Roughly once a year, you will need to re-seal your granite countertops. For an oil-based stain, mix the baking soda with water. What Can You Do About Stains on Granite Countertops? Never use any abrasive tools to clean, such as steel wool or Brillo pads. However, as pollen, rain and other outdoor elements collect on exterior granite, you will want the most effective and safe cleaning routine to remove residue without damaging the granite. Copyright © 1996 - 2021 Marble.com™. If you require many angles and cutouts, it will cost more than a simple shaped countertop. In addition, the size and shape of your countertop will impact the final cost as well. Typical mixtures often include baking soda, water or other substances. Something helpful to keep in mind is that any cleaner with an orange or lemon scent is not good for natural stone countertops, as they contain citric acid. This section will highlight some of the reasons why granite is truly a magnificent choice for any home. Stones such as marble, quartzite and limestone are more prone to staining than granite is. a Quote, Privacy Deep Cleaning with Bleach or Vinegar Shovel a section of landscaping rocks into … Products such as the All Granite and Marble Countertop Cleaner can help you keep your granite looking amazing. Most granite countertops that you will find will have one of two finishes: Polished or Honed. Granite is one of the strongest natural materials that you can have in your home. Before you actually begin to seal the countertop, you will first need to choose an ideal sealant to use. Perhaps you want to use this professional grade sealer that is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. You will be able to find virtually any color or style you are looking for. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid stains so far but want to know the extent of your countertop’s protection, test whether or not it’s sealed. This is especially true of vinegar, lemon juice, and spilled … Don’t panic! Considering that granite countertops are such a significant investment for any home, you will want to make sure that the surfaces do not sustain damages as a result of poor care. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Compared to other stone countertops, caring for granite … Follow that up again with your stone-safe cleaner … While it is not ideal to have your countertop crack, these can be fixed as well. If you spill … In fact, granite is such a durable material that it will likely outlast your time living in your home. No matter where in the house you install them, with proper care, your granite countertops can leave you satisfied for many years to come. When it comes to natural stone, you will not find many options that are more durable than granite. How Often Do You Need to Seal Granite Countertops? This process will prevent stains and liquids from penetrating the surface, which allows your granite countertops to retain their amazing looks. Can You Install Your Granite Countertops? To clean granite countertops, mix warm water with a bit of dishwashing liquid to create a cleaning solution. As mentioned above, sealing granite countertops helps protect the surfaces against stains and liquid damages. Granite countertops typically do not crack, but can if you jump, sit on, kneel on or lean on the surfaces. Your best bet is to hire a professional to completely clean and then properly reseal the stone, thereby preventing future problems. / September 18, 2019, By 3802 Tools, Get What Factors Impact the Cost of Granite Countertops? As you can tell from above, sealing your granite countertops is a very important part of granite care. If you are cleaning a … If this happens, your granite countertops can weaken over time. However, just as it is resistant to heat and scratches, that does not necessarily mean that your granite countertop can never get stained. (Although there is a homemade granite cleaner you can make with a base of rubbing alcohol.) The table below gives you a better idea of where prices stand for granite and other stone countertop choices. For monthly maintenance, you can use a polishing product to help your granite countertops retain their distinctive shine. Either spread it across the surface with a brush or spray it on if your sealer comes in a spray bottle. Each slab of granite is unique – even slabs that come from the same quarry. How Can Granite Countertops Sustain Damages? How Does Granite Get from the Quarry to Your Countertop? But as with heat, this does not mean the surface is completely scratch proof. The right product for cleaning your granite countertops is one that is specially developed, formulated, and tested for use on granite and other natural stone substances. They’re bad news for the gloss of your granite as well as the protection—over time, they will etch, dull, and even weaken the surface sealant. Some types of granite are rarer and will cost more than types that are commonly found. If the surface is not properly sealed, it will be susceptible to staining. In the interest of protecting your knives, in addition to being a good idea in general, use a cutting board when preparing food. Wet a sponge with water from the tap and squirt dish soap into its center. Sealing Your Granite Countertops: How to Seal, Why and How Often, Cleaning Granite Countertops: What to Know. In locations all over the world, granite is extracted from the earth, cut into blocks, shaped into slabs and shipped off to a fabricator. For most stains, you will be able to resolve the issue by using a poultice. Most installations of granite are protected by a layer of sealant. While you can use mild dish soap and warm water for everyday cleaning purposes, there are also cleaners made especially for use on granite countertops. By 3799 Granite is a strong stone that requires very little maintenance and holds its appearance for years in most cases. The rocks that we picked were mostly granite, granite gneiss, gabbro, diorite, and basalt. Granite countertops are so tough that they will actually dull a kitchen knife used on the surface. / July 31, 2019. We can also … To protect your granite countertop from stains and liquid damages, you must seal the surface. To determine if your granite countertops need re-sealing, there is a simple test that you can do. One of the primary factors is the type of granite you choose. (Dealing with a stain? You don’t have to be a genius to figure out how to clean granite countertops properly; the job just requires a bit of extra care and attention. Never use any cleaners that are acidic, as these can wear away at the surface of any natural stone. Make sure to use a sponge or soft cloth. Even if your granite is sealed, it is never a good idea to leave any spills sitting on your countertop for a prolonged period of time. Step 2 Pour a little non-abrasive granite polish onto a soft, dry cloth and apply the polish to the granite rock. Discard the loose debris. Bob Vila, Top Tips for Keeping Countertops Like New, The Best Granite Cleaners for Spotless Countertops, All You Need to Know About Stainless Steel Countertops, 14 Instant Fixes for a Total Pantry Makeover, Ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners like Windex. Making Your Granite Countertops Look New Isn’t Difficult. Apply the poultice to the stain. Wait for 15 to 30 minutes (apply extra coat if needed), Let your countertop sit for 24 hours so the sealer can cure, Pour a small amount of water on a small area of the countertop, See if the water has absorbed or beads on the surface (This will determine if your granite countertop needs to be re-sealed). One of the causes of water stains is condensation from beverages that have been sitting on the countertop for too long. Clean the surface with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® to clear all dirt and liquids Use a mixture of mild antibacterial dish soap and warm water to disinfect the stone Allow this to sit on the surface for 5 minutes. Another helpful tip for keeping your granite in good shape is to make sure you do not store liquids on the surface. Any polishing products, such as the one mentioned above, are designed to enhance the finish of your granite. When cleaning, use a soft cloth or a sponge to avoid any potential damages. Massage the sponge or cloth until you see suds, then wring it out so as not to compromise the highly absorbent stone (it can become discolored beneath standing water). Pour a small amount of water on a small area of the countertop. Cooking oils, perfumes or lotions are just a few examples of liquids that can leak and potentially cause stains. On the other hand, granite … Use trivets and hot pads if you are going to place any hot pots or hot pans on your granite countertop. Many of the care processes will take just minutes of your time, such as re-sealing. Do not use any cleaning tools that are rough, as you may scratch the surface of the countertop. To clean quartz, granite, or other stone counters and floors, get a microfiber cloth wet with warm water and apply a drop of mild dish detergent to the fabric. … Follow the steps outlined here, and you’re bound to be satisfied with the result of your efforts. Wring out the cloth and wipe again with clean water to remove any soap residue, as over time it can leave a film behind, especially on dark granite. Polished granite countertops will appear shiny, while honed granite countertops will have a matte finish. By allowing a spill to sit on the granite you’re opening up a possibility of staining or dulling the granite. Granite is one of the easiest natural stones to care for. But, if the water penetrates the granite, address the stain quickly with the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste described above (under “Stain Removal”) and schedule a time to reseal the slab. As granite is the second hardest material only next to diamond, so you do not have to worrying about damaging it. Because granite comes from the earth, the stone will allow you to add a touch of natural beauty to your home. Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. Never use tile or grout cleaners to clean your granite countertops. After this, wait for 15 to 30 minutes. Gently wipe across the entire countertop in small, circular motions. No, you cannot install your own granite countertops. The following is a list of some other tips related to cleaning and maintaining granite countertops. Next, apply the sealer to your countertop. To start, mask off all areas that you do not want to treat with the sealer. By Bob Vila. If you are still in the process of searching for your next countertop, you may be interested in what alternatives exist to granite. Lighter colored granite countertops are more porous, meaning they are more likely to stain than darker colored granite countertops. But if you do not have even a minute to clean, at the very least you should do a good cleaning once during the week. comments Clean the granite rock surface with a clean, soft cloth dampened with the water and detergent mixture. Granite is one of the least expensive stone countertop options. With a dry paper towel, remove crumbs, dirt, or debris from the surface of your countertop. Always follow the instructions that come with whatever specific product you are using. You can also use tweezers to gently grip any small rock … In addition, you will need to re-seal granite periodically, as the sealer wears off after a while. There are many fantastic reasons to install granite countertops in your home. Careless actions include behavior such as jumping, sitting, kneeling or leaning on your granite countertop. For ease of application, mix one teaspoon of … Keep in mind that you should never use any harsh substances in an attempt to remove stains. Granite is an extremely heavy natural stone and will require a professional to install it. You want to see the water bead up atop the protective seal; that means it’s strong. If you want a natural stone countertop that is one-of-a-kind, you will get just that with granite. The last step of the process is to let your countertop sit for at least 24 hours. How Can You Polish Your Granite Countertops? Remove debris from crevices using tweezers. For daily maintenance, wipe the countertop down with warm water and mild dish soap. Doing so will keep your granite countertop in great shape both now and in the future. Cleaning with either one of these, or any other cleaner that is acidic, can negatively impact your granite. In addition to sealing, regularly cleaning your granite countertops can help them stay in terrific shape. Granite (much like other natural stones) is porous, meaning that liquid is able to get into the pores of the stone. Acidic cleaners include bleach, ammonia and Windex. This is done so that the sealer has enough time to cure. Granite is one of the least likely natural stones to encounter stains. These products will not give your granite countertop its distinctive shine, but rather keep it looking that way. The best way to clean natural stone, be it granite, marble, sandstone, or slate, is water with some PH neutral soap, like the one used in dishwashers. For regular cleaning, your best bet is nothing more sophisticated than mild dish soap that’s been diluted with water. To avoid water rings and other stains, make sure to always place a coaster underneath your beverage. So while each stone countertop material has its advantages and disadvantages, granite is one of the best all-around options you have. Service, All Granite and Marble Countertop Cleaner. In either case, the mixture should generate a thick paste. If you wish to clean a water stain, mix the baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. For comparison, while you will only need to re-seal your granite countertops around once a year, it is recommended that you re-seal your marble countertops once every few months. Do Certain Types of Granite Stain More than Others? On the other hand, if you notice that the water has absorbed into the surface, you must re-seal as soon as possible. While it is not cheap, it is more budget-friendly than many of the alternatives. Leave the homemade stain remover overnight (or even for a couple of days), before rinsing and wiping down the granite. While these items are not certain to cause damages, you are better off exercising as much caution as possible. Policy, Terms of Much like chips, granite cracks are not the end of the world. Improper cleaning includes using harsh cleaning products such as ammonia or bleach to clean your granite countertop. Bear in mind, however, that because granite scratches easily, the solution ought to be applied with a soft sponge, or even a microfiber cloth—that is, not with an abrasive scrubber. As long as you take proper care of your granite, it should stay in terrific shape for many years to come. No matter the source of the stain… With that in mind, every type of granite is different, so you may need to seal some more often than you would others. The stone can actually be damaged by many of the products and techniques that are perfectly safe to use on other kitchen surfaces. There are plenty of products that you can find on the market; however, some are better than others. Vices can damage the rock. Once every week, it is a good idea to totally clean your countertop off and use a granite cleaner. Granite is one of the most beautiful materials that you can have in your home. You must be logged in before you can vote. Wipe … From light to dark, traditional to modern, there is truly a type of granite that fits every home. If you’ve repeatedly tried and failed to remove stains from your counters, chances are that the sealant has ceased to function as it should. If you notice that the sealer has absorbed during this time, apply another coat. Although granite is one of the toughest materials you can find, it can still get damaged in a few ways. Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. Many companies offer complete kits to help you properly clean the rocks. Natural stones like marble are more porous than granite and will need to be re-sealed more often. Soapstone is susceptible to scratches, while granite is not. That’s a different story; see the next section for how to clean granite countertops that have been stained by standing water or oil.). Some of these products contain harsh chemicals that can scratch or dull your granite. If stains, dirt or grit still remain on the rocks, apply denture cleaner or a paste … Apply a granite cleaner polish to the steps after cleaning. Dry off the countertop, not only to protect the granite from water damage but also to eliminate streaks and leave the surface with an eye-catching, irresistible shine. Performing a Simple Cleaning Sweep off surface debris. Spoon out just a few drops of water onto the surface, and keep your hydrogen peroxide and baking soda at the ready. Use a soft cloth instead. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. powered by Disqus. Treat It Mix a poultice paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains), or baking soda and peroxide (for others), until it's as thick as peanut butter. Do Not Store Liquids on Your Granite Countertop. In general, granite surfaces should be cleaned with soft cotton cloths or clean rag mops along with neutral cleaners, mild liquid dishwashing detergent … For example, quartz countertops cannot handle the amount of heat that granite can. Seven do’s and don’t for cleaning natural stone surfaces. 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