Granite is often a popular choice for countertops and is an excellent addition to kitchens and bathrooms. It is durable and longlisting and can withstand day-to-day wear and tear.
However, it is essential that you ensure you are cleaning and maintaining your worktop correctly to make sure it lasts longer and doesn’t stain. This blog will explain methods to clean your worktop, highlighting the important maintenance that should be carried out.
What is Granite?
Granite is a type of igneous rock formed in the earth’s crust. It is produced from cooling magma, and the finished product is found in large slabs with a crystalised formation of other materials such as quartz, silica and feldspar.
It is one of the few materials available on the market from entirely natural origins, making it unique and giving it an authentic finish. It comes in many different colours and patterns- there is a slab of granite to suit everyone’s kitchen. If you are interested in exploring the range of Granite we offer, visit Granite Worktops.
Granite is porous in nature- in its natural state, it will absorb liquids and is prone to staining. Because of this, granite slabs are sealed to prevent liquids from soaking into them.
Cleaning products and general ageing can wear away the sealant, and it is recommended that you get your worktop re-sealed professionally bi-annually. It can be done yourself if you are unwilling to pay for this service, but it may not be as effective.
With the proper care and upkeep, granite worktops should remain in excellent condition and be resistant to stains and spillages.
Due to its exposure to heat during formation, granite is heat resistant up to around 1200 degrees Celsius, making it incredibly heat resistant compared to other materials used for countertops.
However, frequent exposure to hot pots and pans can lead to heat stains. You may also find that your countertop develops a few nasty stains over time. Here are a few tips to help you clean your countertop.
Everyday Tips
Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing tools: Stick with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid vinegar as it can dull the granite a weaken the sealant.
Try to avoid scrubbers that could scratch and dull the stone.
Wipe up spills as soon as possible: Although granite isn’t as porous as other materials on the market, you should still ensure that you wipe up spills with a soft cloth as soon as possible.
Clean with warm water and dish soap: Wet a cloth and apply a bit of soap to the countertop or your cloth. Wipe the entirety of the surface once to clean it. Wring your cloth in fresh water periodically to avoid spreading food, dirt or grease.
When you finish the soap, rinse your cloth and wipe down the counter with fresh water to remove any residue.
Dry the countertop: to ensure there isn’t a build-up of water stains, regularly wipe down your surface with a clean microfibre cloth.
Use a specialised granite countertop cleaner: Although warm water and soap work in many cases, specialised cleaning products are certainly an option if you wish to utilise them.
Make your own granite countertop cleaner: Mix 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water, followed by 20 drops of your preferred essential oil. Decant this into a spray bottle so you can clean it quickly and efficiently. Soap and water will work just as well, but if you want a pre-mixed alternative, this will work brilliantly.
Removing Stains
If you are experiencing more severe stains on your worktop, you can use a few methods to remove the stains and deep clean your worktop.
The Baby Oil Method
This is the most straightforward way to remove heat stains. This is the method you are advised to try before using harsher chemicals on your countertop.
Apply a liberal amount of baby oil to your surface and leave it to sit for 24 hours. This allows the oil to soak into the stain. After 24 hours, polish the stained area with a soft, clean cloth – a microfiber cloth or dusting rag will do. Wash the baby off with washing-up liquid and warm water.
Making a Poultice with Baking Powder
If the baby oil method doesn’t work, this is your next port of call—mix baking powder and water, aiming for a consistency similar to thick yoghurt or soured cream. Apply to the heat stain and cover it entirely in a thick layer.
Cover your granite countertop with cling film and seal it by placing masking tape on the edges. Prick a few holes in the cling film to allow oxygen in. Use a toothpick for this.
Depending on the severity of the stain, leave the paste on and covered for 24 to 48 hours. Afterwards, remove the cling film and leave the paste to dry on the countertop.
Remove it using a rubber scraper and dispose of the dried paste into general waste. Clean the area with mild detergent and a soft, clean cloth.
Making a poultice with peroxide
If the first two methods are unsuccessful, this is a more powerful method. The ingredients here are harsh, but they will not harm your countertop.
When handling peroxide, always wear rubber gloves, as exposure to the skin can be harmful.
Safely pour the peroxide solution into a tray and leave 8 to 10 layers of paper towels to soak it for around 10 seconds. Carefully remove the paper towels and place them on the stain to cover them. Leave to dry thoroughly on the countertop.
Once dried, dispose of the towels carefully and safely and clean down the countertop with mild detergent and a soft, clean cloth.
Granite worktops are an excellent option for any kitchen and can look pleasing when maintained properly and consistently. Avoid exposing your countertop to excessive heat; seal it twice a year and ensure you are regularly wiping it over.
If you don’t yet have a granite countertop and are interested in having one fitted, visit get free quote.