How to clean a granite countertop

Content

Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning and Disinfecting
Method 2 of 3: Removing Spatter and Stains
Method 3 of 3: Protective layer to prevent stains
Tips
Warnings
What do you need

Although granite countertops are very popular, some people don't know how to properly clean and care for the surface of the stone. Hard granite is susceptible to contamination and you will gradually remove the protective surface layer if you use an unsuitable cleaning agent. Wipe up any spilled liquid immediately, then use a special granite cleaner or homemade mixture to clean and disinfect the countertop. If the protective coating wears off (usually after 2-3 years), apply a new coat to protect the countertop from dirt.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Cleaning and Disinfecting

1 Use warm water and dishwashing detergent for cleaning. Fill a sink or small bucket with warm water. It is best to use warm water for cleaning granite. Add a little mild liquid dishwashing liquid and lightly stir the water to dissolve.
- The exact proportion is not important. Just make sure the water gets a little soapy.
2 Use a clean white cloth to wipe down the countertop once a day. Remove all household appliances and utensils from the countertop to free it. Soak a rag in a dishwashing detergent solution and then squeeze out the excess water. Wipe off any crumbs and other food debris from the countertop.
- Wipe away any splashes and sticky spots from the countertop. If dirt is difficult to wipe off, use a hot, damp cloth. Rub the dirty area in a circular motion.
3 Mix rubbing alcohol with water to disinfect the countertop. Pour water and 91% isopropyl alcohol in a 1: 1 ratio into a spray bottle. Screw the cap back on and shake the bottle gently to mix the alcohol with the water.
- If you prefer a flavored cleanser, you can mix half a cup (120 ml) alcohol, one and a half cups (350 ml) warm water, 0.5 teaspoon (3 ml) dish soap, and 10–20 drops of essential oil. Oil of cinnamon, lavender, lemon, basil, orange, or peppermint works well.
4 Spray the countertop with disinfectant solution every few days. Use a spray bottle to spray the solution evenly over the surface.Apply the solution all over the countertop and do not skip individual areas. Wait 3-5 minutes for the disinfectant solution to take effect.
- You do not need to leave the solution on the countertop unless you intend to disinfect it.
5 Dry the countertop after wiping off the solution. Dip the rag in the soapy water again. Wipe down the countertop to remove the disinfectant solution from it. If desired, you can then wipe the countertop with a cloth dampened in clean water.
- Dry the countertop with a dry rag to give it a shine.
6 Do not use acidic cleaners on granite surfaces. Products made with ammonia, vinegar, or lemon juice are acidic and can damage granite. However, citrus essential oils can be used as they are pH neutral.
- Most commercially available disinfectant cleaners (such as bleach) are not suitable for granite. Look for a cleaner made specifically for granite surfaces.
- If you are unsure of which cleaning product to use, check the label for information. If it says the product is suitable for granite, purchase it.
- It is best to use a white rag without excess lint that may remain on the countertop. A clean diaper or microfiber cloth will work. Do not use coarse rags that could damage the surface.
- For example, do not wipe the countertop with the rough side of a dish sponge or wire scrubber.

Method 2 of 3: Removing Spatter and Stains

1 Blot any spilled liquid with a paper towel. If you spill something on the countertop, blot it off immediately with a paper towel. Do not rub liquid over the surface. Even plain water can stain granite, so the liquid should be removed immediately.
- Use a clean paper towel to avoid further contamination of the surface. You can also use a clean microfiber cloth.
2 Use hot water and some dish soap to remove any spilled liquid. Fill a mug or heat-resistant cup with hot water. Add a few drops of a mild dish soap and stir the water to dissolve. Pour some solution over the stained area and wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Repeat until the stain is removed.
3 Use a baking soda paste to remove the oil stain. Take a small cup and use a spoon to mix three parts baking soda and one part water in it. Apply the resulting paste to the stained area and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
- This mixture will help to deal with old oil stains.
4 Try using hydrogen peroxide to remove juice or water stains. If the liquid stains the countertop, mix three parts hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Pour the solution over the dirty area and wipe it down with a clean rag.
- Rub the solution in light circular motions.
5 Wipe the surface with water. Dampen a clean cloth with water and rinse off any remaining cleaning agent from the granite surface. Wipe down the countertop until all dirt and cleaning agent has been removed from it.
- Wipe down the countertop with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess water.

Method 3 of 3: Protective layer to prevent stains

1 Check the protective cover. Splash water on the granite surface and see how it behaves. If water collects in droplets, the coating is intact. If the water spills over the surface, it's time to renew the protective coating.
- The coating protects the granite surface from chips and stains.
2 Clean and dry the countertop thoroughly. Use a cleaning agent specifically designed for granite. You can buy it at a store or make your own from alcohol, dishwashing detergent, and clean water.
- Wipe the countertop with a cleaning agent and then a clean microfiber cloth with warm water.
- Dry the countertop with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
3 Wait until the surface is completely dry after cleaning before covering it with a protective layer. Although you've wiped off the water, it's best to let the countertop dry completely. Wait 10-15 minutes for all moisture to evaporate from the granite before moving on to the next step.
- The protective layer will adhere worse to the surface of the granite if it is wet.
4 Spray the sealant evenly over the granite surface. Make sure it covers the entire surface of the granite. It is best to use a spray can for this. After applying the sealant, wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth to evenly cover the entire surface.
- Use a "impregnating" granite sealant that will penetrate the stone. This sealant can be purchased at a hardware store or ordered online.
- Wipe off excess sealant after 15 minutes.
5 Apply a second coat the next day. To properly seal the countertop with a protective layer, reapply the sealant. After one day, wipe the countertop again to keep it clean and wait for it to dry. Spray and rub in a second coat of sealant. Wipe off excess sealant after 15 minutes.
- You can do without a second layer. However, it will provide a more uniform and durable protective coating.

Tips

Stone cleaners are commercially available in the form of wet wipes. With their help, you can easily and quickly clean your granite countertop!
Place food and drinks on stands to avoid staining or damaging your countertop.

Warnings

Try not to put hot dishes directly on the countertop, otherwise there is a high probability of burning the surface.
Do not use cleaners with any kind of acid, such as white vinegar. Acid can scratch a granite countertop and make it look dull.