How to Clean and Maintain Your Granite Benchtops
For many years, granite has been one of the most popular materials used for kitchen benchtops and bathrooms. One of the great qualities about this natural stone is that it is not as permeable as other materials, making it less prone to soaking up spills, stains, and oils. Even so, it is still important to care for granite countertops to ensure their longevity.
It is worth noting that granite is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, it is the ideal material for use in kitchen counters. Moreover, at Aurora Stone, we seal the granite counters to make them resistant to stains. We stress about teaching our clients how to care for marble countertops properly. However, it is equally important to ensure that they clean and maintain their granite as well.
What to Avoid When Caring for Granite
Keep in mind that the resin treatment for granite varies, depending on the manufacturer. So, if you choose to source your materials from Aurora Stone, you should only follow our recommended procedure. Trust that we will give you free and helpful advice, including when you should apply sealant to the surface.
You should know that granite is not impervious to liquids and moisture. As a result, it’s important to protect the surface with a sealer. Doing so will secure it against potentially harmful materials that may lower the lifespan and affect the appearance of the granite.
When it comes to cleaning granite, there are materials you should avoid. For instance, you shouldn’t use acid-based cleaners on the surface. If the cleaning substance has orange, lemon, bleach or vinegar in it, you should avoid it. The acids may degrade the sealant, leaving unsightly stains on the countertop. You may think of Clorox disinfecting wipes to be highly efficient in cleaning up spills. However, the citric acid in the cleaner can also be bad for your granite’s seal.
General Tips in Cleaning Granite Counters
When you get the best granite benchtops Perth has to offer; you can ensure the quality of your product. However, it is still essential for you to care for your counters to prolong their life and beauty. Here are some tips on how to clean granite surfaces properly.
Removing Dust
Dust can settle on your counters quickly. If you’re using your granite benchtops to prepare food, you must ensure that the surface is clean. You can always use a microfibre cloth to clean the counter, and if you’re dealing with thicker layers of dust, you can dampen the cloth with water. Our tip is to use a white cloth, which will allow you to check if there is dust left on your counters more efficiently.
Preventing Stains
Indeed, granite does not stain easily. However, if you neglect cleaning spills like coffee, spaghetti sauce, or red wine, you can expect to see stains in the future. As such, we encourage you to avoid letting sticky residue and spills sit on your granite surfaces. Have a handy towel nearby your benchtops for quick and easy cleaning.
Drying and Buffing
A lot of people forget that it is also essential to dry and buff the granite surface after cleaning it. You can use a dry microfibre cloth for this purpose. Remember to replace the wet and soggy cloth with a clean, dry one. Doing so will help you buff up and polish the surface more effectively.
Preventing Scratches
As we’ve mentioned, granite is scratch-resistant. With that said, using sharp tools like kitchen knives, bone saws, and screwdrivers against the surface can scratch it easily. As such, we recommend that you use a chopping board whenever you need to use sharp tools on your granite counters.
How to Deep Clean Granite
It is quite simple to clean granite daily. You can do it using a washcloth and a mixture of warm water with non-acidic dish soap. Remember to get rid of grime and spills immediately. Also, use a dry towel to remove excess liquid. You should do this anytime you cook in your kitchen.
From time to time, you should also disinfect your granite countertops. All you need to do is mix equal parts of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the surface thoroughly, then let it sit for two to three minutes. Use a washcloth to wipe down the solution. Once you’ve done that, you will notice a brilliant shine on your granite.
How to Get Rid of Stains
Sometimes, there are stubborn stains that a simple cleaning solution cannot remove. When this happens, you should use a unique technique. If you’re dealing with oil-based stains, make a paste using baking soda. On the other hand, for water-based stains, use hydrogen peroxide. Spread the dough over the stain, cover the affected area, then let the material sit on the surface for several hours. Take a clean cloth and wipe the paste away. Once you’ve done that, you can clean the residue with a warm washcloth and a bit of dish soap.
Learning how to clean granite benchtops is easy once you know which products work and which ones don’t. If you want to get more tips on caring for your natural stone countertops, do not hesitate to contact Aurora Stone today!
