Cleaning Granite Countertops

Granite kitchen countertops add a great deal to the style of your kitchen décor. Moreover, they are very low on maintenance. Cleaning granite countertops is an easy task and if you make a habit of cleaning them everyday, you'll have your granite countertop gleaming for years. Actually, preventing the granite from getting stained is more important than cleaning granite countertop.

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Cleaning Granite Countertops Daily
Cleaning granite countertops on a daily basis, prevents any dirt or grime from getting stuck onto it. Spare a few minutes every night for kitchen cleaning and cleaning granite countertops. All you will need is a granite cleaner or a mild soap solution and a piece of soft cloth. Granite cleaner is effective as well as affordable. Take a small amount of cleaner on a piece of cloth and rub it gently on your countertop. If you are using a soap solution, then make sure to lather well and wash off all the traces of soap from the countertop.

Removing Stains from the Granite Countertops
Removing stains as early as possible from the granite countertops is imperative to avoid the etching of granite. Granite simply cannot withstand the stains of lemon or other citrus fruits and acidic substances like vinegar. The rest of the stains are comparatively easier to remove. If you have grease stains like that of milk or cream then scrape off the excess residue and apply the mixture of liquid dish cleaner and water on the stain. Blot the solution from the stain with a paper napkin and repeat the procedure a couple of times. While dealing with stubborn stains, mix 2 tsp of liquid soap solution with 1 tsp flour. Apply the mixture on the stain and cover it with a plastic wrap. Let it stay there overnight. Scrape it off the next morning. Organic stains such as that of fruits or coffee can be removed with the help of hydrogen peroxide. Applying 12% hydrogen peroxide with ammonia can help get rid of organic stains. Blot the excess solution with the help of paper napkins. For removing stains such as that of wine, ink or marker spills, you'll need to take into account the color of your granite. Stains from dark granite can be removed using acetone or lacquer thinner, while those of light colored granite can be removed using hydrogen peroxide. Leave these solutions on the granite countertop for about 30 minutes, before rinsing them off with clean water.

Resealing Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are subjected to a lot of heat due to cooking upon them. Hence, the sealant tends to get off after some period. Ideally, you should reseal the granite countertop every 2 years. It is recommended that you use a non-toxic sealant in the cooking areas. You can ask your granite kitchen countertop installer to recommend the names of non toxic sealants.

Granite countertops are very durable and sturdy. If you take proper care of granite countertops then you can expect them to retain their shine for several years. Proper care includes, cleaning granite countertops on a daily basis and resealing it every two years.