mind the extra maintenance. Quartz is perfect for anyone who wants an easy-to-maintain, uniform stone look that comes in almost unlimited colors.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use to clean granite countertops. Not only is it safe to use on your cooking and food prep surfaces, but it is also a great degreaser and can remove stubborn grease stains. Be sure to mix it with water so the concentration isn't as strong, as you don't need to use more than a few drops.
Conclusion. While Clorox wipes are a convenient and effective cleaning product, we don't recommend them for use on granite surfaces.
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.
The fact is that stain “resistant” is not the same as stain “proof.” Granite can still stain if a liquid penetrates the surface. Oil, fruit juices, wine, coffee, and other acidic substances are the most common culprits in granite stains. In fact, your granite water damage is even possible if your water is mineral-rich.
Lemon can be very damaging to granite as it contains calcite, so never use lemon-based cleansers on your granite counter and be careful when cooking with lemon. Do not use scouring cleansers on granite as well as they can eat away at the seal leaving the stone unprotected. Only clean granite with mild soap and water.
As the water evaporates, it leaves behind mineral deposits. And because granite is a porous material, the minerals can seep below the surface and cause the stain! You can identify hard water stains by their appearance. They appear as chalky white residue or light-colored spots on your granite surface.
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.
As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock. We do recommend that you always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. (Review your electric appliance manual as a reference.)
Fancy cleaners aren't necessary for cleaning granite counters on a daily basis. You really only need three things: Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a microfiber cloth. Tip: Make sure your dishwashing liquid doesn't contain citrus extracts, as they're too acidic for granite countertops.
If left unsealed, granite countertops can become vulnerable to stains and damage over time. Granite, being a porous material, naturally absorbs liquids. Without proper sealing, liquids spilled in the kitchen, such as wine, oil, coffee, or food can seep into the pores, leaving behind stubborn stains.
This soft, malleable material can trap dirt within its layers and, as it accumulates, can give the surface a yellow hue. This issue is commonly reported when someone believes their granite counters need repolishing. Wear on surfaces is typically caused by grinding sand or dirt underfoot.
In most cases, it will take about four hours to complete this project, and the total cost for resealing your granite countertop should range between $200 and $350.