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7 Things to Avoid on Your Granite Countertops Don’t work with raw meat on a granite countertop. Don’t get acidic things on your granite countertop. Don’t let spills remain on a granite countertop. Don’t use knives directly on the granite. Avoid putting hot pans on your countertop.
Can you use Lysol wipes on granite countertops?
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 should you avoid with granite countertops?
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 you put hot things on granite countertop?
Placing hot pots, hot pans and hot items in general will not damage your granite countertop. That said, over time, exposure to excessive heat can weaken the seal on your granite countertop, which in turn can leave the surface more exposed to staining, liquid damage, etc.
Does lemon juice hurt granite?
Fact: Granite is a quartz-based stone that is acid-resistant. Lemon juice, tomato juice, and other acidic household items will not harm granite.
Is rubbing alcohol safe for granite countertops?
Disinfect: To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap residue, and restore shine, spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto your counters. Allow it to sit for three to five minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Is vinegar okay for 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.
What happens if you don’t seal granite?
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 car polish on granite?
What Type of Wax Do You Use on Granite? For granite countertops, use only waxing products that are specifically designed for granite. Do not attempt to use car wax, as it will not properly complete the job. For lighter granite countertops, use a clear wax product.
Is baking soda safe for granite?
Remove stains from your countertop without damaging the natural stone by using these tips: Apply a baking soda paste: No matter what you spilled, odds are baking soda can help remove it.
Should you put hot pans 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.
What are the disadvantages of granite?
Granite Countertop Disadvantages: Improper sealing can lead to staining. Poorly sealed granite can harbor bacteria. There are fewer color varieties and patterns in granite than in engineered stone countertops. Corners can chip or break. More expensive compared to most other popular countertop materials.
What can damage granite countertops?
Common household items that are acidic and can etch the surface and damage the seal on your granite, causing it to stain more easily: Vinegar. Citrus Fruits. Soft Drinks. Perfume. Lotions. Nail Polish. Soaps.
Can you use nail polish remover on granite?
Do not use fingernail polish remover on the granite as it will etch the stone, causing damage. While granite is generally resistant to wear and tear, special and immediate care must be taken when a mess—such as a fingernail polish spill–occurs.
How do I clean a cloudy granite countertop?
Granite can be safely cleaned with mild dish soap and water, but this can leave a layer of soap film that dulls the appearance of the stone. Even the water from the sponge or towel you use can leave cloudiness on your counters.
Is lemon safe for granite?
Cleaning Materials Lemon can be very damaging to granite as it contains calcite, so never use lemon-based cleansers on your granite counter and be careful when cooking with lemon. Do not use scouring cleansers on granite as well as they can eat away at the seal leaving the stone unprotected.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for granite?
Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. No matter the source of the stain, start with baking soda. If you wish to clean a water stain, mix the baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
What’s the best cleaner for granite countertops?
BEST OVERALL: Granite Gold Daily Cleaner. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Counter Cleaner. BEST NATURAL: Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate. BEST DAILY: Method Daily Granite Cleaner. BEST ALL-IN-ONE: Weiman Granite Cleaner and Polish. BEST SEALER: TriNova Granite Sealer & Protector.
What is the best homemade cleaner for granite?
Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
Can you use white wine vinegar on granite?
Granite and marble countertops The acid in the vinegar can cut through the natural stone and give them a great spruce tip. Use a mild liquid dish liquid and warm water instead.
Can you use ammonia free Windex on granite?
In addition, Windex products and all-purpose cleaners are generally not safe for granite countertops.
Why is vinegar bad for granite?
Vinegar spells trouble for granite countertops (and any other natural stone countertop). The acid in vinegar wears away at the protective sealant that prevents spills from penetrating the stone and causing permanent stains. In addition, over time vinegar can cause etching in the granite itself.
