Granite is one of the most durable natural stone countertops on the market. It is resistant to heat and scratches; however, it is a porous stone that can absorb liquids if not properly sealed. Annual sealant application can ensure your granite remains beautiful for many years to come. Cleaning your countertops is just as important as sealing your countertops.
Many people ask if you can use Pine-Sol on granite countertops. The answer is in the next paragraph.
Pine-Sol should not be used on granite countertops. Pine-Sol has a pH rating of 4, which means Pine-Sol is acidic.
Pine-Sol is a disinfectant that can be used throughout the house to clean and disinfect surfaces not your countertops.
Acid will damage the surface of your granite countertops; therefore, it should not be used to clean or disinfect your countertops. Instead, use the following cleaning methods to keep your countertops looking beautiful.
Below is an outline on cleaning granite countertops but you can find our detailed instructions here.
You should wipe your granite countertops down daily. All that is needed for daily cleaning is some distilled water and a clean sponge. A damp sponge will wipe up any crumbs and debris from your countertops. If there are any sticky spills, the damp sponge may remove them; however, you may need a stronger cleaner.
If there is a sticky substance on your granite countertop, you may be tempted to grab a cleaner like Pine-Sol, Windex, bleach, or vinegar; however, these will weaken the granite countertop sealer and dull the surface of your granite countertops. Instead, use the following method to remove really sticky, stubborn substances.
Heat some distilled water. Then add a drop of dish soap to the water. Dip your sponge in the soapy mixture and scrub your countertops using an S pattern. You want to create a good lather to help break down the sticky substance. If the spill is really sticky, you may be tempted to grab an abrasive pad; however, this can make microscopic scratches in the granite countertop, resulting in dullness.
Tap water, spring water, and well water may contain limestone, calcium, rust, and other minerals which can build up on the granite countertop. Additionally, the chlorine and other chemicals used in tap water can eat away at your granite sealer.
If the substance is not removed using the methods above, you may need to grab a razor blade. A razor blade will allow you to scrape away any substances stuck to your granite countertops. Hold the razor blade at an angle and keep the blade as flat against the countertop as possible.
Once you have removed the built-up gunk on your granite countertops, grab your sudsy sponge and wipe the countertop to remove any remaining stain from the countertop. Wring out your sponge and wipe up as many suds as possible. Then, rinse out your sponge and dip in fresh distilled water. Rinse the countertop. Then, dry with a clean dry cloth.
If you do not have a razor scraper, you can mix enough water in baking soda to form a paste. Cover the stain with the paste and gently scrub the stain with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
If you have a stain that will not remove using the other methods, you can apply the paste to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, taping down the edges. Allow the paste to remain on the countertop until it dries. (It may take a day or two.) After the paste dries, wipe away the dry baking soda. Then rinse the countertop with distilled water.
All you need to disinfect your granite countertops is isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Mix one cup of alcohol and one cup of distilled water and place it in a spray bottle. Spray the entire granite countertop with the diluted alcohol. Then, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe up the moisture. Use an S motion to avoid streaking.
There are a number of granite polishes on the market that will help restore the luster to your granite countertops. Spray the countertop with granite polish. Then, use a soft cloth to gently buff your granite countertops. The granite countertop polish will provide some stain resisting protection and give your countertops a beautiful glossy shine.
Granite countertops are durable; however, the correct cleaning products should be used. You should never clean your granite countertops with Pine-Sol or other acidic cleaners like bleach, all-purpose cleaners, or vinegar. Cleaning and disinfecting your countertops using the methods described above will increase the life expectancy of your granite countertop sealer and keep your counters looking good for a longer amount of time.
