How to clean granite bathroom countertops
Granite is a popular material for bathroom countertops because of its beauty and durability. However, granite is also a porous material, which means it can absorb spills and dirt. That’s why it’s important to clean your granite countertops regularly.
General Care
Granite consists mostly of silicates: quartz, feldspar, and mica, and because of this, it shows colorful specks and sparkling veins. This colorfulness makes granite interesting for kitchens and baths. It is one of the most durable stones used for interior finishes. Granite is resistant to heat, water and is not easily scratched or destroyed by acids in the kitchen. In addition, granite has antibacterial properties.
Still, it makes sense to protect the surface of the granite to make it last longer. Produce a special sealer, which seals the surface of the granite and protects it from stains. This product should be designed specifically for the kitchen, so that no toxic substances are formed when the treated surface interacts with food products.
You can also use the following tips:
- Always use glass coasters, especially those with alcoholic beverages or citrus juices, and don’t forget the coasters for hot dishes.
- Don’t place any messy substances such as cooking oil, cosmetics and oil-based creams directly on the granite countertop surface.
- Protect granite floors from abrasives, sand and dirt. Wipe off dust with a dry mop more often.
- Minimize floor contamination by placing mats near the front door – inside and out.
- When using a vacuum cleaner to clean your granite floor, make sure the attachments and wheels are in top-notch shape, as worn equipment can scratch granite.
- Do not leave puddles of spilled liquids on the granite. Immediately blot, without rubbing, with a paper towel (the puddle gets wider when wiped). Wash the puddle with a mixture of water and mild dishwashing soap; repeat several times. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed.
- Avoid harsh cleaners. Granite may contain small amounts of minerals that are sensitive to acid, so do not use cleaners that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids. Do not use abrasive powders or abrasive creams designed to remove rust. Stay away from ammonia, bleach, and cleaners that contain solvents or caustics, which can remove the protective sealant from granite.
Safe cleaning solutions for granite
Granite work surfaces should be cleaned daily simply with a damp cloth or a damp cloth with a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid added, then wiped dry with a microfiber towel. For deeper cleaning, fill an aerosol sprayer with equal parts alcohol and water. This mixture gives the granite surface a nice shine.
You can use a commercially available cleaner for stone surfaces. Prepared spray safely cleans granite countertops, floors, walls and shower stalls.
Most importantly, granite surfaces should be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth or mop with a clean rag and use neutral cleaners, mild liquid dishwashing detergents or ready-made cleaners designed specifically for granite. After cleaning with a soapy solution, rinse the surface with water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to remove water stains and streaks.
Removing Stains from Granite Surfaces
Although granite surfaces don’t get dirty, stains can still form on them, especially in areas where food is cooked or in the bathroom and shower. Common stains are oily or organic. An oil stain will cause the stone to darken. Try washing such a stain with a liquid detergent and bleach. Organic stains (coffee, tea, tobacco, and various foods) can be pinkish-brown. Try removing the stain with hydrogen peroxide. If necessary, use only wooden or plastic scrapers. If you have to use ammonia or acetone, the sealer may break down and you will have to re-coat the granite with sealer.
How do you keep your granite shiny?
If you have matte granite, using special granite shine products or polish is the best way to keep your granite countertops shiny. There are recipes online that use small amounts of vegetable oil to treat granite surfaces, but we don’t recommend it. Using a specialized polishing agent every two to three weeks will keep your granite countertops clean and looking like new.
What can not be used in the care of the surface of granite, so that then do not eliminate the unpleasant consequences?
Do not use acidic, alkaline or aggressive cleaners to clean granite. Beware of common household products such as nail polish remover, glass cleaner and bleach. All of these products should never be used when cleaning or disinfecting granite countertops, as these substances can weaken the sealant of the granite surface.
What kind of stains can be on granite?
Granite is a low-maintenance countertop material. Granite is a very durable stone that is resistant to scratches, cracks and chips. Unfortunately, these countertops are not 100% stain resistant.
There are two types of stains that appear on granite surfaces: organic stains and oil-based stains. Organic stains are caused by spilled coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice or groceries. Oil-based stains caused by nail polish, cosmetics or vegetable oil. Fortunately, these stains won’t ruin granite countertops, and they are easy to remove.
How do I remove a stain from granite?
As with cleaning granite, there is a remedy for removing stains from granite at home that does not require the purchase of additional products. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Use the paste to clean the granite surface using a soft-bristle brush, sponge or washcloth. For stubborn stains, you may have to repeat the procedure a second time.
Steps for removing stains from granite
Step 1:
Apply a granite cleaner or baking soda and water paste. Leave it on for a few minutes or until completely dry.
Step 2:
Rub gently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge.
Step 3:
Rinse with warm water and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Good granite cleaners and disinfectants: antibacterial soap, isopropyl alcohol, special granite cleaners
Bad granite cleaners and disinfectants: acidic cleaners (such as vinegar), harsh cleaners (such as Clorox Bleach, Windex and Lysol), alkaline cleaners (such as sodium hydroxide).