Granite is a well-liked alternative for kitchen counters, in addition to ground and wall tiles. It’s more durable than marble, and its shiny floor and big selection of colours imply it’s a chic, timeless addition to any house. Granite even has antibacterial and warmth resistant properties too. Sadly, granite’s attractiveness and helpful properties do include a premium price ticket. If you wish to know one of the best ways to maintain your granite counter tops trying like new, otherwise you’re contemplating putting in granite counters however are daunted by the upkeep, we’ll present you find out how to preserve your work surfaces effortlessly clear.
What’s granite?
Once you purchase a granite countertop, what you’re getting is one in all a lot of totally different sorts of rock. True granite is igneous, which means it’s been fashioned from lava. What’s in your granite will rely upon the place it was fashioned, how lengthy it took to chill, and extra. That’s why granite is available in a variety of colours and crystal sizes: every granite deposit is as distinctive because the volcano that created it.
The stone in your granite may comprise silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, together with a wide range of different minerals. Or it won’t be granite, and even igneous rock, in any respect. Metamorphic Dolomites are typically bought as granite, as are sedimentary breccias and gabbros.
For most individuals, the chemical make-up of their granite is much less vital than the way it seems to be, however these variations do impact the way you clear your granite countertop. Some sorts of granite are more durable than others, whereas some stain extra simply. Understanding what is going to stain your explicit work floor, and what cleaners you possibly can and can’t use on it, is an efficient first step to sustaining it correctly.
Pro Tip: It’s a delusion that darkish granite is more durable than mild granite. As a result of the minerals in granite are so variable, you possibly can’t inform how sturdy or porous granite is from the colour.
When you haven’t chosen your granite countertop but, or you realize the shop your put in granite got here from, you possibly can most likely get a pattern piece with a view to stain check. When you can’t get a pattern, don’t despair. Our professional ideas will information you thru safely cleansing and sustaining your granite.
The lemon and water check for granite counter tops
You’ll Want:
- A pattern of your granite counter
- Water
- Actual lemon juice
- Non-compulsory: cooking oil, espresso, sliced fruit e.g. strawberries, blueberries
- Decorator’s tape
- Granite sealant
- Non-compulsory: magnifying glass
The lemon and water check is a good, easy method of discovering out how your granite countertop will react to totally different stains and cleansing options. You’ll want a pattern of your granite from the stone yard or retailer it got here from with a view to do that. Don’t experiment in your put in worktop.
The first step: Use decorator’s tape to divide your check granite in half, and seal one half utilizing the model of sealant you intend to make use of in your countertop. Try the information on the backside of this text for find out how to seal granite, or comply with the producer’s directions.
Step two: As soon as your sealant has set, put your granite on a stage floor and add a small quantity of water on all sides. Subsequent add a small quantity of (actual) lemon juice beside the water, taking care to not combine them collectively. For a closing check, you can too add cooking oil, or stain sources akin to espresso or reduce fruit.
Step three: Enable the check granite to take a seat for not less than an hour.
Step 4: Wipe the granite clear and examine it for stains and marks. You need to view it at totally different angles and beneath totally different mild sources to make certain you see every part. For probably the most element, use a magnifying glass to look at the floor for any tiny abrasions or dulling, generally known as etching.
What you’re on the lookout for:
The place the water (and oil, if used) was positioned on the granite, test for darkening of the stone. This means that the granite has absorbed the liquid, which means it’s porous. Everytime you get porous granite counter tops moist, you run the chance of them changing into discolored.
The facet of the granite that was sealed shouldn’t present any water injury, even when the unsealed facet does. If the granite darkens regardless of being sealed, it’s extremely porous and you’ll want a specialised sealant to guard your work surfaces. Upkeep on porous granite can be extra intensive, since you’ll should seal it extra often and mop up any spills as quickly as they occur.
No discoloration the place the water was left on the granite means it’s non-porous and will likely be much less prone to stain.
Within the space the place you set the lemon juice, you may see a change within the shine or floor texture of the granite. Strive rubbing your fingers over the spot in the event you don’t see something, simply to make certain. In case your granite seems to be uninteresting, it has been etched by the acid within the lemon juice.
Some sorts of granite etch very simply, whereas others hardly react to even sturdy acids. When you discover indicators of etching, which means your granite worktop will must be shielded from acids akin to lemon juice, tomatoes, and pink wine.
The first objective of sealant is to make granite much less absorbent, to not cease chemical injury. Subsequently a sealant gained’t utterly shield your granite from etching, nevertheless it ought to scale back the impact.
Lastly, test how inclined to staining your granite is by reviewing the place you positioned different check samples. Lighter granites are likely to stain extra simply, but when your mild granite is non-porous then staining will likely be much less of a priority.
How to scrub a granite countertop
For many day-to-day cleansing, you don’t want to make use of a variety of sophisticated or specialised chemical compounds in your granite counter. Wipe up spills as quickly as you possibly can, and keep away from inserting any stain sources onto the granite.
Though water can discolor granite and depart marks behind, washing your granite with water remains to be one of the best ways to scrub it. The bottom line is to make use of solely as a lot water as needed (don’t flood the stone) and ensure to wipe and dry your granite counter tops as quickly as you’re finished cleansing. Water will solely have an effect on your granite if it stays on the floor lengthy sufficient to soak in.
At all times attempt to use a pH impartial cleaner on granite surfaces to keep away from the chance of etching. Light dish cleaning soap and water is often sufficient. Acidic or alkali cleaners can each injury the floor of your granite, making it look uninteresting and darkish.
What to not use to scrub granite counters
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Citric acid
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Windex
- Lysol
What you need to use to scrub granite counter tops
- Dish cleaning soap (e.g. Ivory, Daybreak)
- Castile cleaning soap
- Heat water
- Baking soda
- Isopropyl alcohol
| Can I take advantage of these to scrub my granite countertop? | |
| YES | NO |
| Dish cleaning soap (e.g. Ivory, Daybreak) | Lemon juice |
| Water | Vinegar |
| Baking soda | Citric acid |
| Isopropyl alcohol | Ammonia |
| Bleach | |
| Windex | |
| Lysol | |
To clear granite counters, first wipe away any mud or spills with a clear, damp microfiber material. Then use heat water with a small quantity of dish cleaning soap to clean granite surfaces down. Wring out the material and wipe once more with clear water to take away any cleaning soap residue, as over time it might depart a movie behind, particularly on darkish granite.
Pro Tip: Make certain your dish cleaning soap doesn’t comprise any citrus extracts or important oils. Despite the fact that they’re solely utilized in very small quantities, they will nonetheless injury granite worktops.
By no means use any abrasive pad on granite or different pure stone surfaces. Wire cleaners, brushes, and even sponges can scratch and scuff the floor. As a substitute, microfiber cloths are the perfect software to make use of, as they gained’t scratch and they acquire mud and grime, moderately than shifting it round.
In case your granite countertop has a sticky stain, keep away from the temptation to clean it away. As a substitute, soak stains with water or a pH impartial cleaner and use a mushy material to wipe them away. You probably have a bigger stain akin to dried meals to take away, you possibly can rigorously use a plastic scraper to dislodge the residue.
As soon as your counter is clear, it’s vital to dry it utterly utilizing a contemporary microfiber material. When you depart water on granite counter tops you danger discoloring the stone.
That’s it! Maintaining your granite counters clear actually isn’t too troublesome, and doesn’t require any costly, specialist cleaners.
How to take away dried spills from granite counters
Regardless of your finest efforts, you’ll most likely miss a spill sooner or later. Don’t fear, it doesn’t imply your lovely granite floor is ruined eternally.
Keep away from the temptation to make use of sturdy cleaners like bleach or ammonia, or DIY cleaners akin to white vinegar or lemon juice. All of those are too abrasive to be used on pure stone with out risking injury. Though one or two makes use of of those options won’t appear to be they’ve finished any hurt, over time they’ll slowly erode the granite floor, leaving it uninteresting, altering its coloration, and making it extra prone to take up stains sooner or later.
As a substitute, make an answer of 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water. Spray the spill and work it out gently with a microfiber material. If the residue nonetheless doesn’t carry, dampen a paper towel with the isopropyl alcohol answer and press it over the mark. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then wipe clear.
If all else fails, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the spill. Use a microfiber material to softly rub the residue, then wipe clear utilizing heat, soapy water. This methodology is especially efficient at eradicating oily marks from granite.
Make sure you wash the counter with contemporary water and dry completely as soon as the residue has been eliminated. This can preserve your granite in prime situation.
How to take away stains from granite counters
In case your granite countertop is stained, in most cases it might nonetheless be fastened. The reason for the stain will decide one of the best ways to scrub it.
Water marks
Most water marks will disappear as soon as they’ve utterly evaporated, but when your granite may be very porous, or the spill was giant, you may find yourself with a darkish, discoloured space. To take away water spots, use heat, soapy water to softly wash the stain. Rinse away any cleaning soap residue with a clear, damp material, and then dry completely.
If the stain remains to be there as soon as the worktop is dry, attempt utilizing a paste of baking soda and a small quantity of water. For probably the most cussed water marks, you should utilize high quality metal wool (#0000) to softly buff out the mark. By no means moist metal wool while you’re utilizing it on granite, as it can injury the floor.
Oil-based stains
The most effective answer for shiny stains is to make use of a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, work it in gently utilizing a mushy material, and depart for as much as an hour. Take away any residue with a humid material and dry the realm properly. It’s possible you’ll must repeat this a number of occasions to take away giant or deep stains.
Natural stains
Meals stains can look very dangerous, however they will nonetheless be cleaned out of granite counter tops. Fruit, espresso, soy sauce, and extra can all stain granite, however they are often eliminated with hydrogen peroxide in the event that they don’t reply to different cleansing strategies.
| What sort of stain is in my granite countertop? | ||
| WATER | OIL | ORGANIC |
| Laborious water | Cooking oil | Strawberries |
| Mineral deposits | Pizza grease | Tomato juice |
| Cleaning soap scum | Lipstick | Espresso |
Whereas hydrogen peroxide is barely acidic and shouldn’t be used often in your granite counter, you should utilize it to sparingly spot-clean cussed stains. Make a paste from hydrogen peroxide and talcum powder and apply it to the stained space. Rub the stain gently with a mushy material, and wipe away any residue. Use contemporary water to make sure you take away all the remaining peroxide and shield your granite worktop from additional injury.
DIY and pure granite cleaners
Sadly, commonest DIY cleaners aren’t appropriate to be used on pure stone. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and will injury your granite surfaces. Nevertheless in the event you get a stain in your granite countertop, you possibly can deal with it with a poultice of baking soda and water. Combine two or three tablespoons of water with sufficient baking soda to make a thick paste, and apply thinly to the stain. Work the stain out with a mushy material utilizing round motions, and clear the realm properly with contemporary water to take away any residue. Lastly, dry your granite to stop water marks from forming.
To disinfect your granite countertop, use a mix of 1 half isopropyl alcohol and three elements water. Add a couple of drops of dish cleaning soap, and put the answer into a sprig bottle. Mist the granite counter and let it sit for ten minutes earlier than wiping away any extra with a dry microfiber material. This can enhance your granite’s pure antibacterial properties.
Pro Tip: If you wish to add a scent to your cleansing answer, keep away from citrus important oils. As a substitute use tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender.
As a pure various to dish cleaning soap, search for merchandise with eco-friendly substances. Castile cleaning soap can be secure to make use of on granite. Simply substitute a couple of drops instead of dish cleaning soap.
How to shine granite till it shines
The enchantment of granite counter tops is their excessive shine end, and you’ll need to preserve them trying glowing clear. There are a selection of how to shine granite counters. You should buy a specialist granite polish to be used in your worktops, or give one in all these options a attempt.
Baking soda
Cleansing professionals love baking soda. It’s an extremely versatile, efficient, and light cleaner for all types of surfaces—and it might additionally polish your granite counter tops. Make a mix of three elements baking soda to at least one half heat water, and mix till easy. Apply a skinny layer of the paste to your granite floor, and gently buff with a clear material. Wipe away any residue with a humid material and dry the granite for a easy, shiny floor.
Cooking oil
Though cooking oil can stain granite, in small quantities it’s additionally an efficient polish. Any typical oil will work, for instance vegetable or olive oil. Apply a small quantity of oil to a mushy, clear material, and buff the granite utilizing round motions. Don’t neglect to shine the sides of your counter! Oil will give your granite a pleasant shine, and additionally assist it repel water.
Generally granite seems to be uninteresting on account of etching. That is what occurs when the granite floor is eroded. Small etches may be polished out utilizing sprucing powder (often tin oxide), however no quantity of sprucing will undo the injury finished by deep etching. As a substitute, name knowledgeable who can refinish the stone and restore your granite to its former glory.
What substances will stain granite counter tops?
Though granite worktop house owners ought to attempt to shield their pure stone surfaces, granite is mostly very proof against stains. Whereas the precise stain resistance of your granite will rely upon its porosity and coloration, you possibly can keep away from it changing into stained by taking a couple of easy precautions.
Water
Water can stain granite if it’s allowed to soak in. Take care to wipe up any spills as quickly as attainable, and pay explicit consideration to your counter in moist areas akin to round sinks, or the place you chop meals. Don’t depart damp sponges or cloths in your granite, and bear in mind to not put your moist gloves or umbrella on the kitchen counter while you come house.
Despite the fact that water can stain your granite counter tops, don’t be afraid to make use of it often for cleansing. Water will solely depart stains behind if it’s allowed to soak into the stone, so you should definitely at all times dry your counter completely.
Oils
Oils can discolor granite surfaces, and the stains they depart behind may be more durable to take away than water marks. One of the simplest ways to keep away from oily stains is to be vigilant about wiping down your granite counter, particularly round cooktops. Some meals additionally comprise oils that may soak into your granite, so attempt to keep away from placing something natural immediately on prime of your countertop. Use reducing boards and silicone mats to guard your granite from unintentional injury.
Fruit juice, pink wine, and soda
These drinks are all acidic, and have sturdy colours. For granite counters, that’s a foul mixture. The acid eats into the floor of granite, and the colour permeates the stone, leaving etching and stains behind. At all times wipe up these kinds of spills instantly, and use coasters to guard your countertop from drink rings.
Bleach/ammonia
Any substance that isn’t pH impartial can injury granite, and that features the commonest family cleaners. Except you’ve examined a pattern piece of your granite worktop, keep away from utilizing any sturdy answer as they will trigger etching and discoloration.
Warmth
It’s possible you’ll be shocked to listen to that scorching pots and pans can injury your granite. In spite of everything, its pure warmth resistance is one purpose why granite is so standard. Granite can nonetheless be broken by warmth as a result of the sealants and finishes used on its floor are usually not warmth proof against the identical diploma. This may end up in ugly black marks in your granite, or—in worst-case eventualities—even trigger the granite to crack. Somewhat than danger warmth injury, use protecting pads or trivets beneath your scorching pans to guard your granite.
Recent fruit
Similar to fruit juice, fruit itself is often acidic and brightly coloured. Berries, grapes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are significantly prone to injury granite and leaving stains behind. Defend your worktop by at all times placing one thing beneath any meals you set out, particularly contemporary fruit.
Espresso
Espresso is acidic sufficient to break the floor of your granite countertop, leaving it uninteresting and etched, and prone to absorbing stains. Hold espresso grounds away out of your counter, use coasters beneath cups to keep away from rings, and contemplate placing a silicone mat beneath your coffeemaker to keep away from any unintentional spills.
Make-up
You won’t take into consideration the injury that make-up can do to your granite counters, however make-up merchandise comprise oils and dyes that may discolor pure stone. Keep away from placing any make-up in your worktops, or place one thing beneath to guard the stone floor.
Ought to granite counter tops be sealed?
Briefly, sure. Sealants shield your granite from absorbing stains, supplying you with time to scrub up earlier than any injury happens. Unsealed granite is more likely to be stained or broken by on a regular basis use.
There are two sorts of sealant generally used on granite counter tops. Topical sealers coat the granite with a protecting layer, whereas impregnating sealers soak into the stone and refill the pores that may take up liquids and stains. Impregnating sealers are likely to last more than topical, however each sorts will must be reapplied yearly or two as they break down.
Colour enhancers
Colour enhancers are utilized like topical sealers, however they don’t present the identical safety. Their objective is to make the granite look shiny and “moist,” and deliver out the pure coloration of the stone. You can even use a coloration enhancer to masks injury brought on by etching.Moreover, coloration enhancers can enhance the look of sure granite finishes, akin to leathered or honed granite, which have a matte, uninteresting end.
You should utilize a coloration enhancer in your granite worktop in tandem with a sealant, nevertheless it shouldn’t be thought of a alternative to correctly sealing the stone.
How to seal a granite counter
You’ll Want:
Dish cleaning soap or granite cleansing answer
Heat water
Microfiber cloths
Granite sealant
Word: It’s at all times finest to comply with the directions of the product you’re utilizing, however this information will educate you the fundamentals of find out how to seal a granite worktop. You need to have the ability to seal your counters in about an hour, together with drying occasions.
The first step: Clear your granite floor completely with heat, soapy water (or granite cleaner).
Step two: Use a contemporary, damp microfiber material to take away any extra residue.
Step three: Use a dry material to completely dry your countertop.
Step 4: Depart the granite to dry to make sure all of the water has evaporated. This can take round ten or fifteen minutes.
Step 5: Spray sealant evenly throughout your granite, taking care to cowl all surfaces, together with the edges.
Step six: Rub within the sealant utilizing a clear, dry microfiber material.
Step seven: Depart the sealant to soak up for about ten minutes, then wipe away any extra utilizing a microfiber material.
Pro Tip: When you let the sealant set for too lengthy and it dries in your granite countertop, add a little bit bit extra sealant to interrupt it down and then buff it away.
How to inform if granite sealant wants reapplying
Most granite sealants will final a few yr, however the actual time you want to reapply your sealant will rely upon how you utilize your kitchen and what your granite comes into contact with each day. To test in case your sealant remains to be working, take a squirt bottle and spray a little bit water onto your counter. When you see the water beading, the sealant remains to be doing its job of protecting liquids out. If the water doesn’t bead, it’s time to reseal. It’s that easy.
How to take care of granite counter tops
One of the simplest ways to maintain your granite counters trying their finest is to stop injury from taking place. There are 5 key steps to defending your granite:
- Don’t place something scorching or natural immediately on granite surfaces
- Guard in opposition to abrasive mud and grit
- Clear up spills instantly
- Keep away from harsh chemical compounds and cleaners
- Seal your granite often
Prevention actually is healthier than remedy, so be aware of how you utilize your granite surfaces, and what you place on them. Wiping your granite down every day with a humid material and buffing away extra moisture may also provide help to preserve your granite gleaming, and provide you with an opportunity to note any spills earlier than they grow to be stains.
With the best remedy, and a little bit every day consideration, your granite counters will final a lifetime, and be the simplest factor in your own home to scrub. Simply comply with our professional cleansing ideas and take pleasure in your lovely granite counter tops.
