How To: Clean Your Granite Countertops
I know at first this doesn’t really seem like necessary “how to.” I think most of us have learned how to wipe off countertops by now, right? Right. Except that granite countertops require a slightly different cleaning ideology. Don’t worry, it’s no 12 step process.
"Hooray! I've mastered the art of countertop cleaning!"
The key to keeping your countertops streak free, build-up free, and looking like new is simple. I think it can be broken down into three easy rules:
1. Less is More
The polish and shine of granite countertops comes from the polishing process. Similar to wood, you start with a very coarse polishing pad and move onto progressively finer pads until the stone shines. This means that you don’t need a specific product to keep your granite looking like new. For everyday cleaning I like to use just plain water or a chemical-free all-purpose cleaner (the kind you would find at a health food store) for sanitizing. We also give our customers an unlimited supply of high end 3-in1 Cleaner, Sealer, Polisher that can be used as often as you need it.
Sealing & cleaning are so easy your puppy could do it!
2. No chemicals, abrasives, or wax based products
That means NO WINDEX! Homeowners ask me why their granite is dull looking. I ask “Are you using Windex?” and the answer is almost always “yes.” If your granite doesn’t look shiny or it looks greasy, then I’m guessing you’re use either a chemical or something soapy like dish detergent. The chemicals dry out the your stone, and the soapy products leave a buildup on the granite that just gets thicker every time you use more of it to get that smear off.
3. Seal it once a year
While sealing is not always essential (it depends on the color of stone), we highly recommend it. Granite is naturally porous. Sometimes, liquids can absorb into the stone. They will evaporate back out, but depending on which granite (they all have different compositions and therefore different rates of evaporation) it could leave a mark for a couple hours or even a day while it does so. Sealing is a simple process. We give our customers an unlimited supply of bottles of 100% silicone sealer. Once a year, you pour it onto the countertops, wipe it in, wait 15 minutes, and wipe off the excess. The sealer stops liquids from absorbing into the granite. This means your granite will be easier to clean, and retain its original luster. This is a great way to maintain your granite since silicone has a very low chemical reactivity. It’s safe. It’s sanitary.
Did you break the housekeeping rules? Subscribe to our blog, and stay tuned for upcoming “do-it-yourself” stone restoration tips.
Happy Cleaning!
-Lori
