How to Clean a Granite Countertop
Don't cry over spilt milk on your granite counters. A cloth and a little elbow grease will keep them looking like new.
Instructions
- : Acids such as vinegar and grapefruit juice can damage your granite countertops.
- Step 1: Remove crumbs and crud from counter Dust away crumbs with a soft cloth and remove caked-on crud with a scrubber sponge.
- Step 2: Clean counter with hot water Use warm water for most quick counter cleanups. Wipe it dry so you don't get waterspots.
- TIP: Avoid tap water because it may have minerals and chlorine that can damage your counter. Use distilled water instead.
- Step 3: Clean your counter with a commercial product Clean your counter once a day with a commercial spray or wipe. These cleaners are formulated to leave your counters super shiny.
- TIP: Make your own cleaner using mild dish soap and water. Wash the countertop and then buff it with a dry cloth.
- Step 4: Clean stains quickly Mop up grease or wine spills as quickly as possible. Use a store-bought poultice to remove tough stains and apply the paste to the stain; leave it on overnight, covered with a cloth or plastic wrap. Remove the poultice in the morning and repeat if needed.
- TIP: Make your own poultice with a cup each of baking soda and water. Mix them until they're the consistency of peanut butter.
- Step 5: Protect your counter Use coasters and trivets on your counter and don't drag dishes or pots across it. Granite is one of the toughest stones out there and with a little extra care you can avoid most scrapes, scars, and discolorations.
- FACT: A recent study suggests that the United States could generate as much electricity by 2050 as all of the country’s nuclear power plants by extracting heat locked in deep layers of granite.
You Will Need
- Dry cloths
- Scrubber sponge
- Commercial cleaner
- Commercial poultice
- Plastic wrap
- Coasters
- Trivets
- Distilled water (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. mild dish soap (optional)
- 1 c. water (optional)
- 1 c. baking soda (optional)
