Cleaning Your Granite Worktops - The Do's and Don'ts
Granite worktops are a trending interior design aesthetic. They are stylish, contemporary, with a vast array of colours and textures that work in any home.
Indeed, with large, open-plan rooms a trending feature within the interior world, many consumers are opting for open and airy kitchens, nicely complemented with a granite, marble, or quartz countertop. Easy on the eye, highly durable, and a huge financial investment for the home - we really don’t blame them (well, we’d be out of a job if we did). Although, despite the fact that most natural stone is extremely durable, there are some vital steps you should take when it comes to cleaning a granite worktop.
To shed some light on this, we have create a guide that details the DO’s and Don’ts when it comes to cleaning your countertops.
What should you NEVER use to clean granite?
While granite worktops are porous and generally easy to maintain, there are many faux-pas when it comes to cleaning them. You may be a fan of home remedies for cleaning detergents, but when it comes to granite worktops, the simpler the better.
Another top tip is to avoid drain and toilet cleaners on the granite at all costs! The chemicals in these products can permanently discolour and damage the stone. It is advised that you use coasters for drinks, particularly on the marble surfaces.
In the event that you do spill liquids onto the granite (which is likely in high traffic zones such as kitchens or bathrooms), do not let this fester on the granite worktop for extended periods of time. The longer the liquid stays on the surface, the higher the chances are of it penetrating into the stone - subsequently discolouring or damaging the surface as a consequence.
Top tip: blotch the spills with kitchen roll or a towel as opposed to wiping. This ensures that the liquid does not spread and spill any further on the surface.
Please also remember never to use a bristle or harsh cleaning wipes/sponges that can scratch the countertop and break down the sealant over time.
Best way to clean granite worktop
A frequent question we see and hear out customers say is - how do I clean my granite worktops?
While these stylish and sophisticated granite tops seem like they require intricate cleaning mechanisms to keep the stone, marble or quartz clean, the reality is quite the opposite…
In our opinion, the simpler the better when it comes to granite, quartz and marble worktops!
What is the correct way to clean a granite worktop?
The correct way to clean a granite or quartz worktop is to use a PH neutral cleaner and a clean, grease-free cloth. This method will remove all grease and alien materials, leaving the worktop surface very clean, shiny, and smear-free.
Good PH neutral cleaners are worth buying to make every day cleaning your worktop easy. The best ones are available from specialist suppliers who know what the particular requirements of granite and quartz are.
Top tip: always read the instructions before using a product on your worktop.
Check fabric care and labels or manufacturer’s guidelines and test a small area before using a product or natural solution
Naturally, it is best to clean your worktop every day, which is most likely the case for kitchen countertops that are exposed to an array of mess. For everyday cleaning, use a small amount of water and a microfibre cloth to wipe them down after every meal preparation. You can also add some non-acidic soap to warm water and then rub the solution directly onto the granite worktop. Finish by wiping the granite clean with a clean dry towel.
How Can You Remove Stains from Granite?
One thing to remember is not to panic too much if a stain develops on your kitchen countertop. It can be easily removed in MOST cases by a simple stain remover.
Although, removing a stain from granite will first and foremost depend upon the type of stain you have. Are you dealing with a water stain or something more difficult like cooking oil? Although granite does not stain often (especially if your seal is effective), there are DIY stain removers that you can make to solve the issue. In most cases, applying a poultice to the granite worktop will suffice.
We would recommend avoiding harsher substances such as hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol, as too much of this can discolour the surface and ruin the granite. However, if you do want to use it, make sure you inspect the quantity before applying to the surface.
There are simple preventative measures you can take to avoid stains on your worktops, such as using coasters when placing food and drink on the stone.
Can you steam granite worktops?
Yes, you can steam granite worktops. In fact, steaming your surfaces are a great way of generating a shiny countertop aesthetic.
Steam has the ability to dissolve dirt, bacteria and germs. All you need to do is take your regular steamer and place on a low to the medium setting, then gently and methodically moving it across the granite worktop. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces once the steaming is complete and you will get a sparkling finish.
Generally, natural stone is one of the easiest materials to maintain and keep clean. It's just about ensuring that you use the correct ingredients in order to generate a seamless finish.