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.
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.
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.
Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is largely composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica minerals. It is generally resistant to chemical reactions, but can be affected by certain strong acids like hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. The reaction will cause the surface to etch or dull.
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.
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.
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.
If it does go dark, you should use a solvent-based sealer to protect against oil-based stains. In short, if the granite goes dark with either water or paint thinner, then seal. lf there is no color change alter testing with these two liquids, you do not really need a sealer on your granite countertop.
Resistant, but Porous: The Paradox of Granite Countertops
However, it isn't water-proof. Because granite is a stone, it is also naturally porous. And while it won't absorb in the same way as, say, sandstone or limestone, it will still absorb bits of moisture that can eventually damage your counters.
This may come as a surprise to many, but warm water and mild dish soap will thoroughly clean your granite countertops. It's simple, and maybe the most obvious choice, but it's extremely effective. When cleaning your countertops, harsh and abrasive cleaners such as acidic cleaners, vinegar, and bleach should be avoided.
While granite is one of the least likely natural stone surfaces to stain, there is a rare chance that some stains can occur. One of these types of stains is water stains. Luckily, if your granite countertops do have any water stains, these can be removed relatively easily.
Mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the soapy solution. Gently clean the stained area, being careful not to damage the granite. Rinse the area with water to remove soap residue.
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.
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.
If the discoloration appears to be lighter in color (may look like “water spots” or “water rings”), it is probably an etch mark.
Don't use WD-40 on natural stone
But natural stone is porous, and you shouldn't use WD-40 to clean it—WD-40 can soak into the surface of the stone and stain it. Also, many stone surfaces are treated with wax polish, and WD-40 can dissolve wax finishes.
Granite is very heat resistant, but countertops can still be damaged by hot pots and pans. This is because the sealant and finish on granite is not as heat resistant as the stone itself.
In certain situations, acetone can be used on granite. It's always best to use a stone-safe granite cleaner. However, there are some situations when the careful application of acetone can help you remove stubborn stains. If you do clean your stone with acetone, it's important to immediately reseal it after.
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.
A solution of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol (91% or less) can be used occasionally to restore the granite's shine.
Baking soda is known as a stain remover. It can help to remove liquid stains such as tea, wine or coffee. It also helps to remove the unpleasant smells. It is quite affective on solid surfaces in general but it is not advised to use baking soda directly on natural stone surfaces.
Glass or granite tables work well for crafting activities because they are durable and easy to clean. Create a simple cleaning solution of OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover and water to safely clean granite and marble.
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.
Clean and disinfect granite like an expert. Step 1 Brush or sweep away dust, dirt or food crumbs. Step 2 Dilute ⅛ cup of Pine-Sol® in a gallon of warm water. Step 3 Wipe down granite with a sponge or mop soaked in the solution.