Although granite countertops are very popular and used by many people, you may not know how to clean and care for the stone surface. Although hard, granite surfaces are prone to stains, and you could accidentally remove the sealant if you use the wrong cleaner. Clean up spills immediately, and use a special granite or homemade cleaner to clean and remove germs on the surface. If the protective coating has worn off (usually after 2 to 3 years), apply a new coat to protect the countertop from stains.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Table and Getting Rid of Germs
Step 1. Perform general cleaning using dish soap and warm water
Fill a bucket or sink with warm water. Warm water is perfect for this purpose as its warmth will help wash away any dirt. Add a small amount of mild liquid soap, then stir gently to mix.
There is no definite ingredient comparison. You only need water that is slightly foamy
Step 2. Wipe the table with a clean white cloth once a day
You should be able to reach the entire table. So, get rid of any objects elsewhere. Dip a cloth in the water and dish soap mixture, then wring out the excess water. Use the cloth to pick up the crumbs on the table.
Also wipe up any spills or residue that sticks to the table. If the spill has stuck, use a cloth dampened in hot water to loosen and clean it. Scrub the table in a circular motion
Step 3. Mix alcohol with water to clean the germs on the kitchen counter
Put 91% alcohol and water in equal proportions in a spray bottle. Put the cap on the bottle, then shake gently until the two are mixed.
If you like a scented cleanser, mix in 1/2 cup (120 ml) alcohol, 1.5 cups (350 ml) warm water, 1/2 tsp. (3 ml) dish soap, and 10 to 20 drops of essential oil. You can use cinnamon, lavender, basil, lemon, orange, or peppermint
Step 4. Spray the granite countertop with a disinfectant solution every few days
Spray the entire table with one thin layer. Make sure the entire tabletop is spray-coated. Let the disinfectant sit on the granite for 3 to 5 minutes to kill germs in the area.
You don't have to leave it on the granite counter if you don't want to disinfect it
Step 5. Dry the granite countertop after the solution has been wiped off
Dip a washcloth in the soapy water, then wring out the excess water and use it to wipe off any adhering disinfectant. If you wish, you can wipe the table using only water.
Wipe the table with a dry cloth to polish it
Step 6. Avoid using acidic cleaners on granite countertops
Cleaners containing vinegar, ammonia, or lemon are too acidic for the granite surface, and can damage the surface. However, you can use orange essential oil because it has a neutral pH.
- Do not use commercial disinfectant cleaners that contain bleach. Look for a special granite cleaner, such as Granite Gold or Mr. Muscle Cleaning Marble and Granite.
- If you are unsure whether a particular cleaner will work on granite or not, read the back of the bottle. If it can be applied to granite, you can use it.
- For best results, use a white cloth that doesn't rip as the fibers can come off and stick to the table. Try using a clean cloth diaper or a microfiber cloth. Do not use abrasive cloths as they can damage the granite surface.
- Do not use a dishwashing sponge on rough areas, or steel wool.
Method 2 of 3: Dealing with Stains and Spills
Step 1. Dry the spill with a tissue
If something is spilled on the table, wipe it off immediately with a tissue. Dry the liquid by patting it, not wiping it (which makes the spill more widespread). Even water can stain the granite surface. So you have to clean it immediately.
Use clean tissue. Dirty wipes can transfer dirt to the table surface. You can also use a clean microfiber cloth
Step 2. Clean up spills with a mixture of hot water and a little dish soap
Put the hot water in a mug or other heat-resistant container. Add a little mild dish soap, then stir until well combined. Pour the mixture over the spill, then wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth.
Repeat this process if the stain is not gone
Step 3. Remove oil stains with baking soda paste
Take a small cup, then put 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water in it and stir with a spoon. Apply the mixture over the stain and rub it with a clean cloth into the stain. Clean the area with a cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and dish soap to prevent stains from forming.
It can also be used on oil stains that have been stuck for a long time
Step 4. Try using hydrogen peroxide to treat water or juice stains
If there are liquid stains on the granite countertop, mix 3 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water. Pour the mixture on the stain, then rub with a clean cloth.
Use gentle circular motions as you rub the mixture
Step 5. Rinse the area with water
Wet a clean cloth with water, then wipe off any excess cleaner and rinse. Wipe back the area. Repeat this step until there are no more cleaners and spills stuck to the area.
Dry the newly cleaned area with a dry microfiber cloth
Method 3 of 3: Applying Protective Coating to Prevent Stains
Step 1. Check the protective coating on the granite countertop
Splash water on the granite countertop, and watch the reaction the water has. If the water forms beads, the protective layer of granite is still on the surface. If the water doesn't form beads, it's time to apply a new layer.
This coating will protect the granite from cuts and stains
Step 2. Clean and dry the table thoroughly
Clean the countertop thoroughly using a special granite cleaner. You can buy cleaners at the store or make your own, for example with alcohol, dish soap, and clean water. These cleaners can also be purchased at specialty stores.
- Rub the cleaner on the granite countertop and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth dipped in warm water.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the table.
Step 3. Allow the granite to dry completely (after cleaning) before applying a protective layer
Even if the water has been wiped off, you should make sure that the table is completely dry. Allow the granite to dry for 10-15 minutes to allow all the moisture to evaporate before you move on to the next step.
The protective layer cannot stick if the granite surface is still wet
Step 4. Spray a protective layer over the entire surface of the granite evenly
Make sure the protective layer covers the entire granite area. The best tool is a spray bottle because it can spread the protective layer evenly. After spraying, wipe the granite countertop with a clean microfiber cloth, and make sure that the entire granite is coated.
- Use a protective coating " impregnator " specifically for granite, which can seep into the stone. This product can be found on the internet or hardware stores.
- Fifteen minutes later, wipe the granite countertop to remove any sticking.
Step 5. Apply another layer the next day
To ensure that the countertop is really well coated, use a second coat. One day after the first coat is applied, wipe the granite countertop again so that it is completely clean and dry. Spray a second layer of protection, and wipe the granite countertop 15 minutes later.
Giving a second layer does not have to be done. However, this can make the kitchen countertop get good and even protection. In addition, this allows the protective layer to last longer
Tips
- Some stone cleaning products are packaged in tissue form. This allows you to clean granite countertops easily and quickly!
- Use mats or placemats under drinks and food so that the kitchen countertop is not damaged or spilled.
Warning
- Do not place hot plates or pans directly on the kitchen counter as this can burn or burn the surface.
- Do not use cleaning agents that contain acids (such as vinegar or glass cleaner) because they can scratch the surface or make it dull.
- Do not use bleach or steel wool to clean granite as they can cause damage.
