Take Care When Cleaning Granite Countertops as they could be Damaged by Using the Wrong Cleaners
By Mark J. Donovan
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When most people think of granite countertops they think of high quality and durability. That granite stone is an extremely hard material that is impervious to being damaged. In some respects they are right. However, granite is a porous stone that can absorb liquids, and as a result, can be stained. Even water can stain granite countertops. Fortunately in many cases a homeowner can remove the stains with a little bit of effort and a couple of household products that can normally be found in a kitchen cabinet or pantry.
However, to prevent stains from occurring on granite countertops in the first place, the best solution is to seal the countertops periodically. |
Cleaning Granite Countertops
The simplest step you can take for cleaning granite countertops is to simply wash them down regularly with a mild dish detergent and a wash cloth or soft sponge. Do not use an abrasive cleaning product nor coarse type scrubber as they can leave tiny scratches in the granite surfaces and dull the finish. After washing the granite countertops dry them with a clean towel to remove any residual water and to eliminate any streaking. When done, the countertops should sparkle like new.
| Removing Stains from Granite Countertops
Regardless of the type of stain start by applying a thick paste mixture of baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide or water. If it is a water based stain, mix the baking soda with a little hydrogen peroxide. If the stain is oil based, then mix the baking soda with water. After mixing up the thick paste mixture, apply it liberally over the stained area. Then cover the mixture with saran wrap and tape down the edges with masking tape. Let the paste sit for 24 to 48 hours before removing the saran wrap and rinsing off the paste. |
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Again, wipe down the granite countertop surface with a mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Then inspect the stain area.
With any luck the stain should be gone. If not, then most likely the original granite sealer has failed. In this situation you’ll need to call in a professional granite countertop cleaner to remove the stain.
| Sealing Granite Countertops
The best way to keep granite countertops clean and looking like new is to periodically seal them. Applying a granite sealer is an easy DIY project and involves simply wiping or brushing on one or two applications of the granite sealer. There are two types of granite sealers, topical ones and penetrating ones. Topical granite sealers provide a thin surface coat of protection over the granite countertops. Penetrating granite sealers, as the name suggests, penetrate deep down into the pores and cracks of the granite. |
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As a result, penetrating sealers hold up longer than topical sealers. Just make sure to purchase a penetrating sealer that protects against water and oil based stains.
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Related Information
- Granite Sealers
- Granite Tile Countertops is a Cost Effective Countertop Option
- Applying Granite Sealers to Kitchen Counter-tops
Additional Ceramic Tile Resources from Amazon.com
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