Granite countertops are beautiful and can add value to your home, but they need extra care. With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your counters looking their best.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning products and harsh chemicals. These can etch and pit the surface of the granite. Instead, stick with warm water and mild dish soap.
Clean Daily
The best way to keep your granite countertops in Phoenix looking beautiful and pristine is to clean them regularly. This means wiping them down after each meal and immediately cleaning up any spills, crumbs, or other debris that may end up on the surface.
If you need a cleaner, ensure it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or abrasives that could scratch or etch your stone. Instead, use warm water, mild dish soap, and a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface down.
Aside from daily cleaning, giving your granite countertops a deeper clean every few days is also a good idea. This can be done with a specialty stone cleaner or a homemade mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
Wipe Up Spills
The porous nature of granite makes it easy for water and other liquids to soak in, which can stain your countertops if allowed to sit. To prevent this, wipe up spills immediately and dry them thoroughly afterward.
You can also avoid oily stains on your granite counters by keeping food and other items away from the surface, especially around cooking appliances. Keep a clean cloth close by to wipe up oils when they get on the stone.
If a stain does appear, a poultice of baking soda and water can often work. However, don’t use vinegar or lemon juice on granite surfaces, as they are acidic and will discolor the stone. Instead, make a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Apply it generously and gently scrub it with a soft cloth. You may need to repeat the process if a stain persists. For tougher stains, consider hiring a professional to remove them.
Clean Stains
Granite is a beautiful, durable countertop option for your home, but it’s not immune to stains. Knowing how to clean stains is essential to keep your kitchen looking its best.
Whether dealing with oil or water-based stains, baking soda is an excellent stain remover. Mix a 50-50 ratio of baking soda and water to make a paste, then apply it generously over the stain.
If you’re battling a stubborn grease stain, mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a powerful homemade stain remover. Cover the stained area with plastic wrap, tape the edges down, then leave this solution overnight.
Ink stains and paint stains can also be removed by using hydrogen peroxide. However, these are strong chemicals, so use them sparingly and in small areas. You may need several back-to-back applications to get a clean surface. Alternatively, you can try a poultice application.
Clean the Floors
If you have a kitchen, you should clean your countertops daily to remove food residue and spills. The same routine should be followed for bathrooms.
For granite, a mild dish soap and water solution is usually sufficient. However, if your granite countertops are heavily soiled, disinfect the surface using a spray cleaner such as 70% isopropyl alcohol.
The cleaner will also help eliminate bacteria and prevent future staining. Be sure to read the product’s label and follow all instructions.
A good microfiber mop can save you time and money by allowing you to use fewer cleaning chemicals. But choosing the right microfiber pad for your floor type is essential. For instance, a short-loop microfiber is excellent for hardwoods and laminates, while long fibers are better suited for tile floors.
