Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and nothing enhances its beauty quite like stunning granite countertops. But it’s not enough to just buy granite countertops because keeping them beautiful can be quite tedious. With their beauty and durability, granite surfaces are meant for the best care to keep them looking as ch as they are. But you don’t need to worry anymore! Because in this comprehensive article, we will walk you through the essential steps to clean granite countertops effectively from cleaning with baking sodas and leaving no streaks to tackling any kind of stains! By the end of this article, you’ll know how to clean granite countertops. And lastly, you will know how to make your granite countertops shimmer more than ever!
Everything you need to know from a quick everyday cleaning routine to tips on how to restore that beauty to your countertops. Just follow these easy tips, and you will be enjoying your bright granite surfaces that add more value to your home. Keep reading until you learn the art of caring for granite!
Cleaning granite countertops with baking soda
Cleaning granite countertops with baking soda is an effective and safe way of maintaining beauty and luster. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that removes most stains and grime without scratching the surface.
In order to Clean Granite Countertops, have all the items you’ll need, such as baking soda, water, soft cloth or sponge, spray bottle, and get started.
Begin with making the paste. Mix three parts baking soda and one part water in a bowl, until it has the consistency of a thick paste. This paste can be applied directly onto any staining spots on the countertop. For tougher stains, let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the best results so that the paste can penetrate the stain.
Next, use the soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub in circular motions the area you’re trying to clean clean granite countertops. The baking soda will absorb the stain while the cloth protects the granite from scratches.
Rinse the area with warm water to remove any leftover residues of the paste. It’s important to rinse until no baking soda remains because if it’s not fully rinsed away, it could leave a dull finish.
To clean Granite Countertops daily, simply dust a light sprinkling of baking soda all over the countertop. Take a cloth moistened with warm water, and wipe along that surface to allow that fine dust of baking soda to absorb smells and little stains. Rinse with clean water and dry with a nice towel to revert that countertop to shine.
Do not use acidic cleaners or strong chemical cleaners as they may endanger the surface of the granite. Use only natural solutions like baking soda to Clean Granite Countertops.
With just this simple method incorporated into your cleaning routine, the granite countertops will always remain pristine while extending their life beyond most kitchen standards and providing a clean granite countertops without streaks for food preparation.
How to clean granite countertops without streaks
To clean granite countertops without streaks, you need a soft microfiber cloth, a gentle dish soap, and distilled water are the essential supplies. Stay away from harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners because these could cause harm to the surface.
The first step to clean granite countertops without streaks is to remove all debris and crumbs from the countertop using a soft microfiber cloth or a dry soft brush. Then prepare the easily made cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of the gentlest of dish soap with warm distilled water in a spray bottle. Distilled water is recommended because it doesn’t contain any minerals that streak.
Next, spray the solution lightly over the counter without drenching it. Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion. This method will vacuum the dirt and grime while preventing streaks. More cleaning solution is to be added for stubborn dirt and left for a minute before wiping.
Rinse the surface after cleaning. Get another clean microfiber cloth moist with plain distilled water and wipe the countertop again to remove soap residue. This is very important because soap residue causes streaking.
Finally, dry the countertop thoroughly with a dry microfiber cloth. This prevents water spotting while also improving the shine of the granite surface. You may also rub some mineral oil or a specific polish on granite surfaces to make the marble shine even more buffing it using a clean cloth.
Regular maintenance is key in ensuring that your granite countertops remain streak-free. Whenever a spill occurs, it should be wiped up immediately and this should be done every week using this method. These steps are going to help keep your granite countertop beautiful and free of ugly streaks.
How to clean water stains off granite countertops
To clean water stains off granite countertops, identify what kind of stain you are dealing with. Water stains usually appear as cloudy spots that have developed from mineral buildup from hard water. To perfectly remove the stain, prepare the following: baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, a few drops of mild dish soap, soft microfiber cloth, plastic wrap, and a soft-bristle brush.
To Clean Granite Countertops Create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to a thick consistency. This powerful combination is effective in lifting away some of the toughest mineral deposits from the surface. The paste needs to be applied gently over the stained areas and it should entirely cover the area so that there are better results.
Next, place plastic wrap over the paste and tape down the edges to retain moisture within. Let it soak for 24 hours for the act mixture to penetrate the stain and dissolve the stain. After that remove the plastic wrap, and then, using a soft-bristle brush, apply gentle scrubbing to the area. This will help loosen anything left behind and the area will start to look like new.
Once finished scrubbing, wipe using a damp microfiber cloth. And of course, above all, dry that wet countertop to eliminate every last chance for new water spots to form.
Also, we suggest cleaning any spill immediately and keeping water off the stone to prevent possible future stains. Coasters under glasses and trivets under hot dishes protect the surface of the countertop. A yearly application of granite sealer also keeps the countertop stain-resistant, which, in turn, decreases the use of harsh cleaners that damage the granite finish. These simple steps will surely let you perfectly remove water stains and keep your granite countertop beautiful.
Different types of stains on granite countertops
Understanding different types of stains on granite countertops is very important, because you know how to remove them effectively and prevent them from happening. there are three common types of stains you might face when you Clean Granite Countertops:
Sticky stains
Sticky stains are often caused by spills from sugary liquids like syrup, honey, sodas, and fruit juices. These stains can be problematic because they leave behind a stain and sticky surfaces that attract dirt and debris. Usually, it gets harder to work on the sticky stains over time.
For sticky stains on granite countertops, you will need some basic supplies: mild dish soap, warm water, a soft cloth or sponge, and possibly a plastic scraper. First Clean Granite Countertops, take a bowl and mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Take your cloth or sponge and dampen it with the soapy solution, then gently scrub the stain area with circular motions. This technique would help lift the sticky residue without scratching the granite surface.
For any left stain after the initial cleaning attempt, you may need to scrape with a plastic scraper. You should scrape very gently, so as not to scratch the granite on the last of the residue. Once scraping is over, one should again apply the soapy water and proceed to wipe that area using a clean cloth to eliminate any particles that might come loose. Then rinse it again to remove any soap residue and wipe it down with clean water. Finally, dry the surface with a soft towel to restore its shine.
Also, one should clean up any spillage in cases where any occurs for any chances of sticky marks developing in the future. One can consider keeping a bottle of pH-balanced granite cleaner for day-to-day use because it would help with maintaining the finish and preventing any buildup from being formed over time.
Water Stains
Water stains on granite countertops are typically caused by mineral deposits left behind after water droplets evaporate. These stains can manifest as white spots or cloudy areas on the surface, detracting from the overall appearance of your countertops. Water stains are particularly common in areas where water frequently splashes, such as around sinks.
To address water stains, you can use a simple solution made from equal parts white vinegar and water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the stained area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down the mineral deposits. Next, take a soft cloth or sponge and gently scrub the area in circular motions. This technique helps lift the stain while being gentle on the granite surface.
If the stain remains stubborn after your initial cleaning, consider using a poultice made from baking soda. Mix baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste, then apply this paste directly onto the stain. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours. Afterward, remove the poultice and rinse the area thoroughly with clean water before drying it with a soft towel.
To prevent future water stains from forming, it’s essential to wipe down your countertops regularly after use. Make it a habit to dry surfaces after washing dishes or cleaning up spills. Additionally to Clean Granite Countertops, use coasters under drinks can help minimize direct contact between liquids and your granite countertops.
Tough Stains
Tough stains on granite countertops can arise from various sources, including oil spills, wine, coffee, or food dyes. These stains often penetrate deeper into the granite surface, making them more challenging to remove than sticky or water stains. Addressing tough stains promptly is key to preventing permanent discoloration.
For oil stains, which include those from cooking oils and greasy food, sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and add a little water to make a thick paste. Now, apply this paste abundantly on the stained area and cover it with plastic wrap to keep it moist. Leave it to stand for about 24 hours; this time lets the baking soda absorb the oil. Later, take off the paste and wash the area with a warm soapy water rinsing and drying it with a soft towel.
Some stains, like those made of wine or coffee, need hydrogen peroxide to clean granite countertops. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stained area and leave it for about 10-15 minutes. Use a clean cloth or sponge to blot the area afterwards; this will draw up the stain from the granite surface. Rinse it thoroughly in clean water and dry with a soft towel.
For food colour stains, which may come from sauces or drinks, you might as well consider a commercial stone cleaner that is designed specifically for heavy stains. These cleansers are meant to work without hurting the granite surface. Of course, always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to check if it causes any harm on your countertop.
Well, it seems that regular maintenance could also really help avoid tough stains from ever developing. Make sure that you seal your granite countertops using high-grade granite sealer from once every six months to one year. This way, you’ll be able to establish an available protection against staining, in addition to an easier cleaning. Cutting boards should also be used during food preparation to limit possible exposure to our granite surfaces from potentially stain-causing products.
How to clean granite countertops daily
It takes simple methods to clean granite countertops daily and keep them beautiful and long-lasting without losing their natural glowing shine from the surface.
To Clean Granite Countertops Begin by gathering warm water, soft dish soap (without any added harsh citrus extracts), and soft microfiber cloths. Optionally, a pH-balanced granite cleaner can be used for that added level of protection.
To prepare a cleaning solution, mix a mild dish soap and some drops into warm water in a bucket or sink. The blend will lift grime and dirt without affecting the granite. Soak a microfibre cloth in the soapy solution and wipe the granite surface with a circular motion and small strokes now to completely wash out some debris and spills and Clean Granite Countertops throughly.
After that, rinse the cloth thoroughly with pure water to take away any soap, since you should wring it well enough not to soak the countertop and develop water spots. Now wipe it with that towel.
Let it dry completely with a dry microfiber cloth leaving no droplet traces and streaks. Dangerous household cleaning agents that could harm the sealant and the surface of granite should be avoided; acid-based/corrosive substances, for example, vinegar, lemon juice, and ammonia, should not be used. Instead, they may use a pH-balanced cleaner formulated specifically for natural stone surfaces, mainly granite.
For better maintenance, clean up spills immediately, particularly if acidic like red wine or coffee, to prevent staining. Be sure always to check that your granite countertops are well sealed and reseal them as recommended, typically every six to twelve months, to maintain resistance to stains and damage. Follow these daily practices of cleaning, and you might as well keep the granite countertops looking new for as long as possible.
How to shine granite countertops
If you want to shine granite countertops, then you’re at a right place. You should Gather these materials: mild dish soap, warm water, soft microfiber cloths, pH-balanced granite cleaner, granite polish, and granite sealer.
To Clean Granite Countertops daily, mix a few drops of mild dish soap into some warm water. Then take that damp, soft microfiber cloth filled with the solution and wipe the countertop in circular motions to get rid of any debris or spills. After cleaning, rinse the cloth with fresh, clean water and rewipe the surface to remove any remaining soap. Finally, dry the countertop thoroughly with a fresh cloth, so there are no water spots.
Then, for a heavy-duty cleaning job, use a pH-balanced granite cleaner. Simply spray the counter and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The polish used must be specific to granite, and it should have an enhancement for the polished appearance of the stone surface. Then ensure the countertop is made clean and dry before dripping a bit of polish into a soft cloth. Buff at the surface in circular motions until the entire area has been covered. Allow the polish to sit for the time indicated on the product and then buff the countertop with a clean and dry microfiber cloth to achieve a brilliant shine.
To test if your granite needs sealing, do a water test. This is done by putting a few drops on the surface. If it absorbs within 10-15 minutes, then it’s time to reseal that. You then need to clean granite countertops and thoroughly dry the countertop before applying the sealant evenly all across the surface. Allow it to penetrate as instructed, then wipe off the excess and let it cure as advised.
To keep your countertops maintained, do not use any acidic or abrasive cleaners, use coasters and trivets, clean spills immediately, and dust regularly to keep the surface shiny.
