Year after year, granite continues to dominate the kitchen countertop market, with more than half of homeowners preferring granite over other options. If you are someone fortunate enough to have these beautiful granite countertops, keeping them clean should be a priority! Luckily, granite countertops are simple to clean from daily messes.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to clean granite countertops.
Clear Away Any Messes
If your countertop cleaning is starting with a spill, gently wipe away messes before cleaning the full surface. Granite is not as susceptible to staining as softer stone, such as marble, but it is still best practice to wipe up any spills as soon as possible after they occur.
If you have anything else on your countertops- a mess from meal prepping, spilled grains, or anything else, gently brush it into the trash. Having remnants of your meal on your counters will get in the way when you are trying to clean.
Clean Granite With Gentle Cleaners
Granite counters need a gentle cleanser. Avoid abrasive cleaners! Cleaners such as bleach can inadvertently erode the sealant on the granite.
Even natural cleaning solutions, like those with vinegar, can be too much for your granite surfaces. Strong acids can destroy the sealant on your granite counters.
Dish soap and warm water should do the trick. In a bowl of warm water, add just a couple of drops of dish soap. Use a rag to gently clean the surface of your countertops.
Clean in circular motions until any residue is lifted away. Do one last sweep of the surface with large, side-to-side motions for an even clean.
If you prefer to use store-bought house cleaners, be sure to look for one specifically intended for use on granite countertops. After cleaning the surface of the granite with the soap mixture or the granite cleaning solution, rinse the surface with a clean, damp rag.
Deep Clean Stains
Despite our best efforts, sometimes stains will still set in.
A baking soda and water mixture is amazing for removing deep stains on your granite countertops. You only need enough water to make the baking soda into a paste.
Apply the paste over the stain and leave it to set. If the stain is stubborn, it can be left overnight.
Once the stain is fully removed, remove the remaining residue and wipe clean. Rinse the surface with a damp towel to remove all of the remaining baking soda mixtures from the granite countertops.
Dry the Surface
After the surface is cleaned, be sure to dry the surface thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth. If water is allowed to stay on the surface of the granite, water spots and streaks may appear.
Deeply set in water stains on your countertop, such as a dark spot that appears after leaving a wet towel on the counter all night, may require a deep stain clean to be removed.
Drying with a microfiber cloth ensures that you will be left with a flawless, streak-free shine every time.
Reseal Your Granite
If the sealer on your counter has been worn away, you may find it necessary to reseal your granite counters. If you are finding water and oil are staining your counters quickly, it is time for a reseal. Fortunately, resealing can be done at home.
After cleaning your counters thoroughly, apply the sealant. Instructions may vary by brand, but typically the sealer is gently applied with a rag and allowed to set in for at least a day or two. Once it has cured, clean your counters and enjoy their glistening shine.
Clean Your Counters Regularly
Routine cleaning of your counters is essential for a clean home. Remember, the counter is where food is prepped, so you want the surface to be fresh and clean!
Cleaning your granite countertops as part of your house cleaning routine will make sure your kitchen is fresh, sanitary, and sparkly clean whenever you use it. Good granite maintenance ensures the longevity of your beautiful countertops.
When in Doubt, Get Help!
Professional maid services make your house cleaning a breeze! Professionals will know the best way to tackle any stain and leave your granite countertops flawless. They have all of the tools and products you need to deeply clean the surface of the granite without any of the risks of do-it-yourself cleaners.
Using a professional cleaning service can make it possible to make your counters last longer, as their solutions will not damage or strip the granite. Professionals have years of experience, so they will notice every nook and cranny where your home will need refreshing. Their attention to detail will make sure no areas are missed.
Germs and bacteria are the last things you want in your kitchen. A professional cleaning service knows exactly what to do to sanitize your granite countertops and prevent food contamination.
Best of all, professional cleaning services ensure the job gets done correctly with no time investment from you.
Clean Your Granite Counters Today
Clean granite is the focal point of your kitchen. It provides a beautiful workstation to prepare meals, sip coffee, and socialize with your friends and family. Keeping your granite clean starts with everyday maintenance and gentle cleaning solutions.
Are you sick of looking at worn-out, dirty countertops? Make sure your counters are on your spring cleaning to-do list. Refresh your kitchen today with clean granite countertops.
Eagle Cleaning can help you to keep your granite sparkling year-round. For more information about hiring a professional cleaning service for your home, contact us today for a quote.
Way to go! Deep cleaning day is done and your kitchen looks fantastic. Now, it’s time to make a schedule to help you and your family keep up with the daily cleaning of the heart of your home.
Check out our follow up blog entry on How To Keep Your stainless steel appliances like new.
