Ultimate Guide to Granite Countertop Cleaning

Supplies for Cleaning Granite Countertops

Before detailing the specific top cleaning products and techniques for granite countertops, and going to a countertop store, let’s overview the basic supplies you’ll need:

• Mild dish soap or other gentle cleaning solution
• Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
• Soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubber
• Spray bottle for cleaning solutions
• Paper towels

For stuck-on messes, you may also need:

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubbing alcohol
• Plastic wrap

Avoid using harsh cleaners or acidic cleaners, as these can etch and dull the surface over time.

Daily Granite Cleaning

Granite is naturally stain-resistant, but daily cleaning of dry granite countertops helps prevent the buildup of grime. Here’s how to clean granite countertops regularly:

1. Remove Surface Clutter

Before cleaning, remove everything from the countertop – small appliances, kitchen tools, jars, etc. This gives you full access to the entire surface.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

In a spray bottle, mix warm water with just a few drops of mild dish soap or other gentle cleaning solution. Shake lightly to mix.

3. Spray and Wipe

Spritz your homemade solution directly onto granite surfaces, then wipe clean using a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Avoid using paper towels, as they can leave lint and fibers behind.

Wipe the excess moisture with a clean, dry microfiber cloth first. Make sure to get into crevices and along backsplashes.

For best results, use circular motions when wiping. This helps lift dirt from pores. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas around sinks and stoves.

4. Rinse and Dry

Use a separate damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue, then dry thoroughly with a paper towel to prevent streaks.

Daily cleaning keeps granite countertops free of sticky messes that lead to stains over time. It also removes abrasive dust and particles that can scratch or dull the surface.

Weekly Cleaning

In addition to daily maintenance routine cleaning, granite counters need a deeper cleaning once a week to keep them sparkling. Here’s how:

1. Remove All Items

Clear counters completely, including small appliances. Make sure to remove any food containers, kitchen tools, soap dispensers, etc.

2. Clean Entire Surface

Following the daily method above, spray counters down using your homemade cleaning solution and wipe clean with a soft cloth or sponge. Scrub into textured areas and crevices where grime collects.

Use a little more muscle on weekly cleans – some gentle scrubbing helps dissolve stuck-on gunk that daily wipes may have missed. But don’t use anything too abrasive that could scratch the finish.

3. Clean Backsplashes

Spray backsplashes and sidewalls and wipe down thoroughly. Check behind faucets and handles as well.

4. Rinse and Dry

Wipe away the residue with a clean damp cloth, then dry with paper towels.

Weekly deep cleaning sessions give you a chance to inspect for any stains or etchings that have developed so they can be promptly treated (see next section).

Removing Stains

Even with granite clean-up with regular maintenance, stains happen. Follow these tips for dealing with common stains on granite:

Coffee and Tea Stains

For organic stains left over from coffee, tea, wine, lemon juice, etc. that daily cleaning failed to remove:

• Mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
• Gently spread onto the stain.
• Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit overnight. The paste will bubble and activate to lift staining.
• The next day, wipe away the paste and rinse clean.

Oil-Based Stains

For grease stains or oil splatters from cooking:

• Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain.
• Let sit for 1-2 minutes.
• Scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge, using circular motions. The alcohol will break down greasy residue.
• Rinse the surface thoroughly after scrubbing.

Hard Water Stains

For cloudy mineral deposits left behind from water droplets:

• Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
• Apply directly to the stain.
• Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Scrub gently with a soft sponge in a circular motion to lift hard water residue.
• Rinse the surface thoroughly after scrubbing.

For really tough stains that persist even after these treatments, consider a specialty granite cleaner. Apply as directed, let sit, gently scrub, and rinse.

Preventing Stains on Granite Counters

Better than removing stains is preventing them in the first place. Keep these tips to remove stains in mind:

Use Coasters and Trivets

Always set down coasters under glasses and mugs. Hot pots and pans should only touch heat-safe trivets (never directly on the granite kitchen countertops). This helps prevent etching or burning from hot items.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

Don’t let puddles from spills sit. Immediately wipe up wet messes using a clean, dry towel. Pay extra attention when working with pigmented liquids like red wine or coffee.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Steer clear of harsh cleaners like bathroom sprays, and acidic liquids, toilet bowl cleaners, etc. The National Kitchen and Bath Association advises avoiding acidic cleaners like vinegar or citrus juices when cleaning granite, as these can etch the surface over repeat exposure.

Seal Granite Every 1-2 Years

The Marble Institute of America recommends using only gentle, stone-safe cleaners and resealing stained granite counters every 1-2 years.

Sealing fills microscopic holes to prevent stains from setting in deeply. Find sealants made specifically for natural stone.

Caring for Granite Countertops

Follow these general upkeep guidelines to maintain gorgeous granite floors:

• Handle with Care: While durable for a natural material, granite can still crack under force or pressure. Avoid standing on counters or placing excessively heavy items that could cause harm.
• Avoid Gritty Spills: Rinse away citrus juice, sugary mixes, salt, spices, and other grimy substances quickly – prolonged contact can sometimes dull granite finishes.
• Check Installation: Make sure the installed granite remains securely mounted without separating from walls or cabinets. Re-apply caulk if needed around the edges.

With regular gentle cleaning and prompt stain treatment, your granite countertops can stay exquisite for decades. Don’t let grime dull the natural beauty. Follow these proven methods to help properly care for your investment.

Wrap-Up

Granite countertops are gorgeous additions to any home, but only with proper care and maintenance. Now that you’re armed with the techniques for regular cleaning, stain removal, and preventative steps, you can keep your counters gleaming beautifully for years to come.

Follow this guide on way to clean granite and become a granite cleaning pro. Form good habits like daily surface wipes, weekly deep cleans, immediate mess cleanup, and careful chemical use around stones. Deal with stains swiftly using proven home remedies like diluted hydrogen peroxide and gentle scrubbing. With vigilance and TLC, you’ll fall deeper in love with your granite investment every time you catch your reflection in that sleek, polished surface.

So don’t dread the care for those stunning slabs! Consider it a relaxing ritual that nourishes the soul along with nourishing the stone. Lovingly wipe away life’s little spills and messes from the granite so it remains a pristine showpiece in your home for decades to come. Despite inevitable cooking mishaps, have confidence you can restore your counters to their original glory. That makes enjoying these natural stone masterpieces so much sweeter.