How to Clean Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are all the rage these days. No one seems to renovate their kitchen anymore without installing granite countertops.

But, you may wonder, how hard are they to take care of? Is it easy to clean granite? Absolutely!

One of the hardest stones available for countertops, granite comes from hardened magma inside volcanoes, which makes it extremely durable and easy to clean once it is polished. Of course, like any natural material, there are chemicals and minerals that can damage or erode it, so you do need to learn what to use (and not use) on your granite countertops.

Here are a few things you will need to keep in mind to keep those beautiful (and expensive) countertops looking their best.

When cleaning your granite countertops, remember these simple do’s and don’ts:

How To Clean:

• Wipe up spills right away. This will keep them from permeating the stone, thus permanently staining the stone and counters
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off your countertops daily. It is soft and cleans counters effectively. By keeping your counters wiped clean you will ensure that nothing can stain or damage them
• Use a neutral cleaner made specifically for granite – this will ensure that you do not use anything that could harm the surface of your counters
• Use soft rags to clean your granite countertop to avoid scratching or pitting the stone. While regular rags and sponges are generally okay, avoid harsh scrubbers such as steel wool or mesh
• Make a thick paste with 1-2 tbsp. of flour mixed with dish soap to help clean off food stains. Rub the mixture onto the affected area and let sit overnight, washing away with clear water and a clean rag the next morning. For oil based stains like milk or grease, substitute hydrogen peroxide for the dish soap in the paste recipe above
• Coffee, tea and fruit stains can be removed using a mixture of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia
• Reseal your countertops whenever you notice that water spilled on them fails to bead

How NOT To Clean:

Made from volcanic magma, granite is a hard stone that can withstand a lot of use and even some abuse, but keep in mind that certain chemicals can wear it down and make it less durable.

• Do NOT use anything abrasive on your granite countertops to clean them (cleaners, sprays or sponges). They can pit or scratch the surface area
• Do NOT use any type of acidic cleaners on granite; even lemon juice
• Do NOT use any corrosive cleaners on granite
• Do NOT use anything but a soft wooden spoon to scrape anything stuck to granite countertops

To keep your granite countertops looking their very best for years to come, you do need to be sure to clean them the right way.

Follow these simple tips and you will be able to enjoy the beauty of granite in your kitchen for a long time without the worry or expense of replacing them.