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* Tips for Cleaning Your Granite Countertop

* Tips for Cleaning Your Granite Countertop

 

How do you keep your granite countertop clean and fresh? Highly renowned for its sturdiness and scratch resistance, granite is an excellent choice for countertops. Everyday wear and tear don’t make any visibly negative impact on granite countertops. The heat resistance of this material is also highly appreciable. However, you need to clean this type of surface properly to maintain the shine and optimize longevity. Here are the most effective and practical tips for granite countertop cleaning:

Don’t Keep Spills for an Extended Period

Granite is a porous material. That is to say, liquids or oil pass through the minute interstices of this material. So, you must not let the spills stay on the surface for an extended period. However, it performs much better than materials like marble. Preventative steps always help you improve the function and look of a granite countertop. That is why experts advise people to remove spills as fast as possible.

Never Use Rough or Coarse Scrubbers and Harsh Chemicals

Many people use abrasive cleaning tools to clean their granite countertops. It is a mistake you should never make. These tools can create scratches on the stone, producing a negative impact on the look and functionality. Harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners make the surface dull. Moreover, they wear out the sealant to reduce the longevity of your countertop.

 

Clean the Countertop Using A Dry Sponge, Fresh Water, and Safe Dish Soap

You need to start the cleaning task after removing everything from the counter. Transfer all appliances and keepsakes to another surface in your kitchen. You can use a dry sponge or a cloth to eliminate debris. Apply a bit of dish soap to a cloth or sponge and wipe off the food particles, grease, and dirt. When you finish the cleaning task, you must wipe off the granite countertop using fresh water to eliminate any soap residue. Focus on wiping across the countertop gently in small, circular motions to make your granite countertop cleaning efforts more effective.

Keep the Countertop Dry to Retain the Shine

Don’t keep your granite countertop wet when not in use. You can use a clean microfiber cloth to make the surface dry after cleaning. Prolonged dampness invites water spots and reduces the longevity of the countertop considerably. When you dry off the countertop, you can safeguard the granite from water damage. Further, it removes streaks and maintains the shine of the surface efficiently.

Disinfect the Granite Surface Using A Mixture of Water and Alcohol

Disinfection is another effective granite countertop cleaning method that helps you protect your countertop. You can create a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. The ratio needs to be 50/50. Mixing one cup of alcohol and water each will serve the purpose. Add this mixture to a spray bottle before applying it on the counter. You must keep this mixture on granite for five minutes. Then, it can be wiped off using a clean dish towel. This method helps you clean and disinfect the surface efficiently.