Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Granite Countertop

Granite countertops look beautiful in a kitchen, and they can last you for many years if you take proper care of them. Below are some cleaning tips, as well as how to disinfect your countertop. Fortunately, you do not need to run out and purchase any special cleaner, as you can make it yourself at home.

Tips on Cleaning

You should never use any type of abrasive or harsh cleaners or sponges to clean your countertop. You should also not use acidic cleaners, such as lime, lemon, or vinegar, or any bleach products. Using these products will dull the countertop over time, as well as weaken the sealant.

Disinfecting the Countertop

A granite countertop that is well sealed is protected from bacteria. If you would like to sanitize the countertop, however, you can use a 50:50 solution of 91% isopropyl alcohol and water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray onto the countertop. Let it sit for five minutes, and then rinse with clear water. Dry it off with a microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Granite Countertops

Cleaning granite countertops is not difficult, and you can make the cleanser yourself using products at home. Fill your kitchen sink with some warm water, and add some mild dish soap as if you are going to wash dishes. Wet the dishcloth in the water, wring it out, and wipe down the countertop. When you are finished, dry it off with a clean microfiber cloth. This will keep the countertop from streaking.

Now that it is clean, you can get it to shine. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a granite polish at your local supply store. The cleanser will have directions, but in most cases you spray it on, let it sit for about five minutes, and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.

Sealant

If you are not sure if your granite countertop is still sealed, you can test it. Pour a small amount of water onto the countertop and let it sit for about five minutes. After this time, if the water is still there, your countertop is well sealed. If it is not sealed, the water will soak in.

If your countertop needs to be sealed, you can purchase a granite sealer at most home supply stores. You should follow the directions on the sealer on how to apply it to your countertops. These instructions will vary, depending on the type of sealer you purchase.

Now that your granite countertop is clean and shiny, take time to wipe it down each day with a wet cloth to keep it this way. For more information about granite countertops, visit a local dealer like Artisan Granite & Marble.

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