Granite cleaning is relatively simple and straightforward if you know how.
It’s all about using the right products and applying the correct techniques!
In this helpful guide, we’ll be taking you through our handy granite cleaning tips so that you can keep your granite worktops fresh, clean and free from nasty bacteria.
Let’s get stuck in…
DAILY GRANITE CLEANING
Wiping down your kitchen or bathroom worktops on a daily basis can help to prevent stubborn stains, and maintain the natural beauty and shine of the stone.
Follow our simple 5-step process for quick and effective results:
- Start by filling a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid, then thoroughly wet a clean dishcloth.
- Next, wipe down your granite surfaces with the soapy water in an s-shape or zig-zag motion. This will prevent you from going over the areas that you have already cleaned and creating unsightly smears.
- Using a microfibre cloth or soft towel, dry and buff your granite worktops in order to avoid streaking.
- (Optional Step) After buffing, shine and disinfect your worktops with a water and isopropyl alcohol solution. Mix together a 50:50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol into a spray bottle. Spray gently onto the granite surface and allow to sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with water and wipe down with a clean microfibre cloth. This will remove excess soapy water and periodically disinfect your granite worktops, restoring their natural shine.
- Sit back and enjoy the look of your lovely, clean worktops!
DEEP CLEANING YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
If dirt and grime have been left to fester on your granite kitchen counters, a deep clean will be required to get them sparkling again!
Fortunately, deep cleaning your worktops doesn’t require any magic or sorcery, it simply takes a little more time.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Always ensure that your surfaces have been properly sealed before attempting to carry out a deep clean.
To get your worktops back in tip-top condition, mix 2 tablespoons of washing-up liquid with 3-4 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and 284ml of warm water (you can double the volume if you have more surfaces to cover). Then, decant your liquid into a spray bottle.
Once you have created your solution, apply sparingly to your surfaces and leave to sit for 15 minutes.
After your 15 minutes is up, gently wipe down your worktops with a dishcloth and then pat them down using a clean tea towel or kitchen roll.
TARGETED GRANITE STAIN REMOVAL
If there’s a pesky stain on your granite surface and it’s ruining the look of your countertops – fear not. There are some tried and tested methods that you can try!
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Before you jump into tackling your stain, you’ll need to establish whether you have a stain or whether you have etching.
Granite etching will generally appear lighter than the colour of your stone since it is a sign of a chemical burn. So, if you see white or pale patches on your worktop that don’t look like water stains, you will need to call in a professional.
Types of Granite Staining
Oil Stains: To remove stubborn oil stains from your granite, you will need to use acetone. This needs to be pure acetone – don’t be tempted to use nail varnish remover!
Cover your stain with a few tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and then add a few drops of acetone. To allow the mixture to work its magic, it’s best to wait 24 hours before removing.
After 24 hours, gently remove the mixture and wipe it down with some warm water and dish soap. Following the application of acetone you will need to re-seal that area of your counter.
Rust Stains: To safely remove rust stains from your counters, you can either use a shop-bought granite cleaner or hydrogen-peroxide. When using hydrogen-peroxide, make sure you use a volume no higher than 4% otherwise this could damage your worktop.
Carefully apply your cleaner or peroxide to the rust stain with a spray bottle. Then, allow it to sit for 24 hours.
After this time, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove the rust from your surface.
As with oil stains, you will need to go back in and re-seal your surface to prevent further staining in future.
Water Stains: For water stains, apply a small amount of soapy water to the area and gently remove with a rubber bristled brush. To restore the shine, consider following steps 3-5 from our daily granite cleaning section.
RECOMMENDED GRANITE CLEANER
If you do require something stronger than soapy water to lift stains from your worktop, here are two trusted brands that are highly recommended:
HG Natural Stone Worktop Cleaner
When using shop-bought products, avoid all-purpose worktop cleaners. The products you use need to be granite-friendly.
PROLONGING YOUR GRANITE WORKTOPS
To prolong the lifespan of your granite countertops, there are a number of important dos and don’ts to remember!
Dos:
- Always wipe up any spillages as soon as you notice them. This is particularly crucial if the liquid is acidic, oil or alcohol-based.
- When carrying out general/daily cleaning, use warm water, a mild dishwashing liquid and a microfibre cloth.
- Remember to use coasters under all glasses and cups to help prevent cup marks.
- Prepare all meals on a chopping board and use trivets for hot pans.
Don’ts:
- Never use harsh or abrasive cloths. Whilst granite is a highly durable material it is still possible to scratch the surface if you are not careful.
- Avoid using acidic cleaning products or harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia for daily cleaning as these can damage the colour of your stone.
- Don’t leave fresh fruit or alcohol-based products on your worktops for long periods of time as this can etch and dull the stone.
RE-SEAL YOUR WORKTOPS TO GIVE THEM A NEW LEASE OF LIFE
The best way to keep your granite counters in good condition is to seal them once a year. This will reduce the porosity of the stone and prevent set-in stains that are difficult to remove.
To ensure a quality seal, we always recommend using a professional stone worktop company as this will result in a higher-quality finish and help your sealant to last longer.
NEED EXPERT HELP WITH YOUR GRANITE WORKTOPS?
If you have any questions about granite, quartz countertops or marble worktops, contact us today!