Cleaning Granite Worktops
So you’ve got your lovely new granite kitchen countertops, but how do you keep them looking new and shiny for years to come? Even the toughest materials require maintenance from time to time, and granite kitchen worktops are no exception. In this post, we will look at some of the most common and recommended cleaning and maintenance practises for granite worktops.
Prolonging Your Granite Worktops
Regular and thorough cleaning will extend the life and lustre of your granite worktops. Prepare all meals on a chopping board and use trivets for hot pans to avoid discoloration. Using coasters under all glasses and cups will also help to keep your granite worktops clean. While granite is a very durable and scratch resistant stone, it is best to have it repaired by a professional if it does scratch.
Make sure you do:
- Make certain that your granite worktops have been thoroughly sealed to prevent oils, spills, or stains from soaking into the work surfaces. Leave a few drops of water on the surface of your granite worktop to see if it has been sealed. If the water soaks into the granite after a few minutes, it’s time to reseal it.
- Spills should be cleaned up as soon as they are discovered, especially if they contain alcoholic, acidic, or hot oily liquids.
- Use warm water, a mild dishwashing liquid, and a microfiber cloth to clean your worktops.
Make sure you don’t:
- Avoid using abrasive or harsh cloths. While granite is a very durable material, if you are not careful, you can scratch the surface.
- Avoid using acidic cleaning products like vinegar, as well as chemical products like bleach and ammonia, which can damage the colour of your stone.
- Allowing fresh fruit or alcohol-based products to sit on your worktops for extended periods of time can etch and dull the stone.
The Cleaning Process
Wiping down your granite worktops on a daily basis in high traffic areas such as the kitchen can help prevent stubborn stains and maintain the natural beauty and shine of the stone. Simply follow these steps to clean your worktops:
- Fill your sink with warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid, then wet a clean dish cloth thoroughly.
- Wipe your worktops down thoroughly.
- To avoid streaking, dry and buff your granite worktops with a microfiber cloth or soft towel.
- Shine and disinfect your worktops with a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol. In a spray bottle, combine a 50:50 solution of water and 91 percent isopropyl alcohol. Allow 5 minutes for the spray to sit on the granite surface before rinsing with water and wiping down with a clean microfibre cloth. This will remove excess soapy water and disinfect your granite worktops on a regular basis, restoring their natural shine.
- Take pleasure in the appearance of your lovely, clean worktops.
Looking For More Information About Granite?
In this article, we’ve covered how to care for your granite worktops. If you still have any questions or concerns about granite worktops that we haven’t outlined in this article, let us know and we will be more than happy to help you out. You can email us on info@marble4life.co.uk or alternatively call us on 01274 377600. You can also read our full comprehensive guide on granite worktops.
