We have been creating custom countertops for years now. We know that anyone who loves cooking opts for granite countertops in a heartbeat. That’s because it looks elegant and yet one of the sturdiest materials on market. It is resistant to scratches and endures everyday wear and tear. Granite is generally unaffected by heat but there is a catch. It is a porous material and gets stained quite easily. Thus you should apply a sealant to make your granite countertops last for years. Even if you applied a good quality sealant, you must protect it from spills and stains. Here is a step-by-step guide for you to clean and polish the granite countertop in your kitchen.
Remove The Clutter And Gather Cleaning Supplies
The first step is to remove everything off the counter. Take all the crockery and keepsakes to another counter or stovetop. If possible, take away the appliances and place them at a safe spot distant from the countertop. Free the countertops of large items and then use a brush to remove the debris from the surface. Before you proceed to the next step of cleaning, gather the following supplies.
- Gloves
- Spray bottles
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Razorblade
- Cooking oil
- Soft microfiber cloths
- Scrubbers
Wipe The Surface Clean
Take a piece of a soft cloth and soak it in water. Now squeeze it to get rid of the excess water and wipe the surface clean. This step is important to remove the loose dirt and debris from the countertop. It may also soften the gunk for the later stage of scrubbing.
Scrub The Countertop
Once you have wiped the surface, it’s time to put in some elbow grease. As most of the granite countertops have sealant on them, you should not use anything too basic or acidic for cleaning. Frequent use of such strong chemicals will dull the granite and damage the sealant. The best household cleaner is a mix of dish soap and water. Use a soft sponge to apply this mixture to the surface. Leave it for 30 seconds and then use a soft scrubber to make generous lather. Scrub the countertop from front to back in an “S” pattern. If there are oily spills and gunk, scrub a bit more but beware of scratches.
Scrape Away The Gunk Or Build Up
When scrubbing is not enough, you can use a razor blade to get rid of the gunk buildup. Don’t forget to wear your gloves before scraping away any buildup. Make sure that the entire edge of the razor blade is in contact with the countertop surface while you are scraping away any materials. Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, rinse the spots with a sponge and wipe them clean. Ensure that counters are free from water suds or large puddles after you are done with the cleaning.
Mix Baking Soda And Water For Stubborn Stains
One of the most effective and affordable cleaning solutions is the mixture of baking soda and vinegar. You should use it with caution and only for the spots that are difficult to clean with other methods. Apply the paste over the stain and scrub it with a soft cloth. For extremely tough stains, apply the paste on top, cover it with plastic wrap, secure the edges and let it stay for a few days. Once it is dried, scrape away the material to get a stain-free surface. Know that this should be your last resort!
Sterilize/Disinfect The Surface
Mix equal amounts of isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Spray the entire counter with the mixture and let it sit for five minutes. Now wipe the moisture off the counter with a soft microfiber cloth. You have successfully disinfected the surface!
Polish The Surface
The next step is to add some shine to your granite countertops. Pour a few drops of cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth. Wipe it across the entire length of the countertop and softly buff it. This simple step gives a glossy shine and makes the countertop somewhat resistant to stains. You can also use commercially available granite polishes. They come in both dry and wet varieties. Choose the one that works for you. Stick to these cleaning routines for a beautiful and spotless cooking place. Whether you need help with granite countertop cleaning or polishing, get in touch with us today. Our team of experts is ready to help you bring the best out of your kitchen!
