Clorox wipes contain cleaning agents, including alcohol and bleach, that are effective at disinfecting surfaces. However, these ingredients are harsh on granite because they can strip away its protective sealant over time.
Vinegar, citrus products, soft drinks, tomato juice, grape juice, coffee, and wine are acidic substances that are commonly found in kitchens. Acidic liquids stain even sealed granite if they sit for long enough. These substances should be cleaned up right away if spills do occur.
Hot water and dish soap should be adequate for daily sanitizing. However, if a stronger disinfectant is desired, mix together a 50:50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray onto the granite, allow to sit for three to five minutes, and then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
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.
Granite is heat-resistant but you should still place hot pans on pads or trivets rather than directly on the surface to be safe. Use coasters for cups, glasses and bottles.
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.
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.
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.
Fissures and Pits
Any granite that you purchase, no matter its source or its grade may have natural fissures or pits in its surface. Some of these are harmless; cosmetic cracks or small indentations in the stone. But others could actually weaken the structure and integrity of the countertop.
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.
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.
If your countertops have nicks and scratches in the finish, you may want to sanitize them more thoroughly. Here's how to disinfect granite countertops safely. Mix one part water and one part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray it on the countertop and let the disinfectant sit for five minutes.
When it's time to reseal, choose a sealer specifically formulated to penetrate and seal granite such as Stone Care International's Granite & Stone Sealer. Before beginning remove all items, such as flower pots, vases and other decorations from the area you wish to seal.
The essential oils found in specialty soaps feel great on the skin, but they're prone to staining granite surfaces. To deal with these greasy stains, mix baking soda and a few drops of acetone to make a paste that should cover the spot and be left for 24 hours, then rinse with water and reseal the stone.
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.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
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. Windex can strip the sealer off of your granite countertops, leaving the granite susceptible to staining and other damage.
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Use a pH-neutral granite cleaning solution and work it slowly and methodically across the countertop. Using anything too basic or acidic will weaken the sealant, so avoid solutions like bleach or vinegar. Some soap and water will suffice, along with a soft sponge. Also, avoid using abrasive pads for scrubbing.
You can put hot pans on granite with no worries if you place something underneath them. A trivet, pad or potholder will absorb the heat from the pan before it reaches the surface, preventing damage to your countertop and preserving its beauty.
I often like to bake at home and one of the great benefits of having granite worktops is that they are perfect for pastry. A pastry board is not necessary as a flat granite surface is all you need to roll it out.
ANSWER - Even though you sealed your granite counter top it doesn't prevent staining if the coffee spill was left on for an excessive amount of time or if it wasn't cleaned completely. The stain should be removable.