Caring for Granite Between Professional Cleanings
Many homeowners choose to install granite countertops in their homes for its beauty and durability. It is good to know that granite counters should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, but how do you care for your counters and keep them beautiful between cleanings so that they last for years to come?
Here are some everyday care and cleaning dos and don’ts for granite countertop care.
Do:
Use a mild hand dish detergent mixed with water, a mild cleaning solution made specifically for granite, or sanitizing wipes to wipe counters down daily.
Don’t:
Wax your granite counters. This is not needed for natural stone like granite. It will only leave an annoying layer that is not needed.
Do:
Avoid using acidic products to clean your granite counters. Acids can cause etching on all kinds of natural stone.
Don’t:
Use tough scrubby sponges or brillow pads to scrub/scrape away at stuck on or dried on gunk. It is important to take a gentle approach with your granite.
Do:
Only use cleaners that are made for your specific type of counters. Always make sure to read cleaning product labels and never apply a cleaner that does not specifically state it is safe on granite.
Don’t:
Use polishes or just any all-purpose cleaner. They will leave behind an unsightly residue that can create a cloudy or white looking film on the surface of the stone.
Do:
Always use a cutting board to prep your veggies/meat/spices/ etc.
Don’t:
Cut and prep food right on the granite counters. The knife can scratch, the juices can get into the pores, and acidic food can damage.
Do:
Opt-in for the natural stone sealing. Professional cleaners will offer to apply a sealant to the surface of your natural stone after they are finished cleaning it, for an additional cost. Some granite owners choose to skip this step in hopes to save money. A sealant is a protective coating applied after the stone is its deepest clean to give it an extra layer of protection. This layer is not like armor and will not prevent everything from happening to your stone, but it will help to keep items from soaking into the stone right away and from making stone harder to clean. It is very important to have your counters sealed for them to stay in top shape.
All Kleen offers the best in professional granite cleaning and sealing services. We have helped to keep many granite counters in Lynnwood in top condition. For professional granite cleaning in Lynnwood, you can make an appointment with us online or over the phone.