Though we’ve discussed at length why granite is an ideal material for your new countertops, one aspect we haven’t talked much about is how to keep them clean. Theoretically, you can have a granite countertop as long as you want, considering that you take proper care of it. So how do you clean your granite countertop to get the most life out of it?
Simply put, cleaning a granite countertop is a cup of tea, if you know what you’re doing. After all, there is a lot of conflicting advice online—some say to use special granite cleaners, others say those are a waste of money—so we’ve dug through much of the information online to present you with the definitive guide to cleaning and maintaining your granite countertop.
Firstly, having a sealed granite countertop is key. Even though it is a very hard surface and not as porous as marble, unsealed or poorly sealed granite will soak up oils, spills, and stains. You can easily check to see if your countertop is sealed by pouring a few drops of water on it. If they bead up, then you’re all good!
Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid the temptation to follow much of the home advice available online and not use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges, nor Windex, acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon, and lime, or anything with bleach. While some might lead you to believe that these cleaners are stronger than soap and water, in the long run, they can break down the seal on your countertop.
So what do you clean your countertop with? Truthfully, all you need is some warm water, a mild or gentle dish soap, and a nubby washcloth or microfiber cloth for wipedowns. And what about those cleaning fluids especially made for granite? Those are fine too, but at the end of the day, equally as effective as sap and water.
So by cleaning up spills as soon as you see them and washing your countertop with water and dish soap, you can place your granite countertop on the path to being in use for decades to come.
Contact Litt’s Plumbing for Granite Countertops Ideas!
