How To Clean Polish And Seal Granite Countertops

Granite is a popular choice for kitchen counters, too every bit floor and wall tiles. It'southward harder than marble , and its shiny surface and broad range of colors mean information technology's an elegant, timeless addition to whatsoever dwelling house. Granite fifty-fifty has antibacterial and heat resistant backdrop as well. Unfortunately, granite's good looks and useful properties exercise come with a premium toll tag. If you want to know the best way to continue your granite countertops looking like new, or y'all're considering installing granite counters but are daunted by the maintenance, we'll show you how to proceed your work surfaces effortlessly clean.

What is granite?

When you purchase a granite countertop, what you lot're getting is one of a number of unlike kinds of rock. True granite is igneous, meaning it's been formed from lava. What's in your granite will depend on where information technology was formed, how long information technology took to cool, and more. That's why granite comes in a range of colors and crystal sizes: each granite deposit is every bit unique as the volcano that created it.

The stone in your granite might comprise silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, along with a diversity of other minerals. Or information technology might non be granite, or fifty-fifty igneous rock, at all. Metamorphic Dolomites are sometimes sold every bit granite, as are sedimentary breccias and gabbros.

For virtually people, the chemic makeup of their granite is less important than how it looks, but these variations do accept an effect on how you make clean your granite countertop. Some types of granite are harder than others, while some stain more easily. Knowing what will stain your particular work surface, and what cleaners yous tin and tin can't use on it, is a good first step to maintaining information technology properly.

Pro Tip : Information technology'due south a myth that nighttime granite is harder than light granite. Considering the minerals in granite are and so variable, you can't tell how strong or porous granite is from the color.

If you oasis't chosen your granite countertop yet, or you know the store your installed granite came from, you can probably go a sample piece in social club to stain exam. If you can't become a sample, don't despair. Our pro tips will guide you through safely cleaning and maintaining your granite.

The lemon and h2o test for granite countertops

Y'all'll Demand:

A sample of your granite counter
Water
Real lemon juice
Optional: cooking oil, coffee, sliced fruit e.thousand. strawberries, blueberries
Decorator's tape
Granite sealant
Optional: magnifying glass

The lemon and water test is a dandy, simple mode of finding out how your granite countertop will react to different stains and cleaning solutions. Y'all'll need a sample of your granite from the stone yard or store information technology came from in order to do this. Don't experiment on your installed worktop.

Footstep i: Apply decorator's tape to divide your examination granite in half, and seal one one-half using the brand of sealant yous program to utilize on your countertop. Check out the guide at the lesser of this article for how to seal granite, or follow the manufacturer'due south instructions.

Step 2: Once your sealant has gear up, put your granite on a level surface and add a small amount of h2o on each side. Next add a small corporeality of (real) lemon juice beside the h2o, taking care not to mix them together. For a concluding test, you can also add cooking oil, or stain sources such as coffee or cut fruit.

Step three: Let the test granite to sit for at least an hour.

Step four: Wipe the granite clean and inspect it for stains and marks. You should view it at unlike angles and nether unlike lite sources to exist sure you see everything. For the near detail, use a magnifying glass to examine the surface for any tiny abrasions or dulling, known every bit etching.

What you're looking for:

Where the water (and oil, if used) was placed on the granite, bank check for darkening of the rock. This indicates that the granite has absorbed the liquid, significant it'southward porous. Whenever you get porous granite countertops wet, you lot run the risk of them condign discolored.

The side of the granite that was sealed shouldn't testify whatever water damage, even if the unsealed side does. If the granite darkens despite being sealed, it's highly porous and you'll need a specialized sealant to protect your work surfaces. Maintenance on porous granite is also more intensive, considering you'll have to seal it more frequently and mop upwardly whatsoever spills every bit soon equally they happen.

No discoloration where the water was left on the granite ways it'south non-porous and will be less probable to stain.

In the surface area where you put the lemon juice, you might see a modify in the shine or surface texture of the granite. Try rubbing your fingers over the spot if yous don't run across anything, only to be sure. If your granite looks deadening, it has been etched past the acid in the lemon juice.

Some types of granite compose very easily, while others hardly react to fifty-fifty potent acids. If you observe signs of etching, that ways your granite worktop volition need to be protected from acids such equally lemon juice, tomatoes, and red wine.

The primary purpose of sealant is to make granite less absorbent, non to stop chemic impairment. Therefore a sealant won't completely protect your granite from etching, only it should reduce the outcome.

Finally, cheque how susceptible to staining your granite is past reviewing where you placed other test samples. Lighter granites tend to stain more hands, but if your light granite is non-porous then staining volition be less of a concern.

How to make clean a granite countertop

For near day-to-twenty-four hours cleaning, you don't need to use a lot of complicated or specialized chemicals on your granite counter. Wipe up spills as before long as you can, and avert placing any stain sources onto the granite.

Although water tin can discolor granite and leave marks behind, washing your granite with h2o is still the best way to make clean it. The key is to employ simply as much water as necessary (don't flood the stone) and brand sure to wipe and dry your granite countertops as soon as you lot're done cleaning. H2o will only affect your granite if it remains on the surface long enough to soak in.

Ever try to utilize a pH neutral cleaner on granite surfaces to avoid the hazard of etching. Gentle dish soap and water is usually enough. Acidic or brine cleaners tin both harm the surface of your granite, making it wait dull and dark.

What not to use to clean granite counters

Lemon juice
Vinegar
Citric acrid
Ammonia
Bleach
Windex
Lysol

What you should use to clean granite countertops

Dish soap (due east.g. Ivory, Dawn)
Castile soap
Warm water
Baking soda
Isopropyl alcohol

Can I apply these to clean my granite countertop?
Aye	NO
Dish soap (e.g. Ivory, Dawn)	Lemon juice
Water	Vinegar
Blistering soda	Citric acrid
Isopropyl alcohol	Ammonia
	Bleach
	Windex
	Lysol

To clean granite counters, first wipe away any dust or spills with a clean, damp microfiber fabric. Then utilise warm water with a pocket-size amount of dish soap to launder granite surfaces down. Wring out the cloth and wipe once more with clean water to remove any soap residue, equally over time it tin can exit a picture behind, especially on nighttime granite.

Pro Tip: Brand sure your dish lather doesn't incorporate any citrus extracts or essential oils. Fifty-fifty though they're only used in very small amounts, they can still damage granite worktops.

Never use any annoying pad on granite or other natural stone surfaces. Wire cleaners, brushes, and even sponges tin scratch and scuff the surface. Instead, microfiber cloths are the best tool to apply, as they won't scratch and they collect grit and dirt, rather than moving it around.

If your granite countertop has a glutinous stain, avoid the temptation to scrub it away. Instead, soak stains with water or a pH neutral cleaner and utilize a soft cloth to wipe them away. If you accept a larger stain such equally dried food to remove, you can carefully utilize a plastic scraper to dislodge the residue.

Once your counter is clean, it'south important to dry it completely using a fresh microfiber cloth. If you leave water on granite countertops you risk discoloring the stone.

That'southward it! Keeping your granite counters make clean really isn't too difficult, and doesn't require whatsoever expensive, specialist cleaners.

How to remove dried spills from granite counters

Despite your all-time efforts, you lot'll probably miss a spill at some point. Don't worry, it doesn't mean your beautiful granite surface is ruined forever.

Avert the temptation to employ strong cleaners like bleach or ammonia, or DIY cleaners such as white vinegar or lemon juice. All of these are besides abrasive for employ on natural stone without risking harm. Although one or 2 uses of these solutions might not look like they've done whatever harm, over time they'll slowly erode the granite surface, leaving it dull, changing its color, and making it more probable to blot stains in the hereafter.

Instead, brand a solution of 50/50 isopropyl booze and h2o. Spray the spill and work it out gently with a microfiber cloth. If the residue even so doesn't lift, dampen a newspaper towel with the isopropyl alcohol solution and press it over the mark. Permit it sit down for five to ten minutes and and so wipe clean.

If all else fails, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the spill. Use a microfiber cloth to gently rub the residue, so wipe make clean using warm, soapy water. This method is peculiarly effective at removing oily marks from granite.

Exist sure to wash the counter with fresh water and dry thoroughly once the residue has been removed. This will keep your granite in superlative condition.

How to remove stains from granite counters

If your granite countertop is stained, in nigh instances it can still exist fixed. The crusade of the stain volition determine the best fashion to clean information technology.

Water marks

Most water marks will disappear in one case they've completely evaporated, but if your granite is very porous, or the spill was large, yous might end upwards with a dark, discoloured area. To remove water spots, use warm, soapy water to gently wash the stain. Rinse abroad any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth, and so dry out thoroughly.

If the stain is nevertheless at that place in one case the worktop is dry out, attempt using a paste of baking soda and a small corporeality of water. For the most stubborn water marks, you can use fine steel wool (#0000) to gently buff out the mark. Never wet steel wool when you're using it on granite, equally it volition damage the surface.

Oil-based stains

The best solution for oily stains is to apply a paste of baking soda and water. Employ the paste to the stain, work it in gently using a soft cloth, and go out for up to an hour. Remove any residue with a damp cloth and dry the expanse well. You may need to echo this several times to remove big or deep stains.

Organic stains

Nutrient stains tin can await very bad, but they can still be cleaned out of granite countertops. Fruit, coffee, soy sauce, and more tin can all stain granite, only they can exist removed with hydrogen peroxide if they don't respond to other cleaning methods.

What kind of stain is in my granite countertop?
Water	OIL	ORGANIC
Hard water	Cooking oil	Strawberries
Mineral deposits	Pizza grease	Tomato plant juice
Lather scum	Lipstick	Coffee

While hydrogen peroxide is slightly acidic and shouldn't be used regularly on your granite counter, you tin use it to sparingly spot-clean stubborn stains. Make a paste from hydrogen peroxide and talcum pulverization and apply it to the stained area. Rub the stain gently with a soft material, and wipe away whatever residuum. Use fresh water to ensure you remove all of the remaining peroxide and protect your granite worktop from further damage.

DIY and natural granite cleaners

Unfortunately, virtually common DIY cleaners aren't suitable for employ on natural stone. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and will damage your granite surfaces. However if y'all go a stain on your granite countertop, you can treat information technology with a poultice of baking soda and water. Mix ii or iii tablespoons of water with enough blistering soda to make a thick paste, and apply thinly to the stain. Piece of work the stain out with a soft fabric using circular motions, and make clean the area well with fresh water to remove whatsoever residue. Finally, dry your granite to prevent water marks from forming.

To disinfect your granite countertop, apply a mixture of i office isopropyl alcohol and iii parts water. Add a few drops of dish soap, and put the solution into a spray bottle. Mist the granite counter and let information technology sit for ten minutes earlier wiping away whatever backlog with a dry out microfiber cloth. This volition boost your granite'south natural antibacterial properties .

Pro Tip: If you want to add a scent to your cleaning solution, avert citrus essential oils. Instead use tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender.

As a natural alternative to dish soap, await for products with eco-friendly ingredients. Castile lather is as well prophylactic to use on granite. Just substitute a few drops in place of dish soap.

How to polish granite until information technology shines

The appeal of granite countertops is their loftier smooth finish, and yous'll desire to go on them looking sparkling clean. There are a number of ways to smooth granite counters. You can purchase a specialist granite polish for use on your worktops, or give 1 of these solutions a try.

Baking soda

Cleaning pros love blistering soda. It's an incredibly versatile, effective, and gentle cleaner for all kinds of surfaces—and information technology tin can likewise polish your granite countertops. Brand a mixture of three parts baking soda to one part warm water, and combine until smooth. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean material. Wipe abroad whatsoever residue with a damp material and dry the granite for a smooth, shiny surface.

Cooking oil

Although cooking oil can stain granite, in small amounts information technology's also an effective polish. Any typical oil will work, for case vegetable or olive oil. Utilize a pocket-sized amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using round motions. Don't forget to polish the edges of your counter! Oil volition give your granite a nice shine, and also assist it repel water.

Sometimes granite looks irksome every bit a result of etching. This is what happens when the granite surface is eroded. Small etches can be polished out using polishing powder (usually tin oxide), but no corporeality of polishing will disengage the damage washed by deep etching. Instead, telephone call a professional who can refinish the stone and restore your granite to its former glory.

What substances will stain granite countertops?

Although granite worktop owners should try to protect their natural rock surfaces, granite is mostly very resistant to stains. While the verbal stain resistance of your granite will depend on its porosity and color, you can avoid it becoming stained past taking a few simple precautions.

Water

Water can stain granite if it'southward allowed to soak in. Take care to wipe upwardly any spills as soon as possible, and pay detail attending to your counter in wet areas such as around sinks, or where you lot chop nutrient. Don't leave damp sponges or cloths on your granite, and remember not to put your moisture gloves or umbrella on the kitchen counter when you come home.

Even though water can stain your granite countertops, don't exist agape to apply it regularly for cleaning. Water volition only get out stains behind if information technology's allowed to soak into the rock, then be sure to always dry out your counter thoroughly.

Oils

Oils can discolor granite surfaces, and the stains they leave behind can be harder to remove than h2o marks. The all-time way to avoid oily stains is to be vigilant well-nigh wiping down your granite counter, specially around cooktops. Some foods also contain oils that can soak into your granite, so try to avert putting anything organic directly on top of your countertop. Utilize cutting boards and silicone mats to protect your granite from accidental harm.

Fruit juice, carmine wine, and soda

These drinks are all acidic, and take stiff colors. For granite counters, that'south a bad combination. The acrid eats into the surface of granite, and the colour permeates the stone, leaving etching and stains backside. Always wipe upward these types of spills immediately, and use coasters to protect your countertop from drink rings.

Bleach/ammonia

Any substance that isn't pH neutral can damage granite, and that includes the about mutual household cleaners. Unless yous've tested a sample slice of your granite worktop, avoid using whatever potent solution every bit they tin can cause carving and discoloration.

Estrus

Y'all may be surprised to hear that hot pots and pans can harm your granite. After all, its natural heat resistance is one reason why granite is and then pop. Granite can still be damaged by heat because the sealants and finishes used on its surface are not rut resistant to the same degree. This can upshot in ugly blackness marks on your granite, or—in worst-case scenarios—fifty-fifty crusade the granite to crack. Rather than chance estrus harm, utilise protective pads or trivets under your hot pans to protect your granite.

Fresh fruit

Simply similar fruit juice, fruit itself is commonly acidic and brightly colored. Berries, grapes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are peculiarly likely to damage granite and leaving stains behind. Protect your worktop past always putting something underneath whatever food you set out, especially fresh fruit.

Coffee

Coffee is acidic plenty to damage the surface of your granite countertop, leaving it dull and etched, and at risk of arresting stains. Keep coffee grounds abroad from your counter, employ coasters under cups to avoid rings, and consider putting a silicone mat beneath your coffeemaker to avoid any accidental spills.

Makeup

You might not think almost the damage that makeup can do to your granite counters, merely makeup products contain oils and dyes that can discolor natural stone. Avoid putting any makeup on your worktops, or place something underneath to protect the stone surface.

Should granite countertops exist sealed?

In short, yes. Sealants protect your granite from absorbing stains, giving you time to clean up before any damage occurs. Unsealed granite is much more than probable to be stained or damaged by everyday use.

There are two types of sealant normally used on granite countertops. Topical sealers coat the granite with a protective layer, while impregnating sealers soak into the stone and fill the pores that can absorb liquids and stains. Impregnating sealers tend to last longer than topical, but both kinds will need to be reapplied every year or 2 equally they suspension down.

Color enhancers

Color enhancers are applied like topical sealers, simply they don't provide the same protection. Their purpose is to brand the granite wait sleeky and "wet," and bring out the natural color of the stone. Yous can also use a color enhancer to mask harm caused by carving.Additionally, colour enhancers can improve the expect of certain granite finishes, such as leathered or honed granite, which have a matte, boring finish.

You lot tin use a color enhancer on your granite worktop in tandem with a sealant, but it shouldn't be considered a replacement to properly sealing the stone.

How to seal a granite counter

You'll Need:

Dish lather or granite cleaning solution

Warm water

Microfiber cloths

Granite sealant

Note: It'south always best to follow the instructions of the product you're using, only this guide will teach you the basics of how to seal a granite worktop. You should be able to seal your counters in about an 60 minutes, including drying times.

Step i: Clean your granite surface thoroughly with warm, soapy water (or granite cleaner).

Pace two: Use a fresh, damp microfiber textile to remove whatever excess residue.

Step three: Use a dry out textile to thoroughly dry your countertop.

Step four: Leave the granite to dry to ensure all the h2o has evaporated. This will take around ten or xv minutes.

Step five: Spray sealant evenly beyond your granite, taking care to cover all surfaces, including the sides.

Step six: Rub in the sealant using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Step vii: Leave the sealant to absorb for nearly ten minutes, then wipe away whatsoever excess using a microfiber cloth.

Pro Tip: If yous allow the sealant gear up for too long and it dries on your granite countertop, add a picayune fleck more sealant to interruption information technology downwards and so buff it away.

How to tell if granite sealant needs reapplying

Most granite sealants will last near a year, but the exact fourth dimension you demand to reapply your sealant will depend on how yous use your kitchen and what your granite comes into contact with on a daily ground. To check if your sealant is still working, take a eject bottle and spray a piddling h2o onto your counter. If you see the water beading, the sealant is still doing its job of keeping liquids out. If the h2o doesn't bead, information technology'due south time to reseal. It'due south that simple.

How to maintain granite countertops

The all-time way to keep your granite counters looking their best is to prevent damage from happening. There are five fundamental steps to protecting your granite:

Don't identify anything hot or organic direct on granite surfaces
Guard confronting annoying dust and grit
Clean upward spills immediately
Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners
Seal your granite regularly

Prevention really is amend than cure, so be mindful of how you utilize your granite surfaces, and what you place on them. Wiping your granite downwards daily with a damp fabric and buffing away excess moisture will also aid you keep your granite gleaming, and give you a chance to notice any spills before they become stains.

With the correct treatment, and a little daily attention , your granite counters will terminal a lifetime, and be the easiest thing in your house to make clean. Just follow our pro cleaning tips and enjoy your beautiful granite countertops.

Source: https://prohousekeepers.com/blog/how-to-clean-granite-countertops/

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