How to Clean Granite Countertops

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Serving Portland OR, Vancouver WA, and the Oregon Coast

Proper care is essential to keeping your granite countertops looking great for years to come. Though granite is highly durable and relatively easy to care for, there are still a few guidelines you should follow to avoid accidentally damaging your beautiful countertops. Here are a few tips on how you can safely and thoroughly clean your granite countertops:

• Clean spills quickly. It may be tempting to ignore a spill or drip for a little while, especially if the liquid isn’t notorious for staining – like water. However, even water can leave behind markings on the granite as it dries. To avoid water marks or other stains, clean spills as quickly as you can.
• Only use safe cleaners. Improper cleaners could dull the color of your granite or wear down the sealant over time. It’s best to avoid cleaners that are acidic or full of harsh chemicals, like Windex, vinegar, or bleach. Instead, opt for a granite-specific cleaner, or try making one yourself with our recipes below.
• Watch what you put on the counter. Things like cooking oils, coffee, ink, and cosmetics can cause serious stains. Though you will likely use these items near your countertops at some point, it’s useful to be careful about what things you store on the granite. To avoid tough stains, it may be best to store items like these in cupboards rather than on the counter.
• Keep an eye on the sealant. Sealant is designed to keep granite safe from dirt, oils, and other contaminants that could damage it over time. Generally, the sealant will wear down after a year or two of regular use. Keep an eye out for fissures, etch marks, or regular moisture rings, as these are all signs that your granite needs to be resealed.
• Don’t use abrasive scrubbing tools. If you have a tough stain, it may be tempting to whip out your toughest sponge or steel wool to scrub it away. However, abrasive materials could damage the sealant on your countertops or even scratch the granite. Instead, use a soft cloth to avoid causing any damage.
• Know when to call an expert. An expert can help you resolve issues with your granite countertops, such as major stains, cracks, or old sealant. While you could try to DIY a solution, an experienced technician will help give you a more professional final product.

How to Make Granite Countertop Cleaners

Not all cleaning products are safe for granite countertops. However, you can easily make safe and effective cleaners using regular household items. Here’s how to make great granite countertop cleaners:

• Everyday cleaner: For an easy everyday cleaner, just mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. You can apply this with a soft cloth. Just be sure to dry the countertops afterward to avoid water spots.
• Everyday disinfectant: If you want a cleaner that also acts as a disinfectant, you can make one using a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. You can also add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil.
• For removing oil-based stains: If your countertop has an oil-based stain from something like butter or cooking oil, then you can create a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water. Apply with a soft cloth before rinsing, taking care to dry the counter afterward. Repeat this process as many times as needed.
• For removing water-based stains: If your countertop has a water-based stain, like a glass ring, then you can create a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly, taking care to dry the countertop afterward. Repeat this process as many times as needed.
• For very tough stains: If you have tried to remove stains by applying one of the baking soda cleaners above and it still won’t lift, then try leaving the paste on overnight. To do so, cover the area with the paste and cover it with plastic wrap. Tape the edges down so it doesn’t dry out, and leave it in place overnight. In the morning, rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.