Granite countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels. The stone has been a favorite of homeowners for many years because of its durability, stain resistance, and heat retention qualities.
However, granite countertops can become stained over time due to spills, dirt, and grime.
If you want your granite countertops to look new, you must regularly clean them deep. The good news is that it’s easy and quick. Here are several ways to deep clean granite.
Baking soda
This is one of the most popular methods for cleaning granite countertops because it’s cheap and easy to use. All you need is some baking soda and warm water to make an effective paste that will help remove stains from your countertops.
Mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda into 1 cup of warm water until you get a consistency that will spread easily across the surface of your countertop. Apply the paste with a sponge or rag and let it sit for about 5 minutes before wiping away with warm water.
Repeat if necessary until all stains have disappeared.
Use stone cleaner
Mix ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup baking soda in a small bowl until dissolved; then add enough warm water to make 1 cup total solution.
Use this mixture to scrub away stains from your granite countertop with a damp sponge or rag; rinse thoroughly afterward with warm water to prevent discoloration of the stone surface by these two ingredients’ acids when left on too long.
White vinegar
You may notice white streaks on the surface if you have hard water in your home or use soap to clean your granite countertops. This is because soap leaves a film behind.
White vinegar helps remove soap residue from granite and other surfaces. Pour some white vinegar onto a clean cloth and rub it into the granite surface until the stains disappear. Rinse using warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
Clean with warm water and a mild soap
Mix one part of mild dishwashing liquid with three parts of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the granite surface, then wipe it down with a soft cloth or sponge until all of the dirt has been removed from the surface.
Rinse any residue with warm water from a faucet sprayer or bucket filled with clean water and mild dishwashing liquid. Allow the surface to dry completely before using it again.
Wipe with oil
The most basic way to clean granite is by wiping it with a little vegetable oil. You can use olive oil or mineral oil, but either way, it works great at removing food stains and grease from the surface of your countertops.
Just apply a small amount of oil along with a microfiber cloth or paper towel, and wipe away any dirt or grime. If you have an especially dirty area, let the oil sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing away with a clean cloth or towel.
The oil acts as a surface treatment that helps seal the stone’s pores, so they don’t absorb liquids or stains.
Use lemon juice
According to granite countertop installers Rockville, lemon juice is an excellent cleaner for granite because it doesn’t leave streaks behind like many other cleaners. Just spray the countertop with water, then dip a sponge or cloth in lemon juice and use it to gently scrub the surface of the granite until all dirt has been removed.
If necessary, repeat until the entire surface has been cleaned properly.
Bottom Line
Your granite countertops are a huge investment, so keeping them looking their best is important. This is especially true if you have kids or pets in the house, because they can mess up your beautiful kitchen or bathroom.
Of course, you can use store-bought granite cleaner or easy homemade solutions.
