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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. I needed to know what was best to clean the countertop and found I will try the, "Told me how to clean my new granite countertop without having to buy special cleaners at the store. Rather than risk heat damage, use protective pads or trivets under your hot pans to protect your granite. Granite is easy to clean, does not etch with acids, and if sealed properly will not stain. Oil will give your granite a nice shine, and also help it repel water. Buff and dry the counters with a clean, soft cloth to make sure the granite doesn’t have streaks when it dries. Spray the solution over the granite surface. This article was helpful in giving me water based or oil, "I was going to use vinegar, which I now know is a bad choice for granite. Or it might not be granite, or even igneous rock, at all. If you can’t get a sample, don’t despair. Don't use the scrubby side of sponges, for instance, or steel wool. It’s harder than. As a natural alternative to dish soap, look for products with eco-friendly ingredients. Thank you. The seal protects your granite from chips and stains. Just put some 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. These drinks are all acidic, and have strong colors. This will take around ten or fifteen minutes. Where the water (and oil, if used) was placed on the granite, check for darkening of the stone. Antibacterial spray should be fine on granite, or you can also use a granite wipe. You can follow my simple daily maintenance steps below. If something spills on it, be it water or tomato sauce, it can seep into the stone and stain it. Make sure your dish soap doesn’t contain any citrus extracts or essential oils. Use cutting boards and silicone mats to protect your granite from accidental damage. You can find these online or at most home improvement stores. Try using a baking soda paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Acidic or alkali cleaners can both damage the surface of your granite, making it look dull and dark. Scrub down your counters with a circular motion. Just spray the surface with sealer and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes, then wipe it clean with … All of these are too abrasive for use on natural stone without risking damage. The lemon and water test for granite countertops, Optional: cooking oil, coffee, sliced fruit e.g. First, wipe the counter surface with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Granite is a popular choice for kitchen counters, as well as floor and wall tiles. Just like fruit juice, fruit itself is usually acidic and brightly colored. Apply it to the area with a soft cloth using circular motions. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. There are a number of ways to shine granite counters. ", "One quick read, and within 10 minutes, they looked so good! : It’s a myth that dark granite is harder than light granite. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This method is particularly effective at removing oily marks from granite. and it works great! Unsealed granite is much more likely to be stained or damaged by everyday use. If all else fails, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the spill. Step two: Use a fresh, damp microfiber cloth to remove any excess residue. Different Ways to Clean and Seal Countertops How To Clean Travertine Countertops. The stone in your granite might contain silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, along with a variety of other minerals. Impregnating sealers tend to last longer than topical, but both kinds will need to be reapplied every year or two as they break down. Granite has steadily become the surface of choice for stone counters. I have been using the cleaning solution for about 6 months, "I didn't have clue on cleaning the granite we had put in a few years ago. There are five key steps to protecting your granite: Prevention really is better than cure, so be mindful of how you use your granite surfaces, and what you place on them. You should view it at different angles and under different light sources to be sure you see everything. Although one or two uses of these solutions might not look like they’ve done any harm, over time they’ll slowly erode the granite surface, leaving it dull, changing its color, and making it more likely to absorb stains in the future. ... Keep the shine on your granite countertops with regular application of the DuPont Revitalizer. Don’t leave damp sponges or cloths on your granite, and remember not to put your wet gloves or umbrella on the kitchen counter when you come home. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. “I’ve been using PRO Housekeepers since the beginning of the year, twice per month and couldn’t be happier. While the surface is tough, it is susceptible to stains, and you may accidentally remove the seal if you don't use an appropriate cleaner. Wash the countertop with a mild dishwashing liquid and warm water to make sure it’s clear of loose particles and residue. Apply it to the spot and cover with plastic wrap. Wipe the granite clean and inspect it for stains and marks. Repeat this step if the area still has a stain. What is the best remedy for hard-water mineral build-up around faucets? What is safe to use? Add a few drops of dish soap, and put the solution into a spray bottle. It may damage the seal. Instead, call a professional who can refinish the stone and restore your granite to its former glory. The acid eats into the surface of granite, and the color permeates the stone, leaving etching and stains behind. The stone in your granite might contain silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, along with a variety of other minerals. With the right treatment, and a little daily attention, your granite counters will last a lifetime, and be the easiest thing in your house to clean. Once you’ve sprayed the counter, leave the sealant for approximately five minutes to allow it to soak into the stone. For the most stubborn water marks, you can use fine steel wool (#0000) to gently buff out the mark. We will cover how to clean kitchen countertops, how to disinfect them, and when necessary, how to seal countertops using all natural homemade granite cleaner and polish recipes. The appeal of granite countertops is their high shine finish, and you’ll want to keep them looking sparkling clean. Granite can last a lifetime, especially if they are maintained well. Choose an "impregnator" sealant meant for granite, which will sink into the stone. Food stains can look very bad, but they can still be cleaned out of granite countertops. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. Some foods also contain oils that can soak into your granite, so try to avoid putting anything organic directly on top of your countertop. Soda, juices, ketchup and mustard can damage stone surfaces. Then use warm water with a small amount of dish soap to wash granite surfaces down. Rub in the sealant using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If a spill has set, use a hot, wet rag to loosen and remove the caked-on debris. Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado, be it water or tomato sauce, it seep... Spray bottle properly will not stain sealing my granite countertops, Optional cooking. Unsealed side does everyday use the mark damp microfiber cloth a number ways. 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