Cleaning Granite Countertops Tips and Tricks
Find out what’s involved when cleaning granite countertops in Boston. Are they really that hard to take maintain? Many people dream to live in a newly updated home where stunning granite countertops span the entire kitchen area. Granite can make a wonderful statement. Sadly, cleaning granite countertops might be a bit of a nightmare for some.
Despite being fairly scratch and heat resistant, granite, similar to wood and glass, is a sensitive material that requires its own cleaning manual. Most people think that any all purpose cleaner available on the market can be used to maintain granite. But, these cleaners usually contain some harsh chemicals such as ammonia that can damage and scratch the surface of the granite. But, fear not. Deep cleaning granite countertops are still possible without causing damage on your countertop.
Here are some simple tips and tricks for cleaning granite countertops.
Feel the Granite Surface
For starters, it is not that easy or simple to spot dirt on your granite countertop. This is why it is always recommended that you feel its surface before you clean it. You can use a microfiber cloth for dusting off the surface first. This type of cloth can lift the dirt instead of pushing this into the corner. This is also a safer alternative than those scratchy paper towels. Once you have done this, you are now ready to proceed to cleaning your granite countertop.
Follow-Up with pH-Balanced Cleaner
All-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, and bleach will all cause damages on the sealant of granite. In addition, you also wouldn’t want to use ammonia, lemon cleaners, or vinegar on your granite counter. Although these products can work wonders on some other types of materials, these can be too acidic for granite, thus eating away the surface.
The use of a pH-balanced detergent will get rid of streaks while eliminating dirt. Try to mix water and a small amount of pH-balanced dish washing soap in a quart-sized squirt bottle. If you wish your granite counter to be free from germs and restore its natural beauty, you can also try to add ¼ cup isopropyl rubbing alcohol into the mixture. It is a cheap cleaner that will leave your granite counter shiny and streak-free.
Run Your Palm over Your Granite Counter
Finish cleaning granite countertop by running your palm over its surface. It is very easy for dirty spots to hide in the stone’s intricate design and can be a bit difficult to spot with the naked eye. A very simple palm test is going to alert you of missed spots on top of the smooth and soft surface.
How to Clean Granite Countertops on a Daily Basis?
A beautiful and luxurious accent to any home, granite can continue to look as good as new with immediate attention to regular cleaning and spills to make it shiny all over again. Cleaning granite countertops is very easy. You just need little soap, water, and a towel for day to day cleaning. Don’t use any harsh cleaner that contains acid or ammonia. Proper cleaning can bring out the natural shine of your granite countertops. With this, you can be sure that it will add more beauty and value to your home.