Granite's beauty and durability have made it a popular material for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Granite is durable and easy to care for - you can clean and maintain your granite worktop with simple home remedies.
However, you should be careful when cleaning granite countertops as some natural cleaning products such as vinegar and lemon can attack or otherwise damage the stone. Use these care and cleaning procedures to keep your granite looking new for as long as possible.
Quartz, feldspar and mica are the primary silicates of granite, and they make granite's most popular finish for kitchens and bathrooms - the multi-colored flecks and iridescent veins - possible. When it comes to interior design, granite is one of the most durable stones available thanks to its natural antimicrobial properties. Most of the acids used in kitchens have little effect on its innate resistance to heat and water. Granite should not be cleaned with the usual “green” cleaning products such as vinegaror lemon juicebe cleaned.
Regular cleaning of granite surfaces
Mild dishwashing liquid diluted with water is the best solution for regular granite cleaning: Squirt some dishwashing liquid into the center of a sponge and moisten it with water. Please remember that stone scratches easily. Never use a scouring pad to apply the solution, but rather a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. When using a commercial granite cleaner, the same standard procedures should be followed. Always read and follow the product package instructions before use.
Since the extremely absorbent stone could be damaged in the presence of standing water, massage the sponge or towel until foam forms and then wring it out. Then gently wipe the entire surface using small, circular movements. Dried food residue takes a little more effort to remove, but as long as the surface is not discolored, you can continue with this non-abrasive method.
Use a soft towel to dry countertops thoroughly. This prevents the granite from becoming damaged when wet and allows stains to be removed, leaving the surface pristine and shiny again.
Remove stains from granite with baking powder or baking soda
You can use a baking soda-based paste to remove stains from the countertop. Baking soda can be used on both water and oil stains, although both require different approaches.
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be made into a paste and applied to water-based stains.
- Baking soda can be made into a paste with water and used on oil stains.
Use a spoon to apply some of the paste to the stain and spread it around, then cover the area with cling film and secure the edges with tape. You can leave the homemade stain remover to work overnight or for several days. After the paste has dried, remove it from the granite by gently scraping it with a plastic putty knife.
If after the above procedures stillstubborn stainsexist, you may need to try again.
Waterproofing granite worktops
A granite surface can be protected from stains by sealing it. Stone surfaces that are treated with a sealant are more resistant to stains, but are not dirt-repellent. Food-safe seals are required in kitchens and other areas where food is prepared.
Remove all clutter from countertops a day before waterproofing: Granite countertops will not absorb waterproofing if you try to apply it after they have just been cleaned. Allow the countertop to air dry for at least 1 day. Do not attempt to use the sink or countertop.
Apply the sealer to a small, invisible area of your countertop according to the manufacturer's instructions before covering the entire surface. If the remedy is effective, proceed to the next section. The waterproofing agent should be applied evenly to the granite countertops. To achieve even coverage, wipe in a circular motion to allow the substance to penetrate the porous grain of the countertop. After applying the sealer evenly to the countertop, allow it to cure for the time specified by the manufacturer to allow the surface to absorb it.
Allow the recommended amount of time for the sealer to properly penetrate the granite surface before wiping off any excess sealer with a dry cloth. Do not place anything on the newly sealed granite until it has fully cured. Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, you should give the countertops at least 48 hours to cure for the best effect.
The right care for natural stone
If you have a stone countertop, you should not use vinegar or any other acidic solution, such as commercial cleaners that contain citrus oils or extracts.use for cleaning. If you use very acidic products on your countertops, the sealant will wear away over time, leaving your surfaces looking dull and lifeless. Even if you have sealed your countertops, acidic cleaners can attack the stone. This damage is called “etching” and can be caused not only by water, but also by coffee, juice, soda, and even some sauces.
