Many people assume that because granite is sealed, it can be maintained with any all-purpose cleaner on the market. But these cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia that can damage the granite's surface. Although it's heat and scratch-resistant, granite is a sensitive material and requires specific care.
Can you use an all-purpose cleaner on granite? Natural all-purpose cleaners are safe to use on granite countertops. Natural cleaners are made from plant-based ingredients that get your home clean without potentially harmful chemicals.
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.
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.
For regular granite cleaning, the best cleaner is nothing more sophisticated than mild dish soap diluted with water. (You can also make a homemade granite cleaner made with a base of rubbing alcohol.) Wet a sponge with water from the tap and squirt dish soap into its center. Bear in mind that granite scratches easily.
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.
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. Frequent use of these chemicals will dull and weaken the sealant over time.
Granite is a stone that's strong enough to support the weight of small appliances and cutting boards. However, it's prone to damage from sharp objects like knives. Avoid using your granite surface as a cutting board. This can cause chips, scratches, dings, and other damage.
It's not necessary to use special cleaners—warm water and soap work just fine—but this is an option if you wish to utilize it. Make your own granite countertop cleaner: Mix 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water and add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Voila, you have your own DIY granite cleaner!
Safe on granite, chrome, marble, nickel or finished wood, if wiped dry immediately. Not recommended for copper, untreated wood or brass surfaces. 3x cleaning power. Kitchen.
No, you don't need a special granite-only cleaner! But after doing our own research, we think we've discovered a consensus among stone experts on how to care for granite. Make sure your granite countertop is sealed, avoid using chemicals, and use a gentle cloth for daily wipe-downs.
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.
Like in the kitchen, an all-purpose cleaner is perfect for cleaning countertops. You can also use it to clean your tub and shower surfaces. Although for soap scum, you will want to let it sit for a more extended period of time, and you may still need to use something more abrasive.
For an easy to mix daily measure, add 2 tablespoons Simple Green to 1 cup of water. That's a 1:8 and will clean granite and tile. Apply, wash or scrub, and rinse or damp-wipe with water.
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.
You might need a polishing powder. Buy a polishing powder designed for natural stone countertops. You'll generally have to mix the powder with water to form a paste. Then “polish” problem areas with a soft cloth.
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.
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.
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.
You should not use Lysol on your granite countertops, backsplashes or vanity tops. The cleaner contains harsh ingredients that can cause your sealer to lose its effectiveness. In specific, scents such as lemon contain citric acid, so you need to keep away from those.
Buff the granite with cooking oil to provide shine and stain resistance. Apply cooking oil to a clean cloth, then make circular motions across the surface of the countertop. Use gentle pressure as you buff the 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.
Don't pour soap directly on granite countertops. Stone is porous, and full strength soap can seep into pores causing tough to remove stains. Always dilute your soap with water before cleaning. Don't use an abrasive scrubber.