How to Clean Granite Countertops
The temperature outside is dropping and you're finding yourself spending more time inside your cozy apartment. This is also the time of year where germs are at an all time high. Coworkers are calling off sick, kids are around colds and flus at school, your Netflix and chill date sneezed on your coffee table - you can't escape it! However, you can fight back with routine cleaning and disinfecting around your home.
Keeping your home a health haven starts with routine cleaning and disinfecting. This article breaks down the proper way to clean and disinfect your granite countertops because odds are, your current cleaning products are causing more harm than good. Granite is a special stone that requires extra love and care to maintain the beautiful finished look, which caught your eye in the first place.
What Not to Use When Cleaning Granite Countertops
You may want to rethink using white vinegar on your finished granite. Our friends at Stone Care list a few common cleaners that damage the finished stone:
- Vinegar
- Window cleaners
- Dishwashing detergents
- Abrasive cleaners
- Abrasive cleaning tools
- Acidic cleaners
If you're on the fence about using a homemade cleaner or one you'd buy at the store, make sure you're doing extensive research on which ingredients are safe and keep the stone shiny.
The Right Way to Clean and Disinfect Granite Countertops
Before any cleaning takes place, an efficient clean starts with a blank canvas. Make sure any small appliances, countertop decorations, and dishes are removed from the counter before you start cleaning to make sure no germs are left behind.
Now that the heavy lifting is done, you're ready to start cleaning! We suggest purchasing certified granite cleaner to ensure longevity of your granite countertops in both the kitchen and bathrooms. If you're not sure of which cleaner to buy, check out these certifide granite cleaners available on Amazon and in stores like Target and Walmart.
Granite-Safe Cleaning Supplies
In addition to granite cleaner, you'll need a few other items to get the job done right. A dish towel, terrycloth towel, or microfiber towel assist in getting the surface area clean without damaging the sealed stone.
If you don't have any of these, choose a something that won't scratch. Think about what you'd wash your car with - something that you can put a little elbow grease into without being too abrasive!
Live Exceptionally Tip: wiping up messes as soon as they occur make cleaning granite easier in the long run.
Cleaning granite counters doesn't have to be rocket science. In fact, once you have the right cleaning supplies you'll be able to maintain your space and show off your beautiful kitchen, bathroom, etc. on a whim! Make sure the cleaner you choose is specific to granite to maintain the integrity of the sealed stone. Typical household cleaners like Clorox wipes and Soft Scrub are too harsh for granite and can slowly damage your counters over time. When in doubt, a little research goes a long way. Never be afraid to look up the best granite-safe cleaning supplies at your preferred store (or Amazon). Happy cleaning!
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