Granite is a popular and beautiful material for countertops and bathroom vanities. However, it can also be prone to stains and scratches. Follow these tips for keeping your granite clean:
Use a pH-neutral cleaner.
Granite is a natural stone that can be damaged by acidic cleaners. The pH of a solution refers to its acidity or alkalinity, with neutral being 7.0 and anything below that being acidic and above that being alkaline. Acids are used in many household items, including toilet bowl cleaner, toilet deodorizer, and even caustic soda for removing rust stains from clothing.
Use a soft cloth to clean.
Always use a washcloth or sponge when cleaning your granite countertops. Never use steel wool or anything metal on granite! This will scratch the surface and ruin it over time.
Use water, dish soap, and a soft cloth to clean up spills.
To clean up spills on your granite counters, use a soft cloth or sponge, water, and dish soap. Be sure to use a gentle touch and not scrub too hard. If the spill is stubborn, you can try adding a little bit of baking soda to help loosen it up.
Only use cleaners that are specifically formulated for natural stone.
Granite is a durable and beautiful natural stone. It's important to use cleaners specifically formulated for granite to avoid doing more damage than necessary.
Natural stone cleaners are designed to be pH neutral, which means they won't strip or etch the surface as other acidic products might. They're also less likely to cause damage because they're generally easier on stone surfaces and will leave behind a pleasant scent that won't overpower your other countertop scents (or your nose). Natural stone cleaners are designed especially for granite, so you can rest assured that they'll get the job done safely without damaging your countertop during use.
You can also make a homemade granite cleaner.
You can also make a homemade granite cleaner by mixing dish soap with rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. To use, simply spray the solution on your granite countertops and wipe them clean using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with water after cleaning.
Never use vinegar, Windex, or bleach on your granite countertops.
Vinegar is too acidic and will etch the surface. Windex is too alkaline, and will also etch the surface. Bleach is too strong, and will cause damage to your countertops.
Cleaning granite is all about the right products and techniques.
So there you have it: all the tips you need to keep your granite countertops looking great for years!