Many people adore granite countertops. Its coarse-grained texture, teeming with alkali feldspar, plagioclase and quartz is both beautiful and durable. Formed from the slow cooling and underground solidifying of magma, it has a high content of alkali metal oxides and silica. The result is that granite countertops are very strong and durable and come in all sorts of beautiful colours based on the mineral content of the granite stone. Yet, the varied mineral content of granite poses a problem: granite is very porous, allowing small particles and liquids to seep through it. Normally, this is not a problem because granite countertops are often covered with a sealant. Yet granite countertops do still require some care in order to keep them in the right condition. In this article, we will discuss how to clean your granite countertops.
There are specific ways that granite countertops must be cleaned in order to preserve them at the highest quality. Granite is a very beautiful stone and the presence of a granite countertop in your home will appreciate your home’s value. That is, if you can keep it in good condition.
Even though granite is a very strong material, it must be treated with care. The first thing to remember is not to clean it roughly simply because it’s strong. Avoid using abrasive material like steel wool sponge, or very harsh, acidic cleaners such as vinegar.
When you clean granite, you should use a soft microfiber cloth or a terry cloth, as well as a combination of mild dish soap and warm water. These mediums are all very light and will not damage your granite countertop or your counterop’s sealant, in any way. Do not use too much water when cleaning the countertop or let water sit on the countertop. This is to preserve the sealant and avoid the possibility that some small crack or hole in the sealant that you do not see allows water to seep into the granite, damaging it.
When you have finished cleaning the granite countertop, dry it with a cloth or other absorbent material.
If there are stains on the granite countertop, baking soda is a great option for removing them. Baking soda works without damaging the sealant, unlike harsh, abrasive materials. If you are dealing with oil-based stains, then you want to mix baking soda with water in order to create a paste. If the stains are water-based, then mix the baking soda with hydrogen peroxide.
Small portions of each ingredient will be enough to remove most water-based stains. Apply the paste on the countertop and clean it with the soap-and-water solution given above. If the stain remains defiant in face of your desire to clean it, try and apply the solution and then cover it with a plastic wrap.
Allow the paste to remain on the countertop for 24 to 48 hours. Make sure that the edges are taped down. Afterwards, remove the wrapping and the stain should be gone. After this, clean the surface in order to remove any remaining paste. Using these techniques, you will be able to preserve your beautiful granite Legacy Countertops for years to come, allowing the value of your home to appreciate.