Granite is a beautiful material that is a popular choice for luxurious kitchen countertops, tabletops, bathrooms and more. But natural stone has a reputation for being high-maintenance —?prone to water spots, pitting and etching. The good news is there isn’t much to learn when deep-cleaning your granite countertops.
For all its temperamental qualities, natural stone is quite easy to clean; regular soap and water are truly all you need to keep granite surfaces clean and sparkling. Ahead, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about caring for the granite surfaces in your home.
What you need to clean granite
Natural stone surfaces don’t require a lot of fancy cleaning products — in fact, when it comes to cleaning them, less is more.
Gary McCoy, a Lowe’s store manager serving the Charlotte, North Carolina, market, tells Underscored that when it comes to cleaning natural stone surfaces like granite, good old soap and water is the best bet. "Harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners may have the opposite effect on maintaining the natural state of the stone."?
"Stone cleaners are a great option as well," McCoy says. "We recommend Weiman Granite & Stone Liquid Cleaner, a multi-surface spray that can be safely used daily to clean sealed granite, including countertops, floors, shower stalls, tubs and more."??
Natural stone should be wet-cleaned and then buffed dry immediately to avoid streaks or water spots. "Whether you opt for soap and water or a stone cleaner," McCoy says, "use a microfiber cloth."
What to avoid when cleaning granite
Natural stone, while easy to clean, can easily become damaged by the improper use of cleaning agents and tools. McCoy recommended a few things to keep in mind.
- Do not use acid-based cleaning agents, including homemade cleaners that contain white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Avoid the use of abrasive powders or creams.
- Granite and other natural stones should not be cleaned with abrasive sponges, scouring pads or scrub brushes.
- After cleaning, dry the surface well and do not leave water or cleaning agents on natural stone surfaces, as they can cause water spots.
How to clean granite using soap and water
1. Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water, add a drop of mild dish soap and wring it out so that it is damp, but not dripping, and slightly sudsy.
2. Wipe the entire surface thoroughly, rinsing and reapplying soap as needed to avoid spreading filth picked up by the cloth.
3. Rinse the rag well and wipe the surface with clean water to remove soap residue.
4. Immediately dry the surface with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid water spots or streaks.
How to clean granite using stone cleaner
1. Apply the stone cleaner directly to the surface.
2. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the stone.
How to remove stains from granite
Granite, while typically easy to maintain, sometimes may require deeper cleaning to remove set-in stains. Use these expert-approved tips to remove stains without damaging the natural stone.
When spills happen, McCoy recommends doing your best to get to them immediately. "Blot wine, juice and other liquids from the surface with paper towels," he says. "Avoid rubbing these liquids into the surface to prevent spreading stains."
?"To clean an oil-based stain," McCoy says, "make a baking soda paste with water." Apply the paste to the stain using a damp microfiber cloth, scrubbing gently in a circular motion until the stain has lifted. Rinse the area completely with clean water to remove residue and dry thoroughly to prevent water spots or streaks.
"If you’re dealing with a water-based stain," McCoy says, including water spots and rings as well as stains caused by food or drink spills, "make a paste by mixing the baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the counter with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed."
"If repeated scrubbing doesn’t remove the stain," McCoy says, "reapply the paste, cover the area with plastic wrap and tape the edges down. Leave the homemade stain remover in place overnight or even several days, depending on the severity and the type. Then, rinse and wipe the granite with a soft cloth to hopefully reveal a stain-free surface."
