Who Else Wants to Keep Granite Countertops Clean?
January 28, 2007 · Print This Article
Are your granite countertops starting to seem dull as a rock?
Don’t let your new countertops keep you from cooking! Granite countertops are meant to be used, since they’re incredibly durable and scratch resistant. Maintaining and restoring granite countertops is quite simple.
Clean As You Cook
The best way to keeping granite countertops clean is to wipe up a spill soon after it occurs. Acidic liquids can eat through the protective sealant of the granite. Dried on food and liquids are hard to remove since you can’t use abrasives on your countertops. Since granite is porous, stains which get past the protective barrier can be permanent!
Stay Shiny and Streak-Free
To clean granite and keep it from becoming permanently stained, you should use cleaners designed specifically for granite countertops. Â Personally, soap and water works, but eventually leaves a soap build up which won’t let your granite shine. Â You can wipe down the counters with a wet sponge and mild anti-bacterial dish detergent, and then follow up with the cleaner. It leaves the surface of the granite shiny and will not strip its protective seal like other chemical cleaners. Streaks are more noticeable on some granite countertops than others. If you have streaking problems, consider microfiber cleaning cloths or mitts to wipe your granite countertops.
Protect Your Granite
You should re-seal granite every one to two years (or every 6 months to one year if it gets a lot of use). You should use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas. Sealing granite creates a non-porous layer on the surface, which protects the naturally porous granite, and will help prevent stains and damage. There are many granite sealing products on the market, as well. Don’t use products that have acids, because strong detergents and corrosive liquids dull the polished granite surface.
A less expensive alternative, however, is car wax (in a can – not the liquid spray wax). Car wax contains virtually the same type of sealant as the specialty granite seals, and will do the same job if used according to the directions. In fact, some sealers are just relabeled car wax. Higher-end granite sealers are called “impregnators,†which penetrate below the surface to basically clog up all the pores. You can find cleaners at hardware stores or get them from a stone dealer. Remember to always test these cleaning methods on small discreet area for color fastness or granite damage.
Keep those granite countertops shiny!
It is difficult to think the car wax used to clean granite does not smell or streak. Sounds great, but I wouldn’t put my food on a car wax counter top. What do you think!
Leroy
Hi Leroy!
I agree that some scented car waxes may not be the greatest place to put food.
If you have a choice, I definitely recommend a “impregnator” instead of just a sealant.
I found your suggestions great, but what I want to know is how to regularly clean the cherrywood cabinet doors - should I use water with a little soap? water and vinegar? something stronger? thanks
Hi Nancy!
Thank you for commenting. It’s always great to have input on my articles.
Yes, I suggest soap and water to clean the cabinet doors. If the cabinets are wiped down once a month, you won’t have to do with one big cleanup. Grease makes cabinet doors really stick and it’s frustrating to clean.
If you do need something stronger, then most all-purpose household cleaners would work. ALWAYS test them in an indiscreet area before applying them to the rest of the cabinets.
I’m a bit confused re granite. Before resealing w/ penetrating oil, I must strip. I’ve been told by the g. dealer I can use acetone, followed by a cleaning w/ liquid detergent. Then I can reseal. I’m reluctant to use the acetone for fear of etching the surface. Also need to know how big an area to clean at a time–how long to leave acetone on, type of cloth, etc. It’s obvious that you need to do something to remove the old silicone based polish and sealant before re-sealing. Could you cover this with easy, clear instructions?
Thanks,
LR
Would you please send the answer to me too!
I have a question. I have a new bathroom vanity which I started to notice have water spots on that I could not get off. I foolishly bought CLR and did not read the instructions. Well you can probably guess what happened. I ruined the finish on the stone. What should I do?
Amanda,
Tough stains can be removed by making a poultice. Mix the following:
* 1 - 2 tablespoons dish soap
* 1 cup of white flour
* Add enough water to make a paste.
Then, spread the paste over the stain, and lay saran wrap over it. After it sets overnight, the flour absorbs the stain back out of the granite counter top surface!
If you have etching, then your best bet is to contact a granite professional who can polish out the etching and reseal the countertop for you.
Best wishes,
Lionel Young