Do you have granite countertops in your home? They can be a wonderful way to accent your kitchen or bathroom by providing a timeless and elegant look. However, if you want to keep your natural stone surfaces looking like new, there are a few things that you should know about how to clean granite countertops properly.
Many people don’t realize that natural stones like granite are porous in nature, meaning that the stone itself contains openings that are microscopic. These “voids” within the granite can be problematic as they can absorb liquids (as well as gases!)—granite is considered a low-porous material, but proper granite cleaning and maintenance are still imperative to maintaining the integrity of the granite surfaces within your home.
What You Use to Clean Your Granite Countertops Matters
One of the biggest things you can do to damage your beautiful granite countertops is to choose the wrong type of cleaning materials to get the job done. We are going to discuss what not to do and what to do when it comes to keeping your granite pristine and not damaging it during the cleaning process. For starters, what you wipe your granite countertop down with matters.
Avoid scrubbing your granite counter down with things like coarse brushes, Brillo pads, steel wool, etc. Why? Granite is sensitive to these things, and those rough materials can do more damage than they do good. Granite is hard, but abrasive cleaning materials will scratch its sealant, create pitting and surface scratches, and even dull the granite’s surface. Instead, it is recommended to clean your granite surface with soft microfiber clothes or a non-abrasive sponge.
What Types of Cleaning Products Should You Use to Clean Granite Countertops?
We recommend a simple solution of dish soap and water to clean your granite countertops. Just make sure to wipe them down to dry them thoroughly to avoid any unwanted streaks. You really don’t need more than this. If you need to properly disinfect the granite surface, you can use a 50/50 solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and water for proper sanitation.
What you want to avoid using to clean your granite countertops is anything too acidic or caustic. Harsh chemicals, products like bleach, lemon cleaner, and vinegar-based cleaning solutions, can weaken the sealant on your granite countertops and dull their finish.
Resealing Your Granite Countertops
To properly maintain the integrity of your granite, it’s important to reseal your countertops following the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are uncertain about this, you can contact us with any questions you might have about the specific process. As professionals, we can polish and seal your granite countertops properly and with care for a deep clean.
Why reseal your countertops? The reason is that resealing protects the stone. This process helps preserve your granite countertop’s natural luster and beauty, which is why experts recommend refinishing as part of granite countertop maintenance.
If you are looking for a reputable stone care company to spruce up your granite countertops and make them look new, NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our stone care experts are skilled in services like polishing and resealing. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.