Granite countertops can transform any kitchen and can help to greatly enhance the overall appearance of said kitchen, yet for people wondering how to clean granite countertops, contrary to popular belief, cleaning them isn’t as difficult as you may have been led to believe. Granite countertops are extremely popular in kitchens all across the globe, and although they don’t come cheap, many people agree that, for the most part at least, they are worth every single penny. As granite countertops cost so much money however, it’s important that you keep them looking their absolute best, and that’s where most people tend to go wrong. You see, in terms of how to clean granite countertops, it’s important that you know what you’re doing beforehand, as failing to do so could potentially damage the granite, and end up costing you thousands in the process. To help ensure your kitchen remains looking its absolute best, here’s a look at how to clean granite countertops.
Prepare the Countertops
Before you can begin cleaning your granite, you will first need to take the time to properly prepare them before you begin cleaning. To some people, this may seem like a lot of extra hassle and unnecessary work, but once you begin cleaning properly, and once you see the end result, you’ll be so glad that you spend those extra few minutes on getting everything prepared beforehand. To begin with, you will need to remove everything off of the granite countertops, and yes, that does include electrical appliances, as wiping around them just isn’t going to cut it. Once everything has been removed, you should then remove any sticky residues, or liquids from the granite. If you leave them, they can dry and leave streaks and/or sticky patches on the granite, which will make it harder for you to clean. If there is any hardened liquids or residues, use a hot soapy water to get everything off, and then make sure you dry the granite thoroughly. To some, this may be classed as cleaning, but for you, you will only just be getting started.
Make a Cleaning Solution
As far as how to clean granite countertops is concerned, the trick to keeping your granite shiny, sparkly, and nice and tough, is using the correct cleaning solutions on it. You must ensure that you avoid acidic cleaning solutions and that you go for PH balanced solutions instead. Simply take a bucket or bowl, and combine a mild and gentle washing detergent with standard rubbing alcohol, in a 3:1 ratio. The alcohol is perfect because it is anti-bacterial, meaning that it will kill germs, plus it has the same PH as water. You should combine the solutions well, making sure that the water is hot, but not scalding hot, as this can damage the granite and cause it to become faded and dull. Make sure you avoid acidic solutions, including ones which are ammonia and vinegar-based, as the acid can wear away at the surface of the granite.
Use a Clean Cloth
When wiping the granite, it’s also important to ensure that you use a clean cloth, so if you are thinking of using the old dish cloth that you used to do the dishes with a few hours ago, think again. The reason for this is that old dishcloths could hold germs and bacteria, plus they will contain residues of dirt, grease, and potentially harmful cleaning solutions as well. When cleaning your granite work surfaces, always use a clean cloth, which is ideally brand new, or at least, is fresh from the washing machine. Make sure you use plenty of the cleaning solution, and give everything a good wipe, before using another clean cloth to dry the surface and remove any excess moisture.
Give Them a Good Buffing
In terms of how to clean granite countertops, in order for you to really bring out the best of them, you will need to ensure that you give them a good buffing, just as you would when polishing a car. If not thoroughly dried, even the smallest traces of moisture could leave streaks, which look extremely unattractive once dry. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, use a specially designed microfiber cloth, to ensure you dry the countertop properly, and that you give it a great buffing. No matter how clean the counter may have looked, if you go ahead and give it a good buffing, you’ll be amazed but just how shiny and bright the counter looks when you’re finished. When/if the cloth becomes damp, use a new dry cloth in exactly the same way. Once finished, step back, and admire your handy work.