QA

Quick Answer: How To Care For Granite Counter Tops

To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Often a microfiber cleaning cloth, even a dry one, is all that is needed for basic cleaning. For times when spills or daily life happen, try to wipe down the granite countertop daily or as needed using only water.

What should you not put on a granite countertop?

Here are five things you should keep off your granite counters to avoid permanent damage. Sharp Knives. Highly Pigmented Liquids. Acidic or Abrasive Cleaners. Raw Meats. People.

Can I use Clorox wipes on granite?

You should avoid using acid-based cleaners — lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach-based — on granite. That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite’s seal.

What cleaners are safe for granite?

13 best natural granite cleaners. Dr. Bronner’s All-Purpose Cleaner. method All Purpose Cleaner. Seventh Generation Granite & Stone Cleaner. method All-Purpose Compostable Cleaning Wipes. Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaner. Caldrea Countertop Spray. method Daily Granite Cleaner. Grove Co.

How often should granite countertops be sealed?

Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule. How Often Do You Need To Seal Granite? Granite is a unique and natural material that is extremely durable, resistant to high temperatures, and easy to clean.

Can you put hot pan on granite?

Homeowners don’t need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.

Can I use Scrubbing Bubbles on granite?

To maintain the shine and to protect your cultured marble product, only use liquid cleaners such as Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner, or Scrub-Free Soap Scum Remover. It is not recommended that you use any abrasive cleansers like Soft Scrub, powdered Comet, or Ajax.

Can I use Windex on granite?

Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick.

How do you get the shine back on granite countertops?

Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. It’s an easy fix, though. Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back. High mineral content in your water (hard water) can also result in a dulling buildup on your countertops.

Do Lysol wipes ruin granite?

You should not use Lysol on your granite countertops, backsplashes or vanity tops. The cleaner contains harsh ingredients that can cause your sealer to lose its effectiveness. The product also has ammonia, which is extremely harmful to granite.

How do you clean granite without streaks?

Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking: Dry and buff your granite countertop thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or soft terry cloth towel to avoid streaking. Disinfect: To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap residue, and restore shine, spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto your counters.

Is 409 cleaner safe for granite countertops?

Unfortunately, Formula 409 contains many substances that can damage the surface of your granite. So, even if your granite is installed in a bathroom, avoid using traditional bathroom cleansers like this when the time comes to clean your stone.

What do you clean granite with daily?

How to Clean Granite Countertops Don’t use harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing tools: Stick with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth. Wipe up spills as soon as possible: Granite isn’t as porous as marble, so it’s less susceptible to soaking up oils and stains.

Can I seal granite myself?

The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.

How do you know when granite needs to be resealed?

If the granite surface immediately takes in most of the water and develops a dark mark or ring, you need to seal it once every few months. If it takes a few minutes for your stone countertop to soak up all the water, you only need to seal it once every year or two.

What happens if you don’t seal granite?

Stains from Water When granite and other types of natural stone are properly sealed, they repel liquids and prevent them from permeating into the stone. Without sealing, water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, some small, some large, giving your stone a perpetually dirty appearance.

Can you use a knife on granite?

Hard stone countertops like granite and quartz can withstand knife work in the kitchen without scratching. However, if you cut acidic foods like citrus fruits, the acid can degrade the surface of the countertop, leaving a noticeable dull spot.

Should granite countertops be smooth as glass?

A granite countertop of sufficient quality should feel as smooth as glass. What About Polishing the Surface? Some may suggest that the solution to a rough granite countertop surface is more polishing. Poor quality granite slabs may have rough patches and simply not feel smooth as glass.

Does coffee stain granite?

Coffee, whether from spills or cup rings, can leave stains on granite counter tops. When possible, wipe up stains as soon as they occur to prevent staining. Stains that are not wiped up immediately require additional attention.