Granite is one of the most durable materials when it comes to countertops. It offers gorgeous aesthetics that only a few other countertop materials can provide. Also, granite has timeless appeal and aura, taking any kitchen and bathroom to the next level. With up to 20 shades to choose from, you’ll surely find the right one that matches your cabinets, walls, and flooring.
On top of that, granite is an extremely hard substance that can resist scratches and dents perfectly. Also, it can handle high temperatures very well. So, it’d be perfectly fine to install a cooktop or place a hot pan on its surface without getting damaged or weakened.
Orlando granite countertops are beautiful, incredibly strong, and long-lasting countertops. Because of these, they remain one of the most popular choices with homeowners. To retain their durability and aesthetic look and shape, you must maintain them properly. If that’s the case, it’d be best to avoid cleaning techniques that may cause damage.
To help you, below are the dos and don’ts of cleaning your granite countertops to preserve their timeless beauty and prolong their lifespan. Carefully follow all the tips to be presented to maximize your granite countertops.
Do Wipe Up Spills Right Away
It’s normal for countertops to be spilled and splashed with liquid substances, especially when you’re always cooking. Such liquids may include coffee, tea, soda, wine, tomato sauce, etc. These acidic substances won’t be able to damage your granite slab as they would marble, but they might stain the surface.
Aside from acidic substances, you should also be wary of oils that may splatter around your granite countertops while cooking. This usually happens when you’re deep-frying and stir-frying ingredients. Unfortunately, these greasy substances often leave oil stains that are not easy to eradicate.
This is why it’s essential to wipe out any spillage as soon as you see them. Don’t wait for others to do the job for you; take on those spills as quickly as you can. Doing so will help prevent them from becoming cumbersome stains you won’t remove easily. Therefore, always have your kitchen towels on standby just in case some spills need immediate cleaning.
Do Not Use Generic Cleaning Products
One of the most significant rules when cleaning granite countertops is to avoid using generic cleaning products. These include bleach, glass cleaners, powder detergents, all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, and other typical household cleaners. But why?
Most granite countertops need to be sealed to protect them from different substances. Generic cleaning products containing alkalis, acids, and other strong chemicals may damage the seal of your granite countertop and expose the granite. This leaves the stone vulnerable to staining and other forms of damage.
Also, without a proper sealant, microorganisms and excessive moisture will seep inside the granite slab. These are some things you don’t want when preparing food. They can contaminate everything they touch, putting your health at risk. So, ditch these generic household cleaners and look for others with gentle formulations instead.
Do Clean Surfaces With A Sponge Or Soft Cloth
When cleaning your granite countertops, it’s best to use non-abrasive materials, such as a sponge or soft cloth. These will keep the stone in its best condition while protecting its sealant simultaneously. For better results, you may use a specifically-formulated cleaning material only for granite countertops.
Do Not Use Ammonia-Based Products, Vinegar, Orange, Or Lemon As Cleaners
Ammonia-based products are strong alkalis, while vinegar, orange, and lemon are acids. Thus, they shouldn’t be used as a cleaner when cleaning your granite countertops. As mentioned earlier, these chemicals and home remedies can also damage the sealant of your granite, leaving it vulnerable to staining, moisture, and microorganisms.
Do Use A Gentle Cleaning Solution
Instead of using strong acids and alkalis to clean your Orlando granite countertops, you may use gentle cleaning solutions. These are usually made with organic substances, such as natural extracts from leaves and fruits, and are free from harmful chemicals that may etch your countertop. Or you may create your own all-natural cleaning solution instead.
Here’s a recipe you can follow to create your own all-natural granite cleaning solution:
- Measure a quarter cup of alcohol (ethyl, isopropyl, or vodka) and transfer it into a spraying bottle.
- Add three drops of Castille soap. If you don’t have one, you may use your regular dishwashing soap instead. Just make sure it’s free from harmful chemicals.
- Add several drops of essential oils. You may adjust the scent according to your liking.
- Fill the bottle with water and shake it thoroughly until it’s well-mixed.
Aside from this recipe, you may also mix equal parts of water and isopropyl alcohol as a cleaning solution. Simply combine these two ingredients together and spray the solution onto your granite countertop. Let it sit for around four to six minutes before rinsing the surface with water. Then, gently pat it dry using a clean cloth—preferably the microfiber one.
Do Not Store Liquids And Toiletries Over It
To keep your Orlando granite countertops clean, it’s best to avoid storing liquids and toiletries over the surface. These may include bottles of lotions, perfumes, creams, colognes, shampoos, conditioners, serums, and cleansers. This is because such products may spill over the surface of your countertop without you even knowing it happened.
As a result, the spill will be left behind and can turn into hard-to-remove and cumbersome stains, giving your shiny countertops a touch of discoloration. However, if this happens, don’t worry. All you need to do is follow the cleaning tips mentioned above for the best results. These include cleaning with soft materials and all-natural, homemade cleaning solutions.
Do Use A Small Amount Of Cooking Oil To Make It Shine
Who doesn’t love a shiny granite countertop? Of course, everyone does. Not only can it make the surface look stunningly and sparkling clean, but it also makes it look more elegant. Luckily, making it as shiny as the sun is only simple. All you need to do is pour a small amount of cooking oil onto a soft cloth and evenly wipe it across the surface. Voila! You now have a shiny, sparkling granite countertop.
Final Words
Granite is one of the most durable materials you can choose for your countertops, whether it’s for kitchen or bathroom use. However, it doesn’t mean it’s invulnerable to damage. Improper cleaning methods may cause such damage to Orlando granite countertops, so it’s crucial to know its dos and don’ts. You may refer to the discussion above to learn the proper techniques and avoid harmful cleaning methods when cleaning a granite countertop.
