Cleaning has become something of a hobby for many of us during COVID-19, but the best cleaner for granite countertops may surprise you.
As convenient as those disinfectant wipes are, you may want to think twice before reaching for them, at least when it comes to your granite countertops. Here are some tips on how to keep your counters germ-free while caring for high-quality material.
Protect Your Investment
If you’ve shelled out the money for beautiful natural granite countertops, you know that they are an investment that you want to preserve and protect. Many people opt for granite in their kitchens for its durability and beauty. While it is a durable product, granite isn’t indestructible and care needs to be taken in how it is treated. With that in mind, you want to choose the appropriate cleaner for the job, and not all cleaners are created equally.
Products to Avoid
Although it is a hard stone, granite is porous, and all acid-based cleaners should be avoided. Watch out for any cleaners that use vinegar, lemon, lime, ammonia, or bleach, which are all acids. That means those bleach disinfectant wipes–if you can get your hands on any–are going to cause damage to your granite. Acidic ingredients can be abrasive and gradually wear down the sealant on the stone.
What Should You Use to Clean Your Granite Countertops?
The best cleaner for granite countertops is a mild, non-acidic cleaner. There are a number of cleaning products on the market directly meant to be used on granite, and any of these can work well. Each product is targeted for a specific purpose, which you will want to pay attention to. For example, some granite cleaners both clean and polish the granite, which seems like a great combination. If you use this spray daily, however, the polishing component can start to build up and cause the granite to have a dull finish. It’s important to consider the daily wear and tear of your countertops and what you need in a cleaner. Read the labels carefully to find the intended use of the cleaner and make sure it fits your needs.
A DIY Solution
Of course, you don’t have to use a commercially made product to clean your granite countertops. You can easily use readily-available ingredients from home to get the job done. For a convenient daily clean, simply fill the kitchen sink with warm water and a small amount of a mild dish soap. Use a soft, non-abrasive dishcloth to wipe down the counters with this soapy solution, then buff them with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent streaking. As for disinfecting, you can use another household ingredient, 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray the alcohol on the countertops and allow it to sit for three to five minutes before rinsing with water and drying. The alcohol will effectively disinfect the countertop without harming the granite, and will also help to restore shine and remove any soap residue.
Contact Mountain States Kitchen & Bath
If you’re ready to add granite countertops to your Utah kitchen, Mountain States Kitchen & Bath has you covered. With the best cleaner for granite countertops you’ll be able to keep this natural element looking shiny and beautiful. Contact us today for an estimate, and start creating your dream kitchen. We serve homeowners from Springville all the way down to Lehi, Utah.
