Granite countertops seem to be gaining popularity, as more and more people decide to invest in them as a timeless and stylish kitchen solution. However, this also creates a challenge for those that have granite countertops to learn more about cleaning them. After all, the material requires some attention than the rest of your checklist for kitchen cleaning, if it is to last you in top shape for a long time.
Here are a few tips you have to consider when cleaning granite:
Always ensure the countertop is sealed
Even though granite is very tough and much less porous than marble, if you keep it unsealed/weakly sealed, it is going to soak up spills and stains to a large degree. There is an easy test to see how well your countertop is sealed. Simply leave several drops of water on the surface.
If you see it beads up, the seal is secure. If the water seeps into the material after a few minutes, some re-sealing is in order.
Don’t use abrasive sponges and cleaners
Cleaners with acidic components in them, like lemon and vinegar, don’t really clean a granite countertop.
You will also do well to steer clear from any product that has ammonia and bleach in it. Using such chemicals can weaken the sealant in time. As a general rule of thumb, the harsher the cleaning solution, the more damage it can do granite.
Always use a gentle cloth fabric
Microfiber is your best friend when it comes to cleaning a granite countertop. You can also go with a washcloth and some warm water with a mild dishwashing detergent to clean a granite countertop.
How should you disinfect granite?
If the seal of your granite countertop holds, it is essentially impervious to bacteria. You can do daily sanitizing with just hot water and some dish soap. If you wish to do more than that, then 70% isopropyl alcohol may be the right solution for you.
Simply spray some onto the granite countertop, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. Use a soft microfiber cloth to dry. Some people like to dilute this solution of rubbing alcohol. However, you should know that its effectiveness drops significantly if it ever drops below 50% of its concentration.
Optimally, you should aim to use a solution between 60 and 90 per cent. Rubbing alcohol usually comes at 70%, which serves the purpose of cleaning a granite countertop more than well.
How to clean/disinfect a granite countertop?
In the end of the day, you mostly need warm water, a mild dish soap, isopropyl alcohol and a spray bottle to effectively clean a granite countertop. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Wet a soft dishcloth with soapy water. You can fill your sink with warm water and drip the cloth there.
- Wipe down the surface. Use the wet dishcloth to get the spills and crumbs on the area.
- Use a microfiber cloth to dry the area. Be thorough in buffing the area. This will prevent streaks.
- Disinfect the area. You can do this periodically, in order to prevent bacteria build-up. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol for the task, as it works well for it. Spray it and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
In order to preserve a granite countertop in pristine condition for time to come, you should really invest some effort in cleaning and disinfection. Now that you know how to do that, you will have no problem.
