How to Clean and Maintain Your Granite Countertops?
Knowing how to clean your granite countertops is crucial to avoid damaging them. Avoid using wet bottles, ammonia-based cleaning agents, or vinegar. Instead, you can use hydrogen peroxide. However, you should never apply the paste directly to the granite itself. The mixture may cause damage, and you should use a soft cloth to apply it. Repeat this procedure several times to get rid of stubborn water marks.
Avoiding Wet Bottles
When cleaning your granite countertop, it’s important to avoid wet bottles because they can damage the sealant. It’s also important to avoid acidic cleaners. Most household cleaners contain acidic ingredients, damaging the sealant on your granite. Instead, use cleaners made specifically for granite, which are acid-free. It’s also important to avoid cleaning with creams and powder cleansers. Even ordinary glass cleaners can damage your granite countertops. Use a wet rag and water to wipe your granite surface. Make sure to dry the countertop afterward. Once the countertop is dry, you’re ready to continue cleaning. According to experts in countertops Pittsburgh, PA, sealing your granite countertops is an important step that many people don’t do. This will protect your granite countertop from stains. Before sealing your granite countertop, make sure that you remove any stains that may have already occurred. Several sealers can be purchased at Home Depot or from stone care professionals. However, it’s recommended to use a sealant made of granite. This product will clean and protect your granite countertops from the elements while leaving them looking shiny.
Avoiding Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners when you want to clean and maintain your granite countertops. These substances can damage your countertops and can weaken the sealant. Instead, use a soft, clean cloth such as a microfiber or nubby washcloth to clean them. Fill the cloth with warm soapy water and wipe your countertops clean. It is best to use a mild dish soap, diluted with water, to clean and maintain granite countertops. Using all-purpose cleaners can harm the sealant on your granite countertops, and they contain ammonia, which can scratch the surface. It is also possible that all-purpose cleaners may contain fragrances or other ingredients that can harm your countertop.
Avoiding Vinegar
When cleaning and maintaining your granite countertops, avoid using vinegar. The acid content in vinegar can damage the sealant that protects the stone. It can also cause etching and damage the stone’s structural integrity. This will eventually require you to replace your countertops sooner than you originally intended. Instead, use a product that is specifically made for granite countertops. One of the first things you should do when cleaning your granite countertops is to remove any clutter from the surface. Once this is done, use a microfiber or sponge to remove dust and debris from the surface. Be careful not to scrub your granite countertops too hard, as this could damage the sealant. Using an acidic cleaning product on your granite surfaces can destroy the sealant and weaken the stain-resistant quality of the stone. Alternatively, use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
To clean and maintain granite countertops, you can mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and use it as a paste. Mix the two ingredients until the consistency is like cake frosting. Apply the mixture to the stain and leave it for at least 24 hours. You can also use plastic wrap or food wrap to cover the area. Make sure to remove excess paste after it has dried. Another effective way to disinfect granite is by using rubbing alcohol. This is a highly safe solution to use on granite countertops. It kills bacteria and other pathogens that live in granite. To apply the disinfecting spray, you should wet microfiber cloth and apply it on the countertops. You should never use abrasive scrubbing tools or acidic cleaners when cleaning granite countertops. You should only use mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid bleach and ammonia because they can weaken the sealant and dull the finish.
