Though commonly used as a wound disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on your granite tops. A solution of hydrogen peroxide removes stains without bleaching or discoloring your countertops.
For water-based stains, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Step 2: Apply a small amount of your paste to the stain and then clean it using the same mild dish soap and water solution that we recommend for cleaning granite.
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.
Hydrogen peroxide is also good for cleaning walls, glass, doorknobs, countertops, toilets, and other hard surfaces.
On light colored stones, clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark colored stones, clean with lacquer thinner or acetone. Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or scraped off carefully with a razor blade.
That is why you need something that can make those stubborn stains vanish without deteriorating the quality of your quartz. That's where hydrogen peroxide comes in. There are no detrimental effects of using hydrogen peroxide on quartz as such, except for a slight discoloration for lighter colors of quartz.
Though commonly used as a wound disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on your granite tops. A solution of hydrogen peroxide removes stains without bleaching or discoloring your countertops.
On granite, sandstone, slate, or quartzite, you can use a 1/2 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide or a few drops of ammonia directly on the stain and remove it with a damp cloth. Use your normal cleaning solution on marble, limestone, onyx, or travertine.
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.
The experts at Molly Maids recommend using baking soda as a cleaning base and adding water for oil-based stains or hydrogen peroxide for water-based stains. Mix the baking soda and liquid into a paste and apply to the stain. Next, gently scrub the countertop with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
Use a razor blade to remove difficult spots. If you don't have a razor blade on hand, another method for removing stubborn stains from granite is to make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
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.
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.
Do use a mild detergent soap. 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.
Bleach, vinegar, the ingredients in Lysol, and others can cause permanent damage, especially if used incorrectly. Acids, such as vinegar and even lemon juice, can break down the sealant that is used on stone countertops. Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops.
Hydrogen peroxide also kills normal cells within the wound — including healthy skin cells and immune cells — and slows blood vessel formation, all of which are important for wound healing. It's a similar story with rubbing alcohol, another substance commonly thought to help sanitize a wound.
The bottom line. Hydrogen peroxide used to be a popular antiseptic for cleaning wounds and treating acne. But it's not a good idea to use it for those purposes, since it can irritate your skin. If you don't want to throw away your brown bottles, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect around the house.
Hydrogen peroxide can discolor or damage certain materials, such as fabrics, leather, and wood, so be sure to test it on a small, unnoticeable area before using.
Although granite is harder and less porous than marble or limestone, it is even more vulnerable to strong alkaline chemicals, including ammonia and harsh detergents.
Clean your cutting board and countertop.
Add hydrogen peroxide to an opaque spray bottle -- exposure to light kills its effectiveness -- and spray on your surfaces. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse clean.
To get them looking beautiful again in no time, the best way to clean them is to use dish soap, warm water, nonabrasive glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, and nonabrasive sponges. Maintain clean quartz countertops daily and you won't have to worry about any damage to your quartz countertop down the road.
Water-based: Condensation rings or water drips are very common stains that should lift with a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Just apply the solution with a soft cloth, scrub, rinse with water, and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.