Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you are still in the process of searching for your next countertop, you may be interested in what alternatives exist to granite. To properly care for your granite, it is in your best interest to establish a maintenance routine. Another helpful tip for keeping your granite in good shape is to make sure you do not store liquids on the surface. Quartzite is another durable natural stone, as is the engineered stone quartz. By allowing a spill to sit on the granite you’re opening up a possibility of staining or dulling the granite. However, as pollen, rain and other outdoor elements collect on exterior granite, you will want the most effective and safe cleaning routine to remove residue without damaging the granite. But if you want to know how to clean granite countertops successfully, the watchword is caution. Typical mixtures often include baking soda, water or other substances. Doing so will keep your granite countertop in great shape both now and in the future. Generously spoon and spread that over the stain, then cover the area with plastic wrap, taping down its edges. For an oil-based stain, mix the baking soda with water. If you require many angles and cutouts, it will cost more than a simple shaped countertop. Siliceous stones include granite, slate, quartzite, soapstone, and sandstone. If you notice the water has beaded on the surface, your seal is still effective. (Dealing with a stain? All rights reserved. Properly Clean Your Rocks. Roughly once a year, you will need to re-seal your granite countertops. While you can use mild dish soap and warm water for everyday cleaning purposes… Products such as the All Granite and Marble Countertop Cleaner can help you keep your granite looking amazing. However, if you do not seal your granite countertops, you are leaving them susceptible to damages. There are plenty of products that you can find on the market; however, some are better than others. Each slab of granite is unique – even slabs that come from the same quarry. a Quote, Privacy Any polishing products, such as the one mentioned above, are designed to enhance the finish of your granite. Treat It Mix a poultice paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains), or baking soda and peroxide (for others), until it's as thick as peanut butter. Copyright © 1996 - 2021 Marble.com™. To clean granite countertops, mix warm water with a bit of dishwashing liquid to create a cleaning solution. From light to dark, traditional to modern, there is truly a type of granite that fits every home. Granite countertops are so tough that they will actually dull a kitchen knife used on the surface. If you do have any chips in your granite countertop, these can be fixed relatively easily. So while each stone countertop material has its advantages and disadvantages, granite is one of the best all-around options you have. One of the primary factors is the type of granite you choose. You must be logged in before you can vote. Can You Install Your Granite Countertops? Generally speaking, you will only need to re-seal your granite countertops once every year. The best way to clean natural stone, be it granite, marble, sandstone, or slate, is water with some PH neutral soap, like the one used in dishwashers. This involves applying a sealant to your granite countertops in order to fill the pores that are present in the stone. Up, Design Several factors impact the cost of your granite countertops. / September 03, 2019, By 3800 With a dry paper towel, remove crumbs, dirt, or debris from the surface of your countertop. If stains, dirt or grit still remain on the rocks, apply denture cleaner or a paste … Wipe off any residue and wait for the granite to dry. In many people’s minds, granite means strength and resilience. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid stains so far but want to know the extent of your countertop’s protection, test whether or not it’s sealed. Granite is one of the strongest natural materials that you can have in your home. Clean the surface with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® to clear all dirt and liquids Use a mixture of mild antibacterial dish soap and warm water to disinfect the stone Allow this to sit on the surface for 5 minutes. Before you actually begin to seal the countertop, you will first need to choose an ideal sealant to use. One of the major benefits of granite is that the stone is resistant to heat. But if you do not have even a minute to clean, at the very least you should do a good cleaning once during the week. To determine if your granite countertops need re-sealing, there is a simple test that you can do. As you can tell from above, sealing your granite countertops is a very important part of granite care. To avoid water rings and other stains, make sure to always place a coaster underneath your beverage. Lighter colored granite countertops are more porous, meaning they are more likely to stain than darker colored granite countertops. In either case, the mixture should generate a thick paste. While this is the case, the natural stone can chip in rare cases. In fact, granite is such a durable material that it will likely outlast your time living in your home. Always follow the instructions that come with whatever specific product you are using. To start, mask off all areas that you do not want to treat with the sealer. However, just as it is resistant to heat and scratches, that does not necessarily mean that your granite countertop can never get stained. To clean granite counters, first wipe away any dust or spills with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. There are easy-to-use granite chip repair kits that you can find. In situations where the sealant is to blame, stained granite becomes difficult or impossible to clean, at least for the average do-it-yourselfer. powered by Disqus. Considering that granite countertops are such a significant investment for any home, you will want to make sure that the surfaces do not sustain damages as a result of poor care. Wipe … Do Certain Types of Granite Stain More than Others? Pour a small amount of water on a small area of the countertop. Do not use any cleaning tools that are rough, as you may scratch the surface of the countertop. In this case, you will likely need a stone repair specialist to check out the crack and determine how it needs to be fixed. For most stains, you will be able to resolve the issue by using a poultice. Either spray or apply … Although granite is one of the toughest materials you can find, it can still get damaged in a few ways. Add 1/4 cup of bleach and stir. The seal weakens over time and if you do not have an effective seal, your granite countertop is prone to staining and other damages. The table below gives you a better idea of where prices stand for granite and other stone countertop choices. Granite is one of the least expensive stone countertop options. Dry off the countertop, not only to protect the granite from water damage but also to eliminate streaks and leave the surface with an eye-catching, irresistible shine. That said, it will still require care in order to stay in great shape. In addition, the size and shape of your countertop will impact the final cost as well. The finish your granite countertop has will be created while the stone is being processed. Typically, any chips will occur on or near the edges of the countertop and will be the result of a heavy object being dropped on the surface. Granite is an extremely heavy natural stone and will require a professional to install it. While it is not ideal to have your countertop crack, these can be fixed as well. Don’t panic! Spoon out just a few drops of water onto the surface, and keep your hydrogen peroxide and baking soda at the ready. Hold the specimen in your hand. Service, All Granite and Marble Countertop Cleaner. But as with heat, this does not mean the surface is completely scratch proof. What Can You Do About Stains on Granite Countertops? With that in mind, every type of granite is different, so you may need to seal some more often than you would others. Never use any cleaners that are acidic, as these can wear away at the surface of any natural stone. After you do this, wait for 15 minutes. Wait for 15 to 30 minutes (apply extra coat if needed), Let your countertop sit for 24 hours so the sealer can cure, Pour a small amount of water on a small area of the countertop, See if the water has absorbed or beads on the surface (This will determine if your granite countertop needs to be re-sealed). In addition to sealing, regularly cleaning your granite countertops can help them stay in terrific shape. To make the poultice, you will have to mix certain ingredients based on what type of stain you have. Discard the loose debris. What Factors Impact the Cost of Granite Countertops? Cover in plastic … For daily maintenance, wipe the countertop down with warm water and mild dish soap. No matter the source of the stain, start with baking soda. Your top options will include quartz (an engineered stone) and natural stones such as marble, quartzite, onyx, travertine, gemstone, limestone, slate and soapstone. Rather than these cleaners, you should only use products that are intended for use with granite and natural stone, such as this cleaner. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out how to clean granite countertops properly; the job just requires a bit of extra care and attention. Keep in mind that you should never use any harsh substances in an attempt to remove stains. Policy, Terms of How Much Does Granite Cost Compared to Other Options? Careless actions include behavior such as jumping, sitting, kneeling or leaning on your granite countertop. This section will outline some ways that your granite can get damaged. You do not need to do … Either spread it across the surface with a brush or spray it on if your sealer comes in a spray bottle. Some types of granite are rarer and will cost more than types that are commonly found. In general, granite surfaces should be cleaned with soft cotton cloths or clean rag mops along with neutral cleaners, mild liquid dishwashing detergent … Follow that up again with your stone-safe cleaner … If you do, it could potentially cause stains if your seal is not at full strength. On the other hand, granite … If you notice that the sealer has absorbed during this time, apply another coat. While you can use mild dish soap and warm water for everyday cleaning purposes, there are also cleaners made especially for use on granite countertops. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Because granite comes from the earth, the stone will allow you to add a touch of natural beauty to your home. Compared to many other natural stone countertop options, caring for granite is a breeze. For ease of application, mix one teaspoon of … Apply a granite cleaner polish to the steps after cleaning. By Bob Vila. When it comes to keeping these stones clean, you will want to use a stone-specific cleaner, like Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner, which is safe for a variety of different stone types. The following is a list of some other tips related to cleaning and maintaining granite countertops. Follow the steps outlined here, and you’re bound to be satisfied with the result of your efforts. Wet a sponge with water from the tap and squirt dish soap into its center. Performing a Simple Cleaning Sweep off surface debris. When cleaning, use a soft cloth or a sponge to avoid any potential damages. If you want a natural stone countertop that is one-of-a-kind, you will get just that with granite. Use trivets and hot pads if you are going to place any hot pots or hot pans on your granite countertop. For monthly maintenance, you can use a polishing product to help your granite countertops retain their distinctive shine. Granite is resistant to heat, stains and scratches, while many other countertop options are not. These products will not give your granite countertop its distinctive shine, but rather keep it looking that way. Granite (much like other natural stones) is porous, meaning that liquid is able to get into the pores of the stone. Acidic cleaners include bleach, ammonia and Windex. This process will prevent stains and liquids from penetrating the surface, which allows your granite countertops to retain their amazing looks. / September 18, 2019, By 3802 Leave the homemade stain remover overnight (or even for a couple of days), before rinsing and wiping down the granite. Sign The right product for cleaning your granite countertops is one that is specially developed, formulated, and tested for use on granite and other natural stone substances. As you can tell from the information above, maintaining granite does not require extensive effort. Stones such as marble, quartzite and limestone are more prone to staining than granite is. Vices can damage the rock. comments As mentioned above, sealing granite countertops helps protect the surfaces against stains and liquid damages. For comparison, while you will only need to re-seal your granite countertops around once a year, it is recommended that you re-seal your marble countertops once every few months. Polished granite countertops will appear shiny, while honed granite countertops will have a matte finish. In addition to being heat resistant, granite countertops are also scratch resistant. Next, apply the sealer to your countertop. Improper cleaning includes using harsh cleaning products such as ammonia or bleach to clean your granite countertop. Let the rocks soak for about two days. When you consider all these factors, and many other positive qualities the stone has, granite countertops are one of the best investments that you can ever make for your home. Soapstone is susceptible to scratches, while granite is not. Cleaning with either one of these, or any other cleaner that is acidic, can negatively impact your granite. That’s because natural stone … Many companies offer complete kits to help you properly clean the rocks. Gently wipe across the entire countertop in small, circular motions. Tools, Get Deep Cleaning with Bleach or Vinegar Shovel a section of landscaping rocks into … As long as you take proper care of your granite, it should stay in terrific shape for many years to come. In the interest of protecting your knives, in addition to being a good idea in general, use a cutting board when preparing food. This guide will help you learn how to properly care for this incredible natural stone. Use a soft cloth instead. Once every week, it is a good idea to totally clean your countertop off and use a granite cleaner. While specific types of granite will look similar, no two slabs look perfectly alike. Most installations of granite are protected by a layer of sealant. No matter where in the house you install them, with proper care, your granite countertops can leave you satisfied for many years to come. While it is not cheap, it is more budget-friendly than many of the alternatives. … If this happens, your granite countertops can weaken over time. This is especially true of vinegar, lemon juice, and spilled … For regular cleaning, your best bet is nothing more sophisticated than mild dish soap that’s been diluted with water. Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. Typically, granite countertops only need to be sealed once a year. No matter the source of the stain… But even though it is heat resistant, this does not necessarily mean it is heat proof. Then use warm water with a small amount of dish soap to wash granite surfaces down. Sealing Your Granite Countertops: How to Seal, Why and How Often, Cleaning Granite Countertops: What to Know. Once this time is up, you can remove any excess sealer from the surface. How Can Granite Countertops Sustain Damages? Remove debris from crevices using tweezers. If the surface is not properly sealed, it will be susceptible to staining. By 3799 That’s a different story; see the next section for how to clean granite countertops that have been stained by standing water or oil.). You will be able to find virtually any color or style you are looking for. Bear in mind, however, that because granite scratches easily, the solution ought to be applied with a soft sponge, or even a microfiber cloth—that is, not with an abrasive scrubber. How Often Do You Need to Seal Granite Countertops? Granite countertops are naturally beautiful, Granite is one of the most durable natural stone countertop options you have, The stone is one of the easiest to care for, Granite is resistant to heat, stains and scratches. Seven do’s and don’t for cleaning natural stone surfaces. How Can You Polish Your Granite Countertops? This particular cleaner also contains a bit of sealer, which is helpful for your countertop. After this, wait for 15 to 30 minutes. Once you have done this, your granite countertop is sealed. If you spill … On the other hand, if you notice that the water has absorbed into the surface, you must re-seal as soon as possible. Massage the sponge or cloth until you see suds, then wring it out so as not to compromise the highly absorbent stone (it can become discolored beneath standing water). No, you cannot install your own granite countertops. Granite is one of the easiest natural stones to care for. If you’ve repeatedly tried and failed to remove stains from your counters, chances are that the sealant has ceased to function as it should. While it does require some care, the amount is minimal compared to other countertop options and the care itself is easy to perform. You want to see the water bead up atop the protective seal; that means it’s strong. Something helpful to keep in mind is that any cleaner with an orange or lemon scent is not good for natural stone countertops, as they contain citric acid. The rocks that we picked were mostly granite, granite gneiss, gabbro, diorite, and basalt. Make sure to use a sponge or soft cloth. Much like chips, granite cracks are not the end of the world. Ideally, you should use a natural stone cleaner on your granite countertops daily. Remove loose debris using the awl or pointed scrapers. The stone can actually be damaged by many of the products and techniques that are perfectly safe to use on other kitchen surfaces. 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