Granite countertops are popular among homeowners and designers, as they offer great durability and beauty and enhance the overall look and functionality of any kitchen space. They come in a wide range of color and design options to choose from as per different project preferences. Along with this, a major question arises in homeowners’ minds: How to care for granite countertops?
Protecting granite countertops is not a hefty task to perform, but it should not be neglected. It is essential to keep your countertop slabs clean and in good condition to maintain their pristine beauty and durability for a long time. Regular cleaning and proper sealing are some easy ways to keep your granite slabs looking like new for years.
Every process requires a series of steps to be followed, and this is the same case with cleaning granite countertops. which requires using the best granite cleaners and cleaning techniques to keep your countertop looking like new even after years of purchase. In this blog, we will take you through each step in detail on how to cleave granite.
Understanding Granite Countertops
What is Granite?
Granite is considered an intrusive igneous rock that consists of minerals such as mica, feldspar, and quartz. These minerals are what make up 80% of granite material, which is formed deep within the earth’s crust.
Being a natural stone, granite is porous and can absorb liquids and moisture that might leave stains for a long time, which increases the requirement of regular cleaning and sealing of this stone.
Why Granite Needs Special Care?
Before knowing how to care for granite countertops, it is essential to know the reason behind offering special care to these countertop materials. They are considered highly sensitive to acidic solutions, unlike porcelain slabs, and can fade, which might result in staining and discoloration of countertop material.
a. Daily Cleaning Routine
Basic Cleaning Steps
- Begin wiping your granite countertop with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris off the surface.
- Then mix any mild detergent or any best granite cleaner you have in warm water and apply it on the surface using any soft cloth.
- Wait for a few minutes and then rinse all the material down with clean water until the surface looks clean.
- Either use a mini wiper or any dry cloth to immediately dey the countertop surface to avoid water spots.
Recommended Cleaning Products
- Mild dish soap
- granite cleaner.
- Soft, microfiber cloths.
b. Deep Cleaning and Maintenance
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Apart from regular cleaning, our granite countertops require weekly cleaning to keep them working and looking fine for a long time. The process of cleaning granite countertops weekly includes:
- Clean the countertop surface using a soft, dry cloth and remove any dirt from it.
- Take a small bowl of warm water and mix either mild detergent or granite counter cleaner in it.
- The cleaners can also be used to remove stains from any stone’s surface, either on floors or wall panels.
- Apply the cleaners to the surface and specifically to the strains, and leave it for 15-20 minutes to let them set.
- Take a soft-bristled brush and scrub the stained area gently to remove the marks.
- Rinse the countertop surface with clean water and dry it with a dry soft cloth or a mini wiper.
c. Monthly Maintenance
Granite is a porous natural stone that can easily absorb moisture and stains and can leave marks on countertops for a long time. To prevent your granite countertops from any damage from any solution, it is ideal to apply sealant to their surface.
You can also DIY the sealing process, but it is always great to seek professional assistance in this work. They will help you with finding the right sealant for your countertop material and will also apply it for better results.
d. Dealing with Stains and Spills
- In case of spills and stains, act immediately and wipe it using a dry cloth or use it to absorb the spill immediately so that it cannot leave the stain behind.
- After soaking it with a dry cloth, look for any stains and rinse it immediately using clean water, and then dry it up with a mini-wipe or a dry cloth again.
- If you see a stain even after the wash wash, use the manufacturer’s recommended granite counter cleaner over the spill to clean the stain mark.
- If the spill contains any acidic element, such as lemon or vinegar, neutralize it using baking soda paste; this can be done in any natural stone tile material.
- After cleaning the spills, ensure to clean and dry the surface to avoid water spots.
Avoiding Common Granite Cleaning Mistakes
- Avoid using harmful and acid-based cleaners to clean granite countertops, as they may damage the stone’s surface and result in discoloration and fading.
- While looking for how to care for granite countertops, use effective cleaning methods to keep your stone’s surface intact.
- Do not use any harsh or soft scrub on the surface, and avoid scrubbing your granite countertop as it may leave scratch marks, which might result in diminished beauty of the surface.
- Use gentle cleaning techniques and soft clothes, and use mild detergents and cleaners to remove stains.
- Avoid leaving water on your countertop’s surface, as it may leave the water spots. After rinsing the paste and dirt, dry it up immediately using either a dry soft cloth or a mini wiper.
Tips for Maintaining Granite Countertops
- Use cutting boards for cutting any vegetable or fruit; avoid using the countertop surface directly, as it may leave scratches caused by sharp objects.
- In learning how to care for granite countertops, use pot holders or trivets to place hot pans and avoid placing them directly onto the surface.
- Take some time out in a week to inspect your countertop material for any stain or mark and look for every corner, and in case of any finding, act immediately.
- In the span of a few months, it is also essential to look for the signs of normal wear and tear, if any, and in case they are found, then you should consult a professional.
- Identify and address all the issues properly and act accordingly to avoid any potential damage to your granite countertop material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning granite countertops is not a hectic task to perform, but neglecting it for long or on a regular basis may damage the stone’s surface and leave marks, which can result in discoloration and fade, affecting the stone’s beauty.
Consistency is the key. Whether it is cleaning granite countertops or marble slabs flooring, ensure to clean your stone’s surface regularly, do a deep cleaning weekly and some hidden areas, and look for wear and tear monthly with sealant application to ensure that your countertops last for a long time.
While caring for your granite countertops, use the best granite cleaners and avoid using any abrasives or harsh chemicals on the surface, as it may harm it and result in penetration and discoloration. Care for your countertop material, and it will care for the enhanced beauty and functionality of your kitchen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Purnima Kaushik is a seasoned content writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the stone and real estate industries. As a leading voice at MPG Stone, she shares insights on installment processes, project insights, design guides, and much more
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