Using your granite counters daily leaves them greasy, grimy and stained. While most of you see
this as plain disgusting or unsightly, what’s worse is the fact that dirty granite is very unhygienic.
Therefore, daily cleaning with the right tools and products is a must to keep your counters
sanitary and looking their best!
The importance of using appropriate cleaning aids and products for safe and efficient cleaning
of your granite countertops should not be overlooked. This is because the use of abrasive
scrubbers can scratch the finish while chemical cleaners can leave toxic residue on the surface.
Hence, the best way to go about cleaning granite countertops is by using natural or non-harsh
products and soft cleaning tools! Read on for a thorough guide on how to clean granite counters
the easy, efficient and safe way.
1. Clear the Counters!
As much as we dislike spending a little extra time and effort in clearing surfaces before we clean
them, it is necessary if you want to do a thorough job and achieve a desirable result. Hence, we
suggest clearing your granite countertops of all its items before you begin cleaning it. This
includes any racks, holders, bottles, etc. that are always kept on the counter as dust tends to
collect under them.
2. Give Them a Pre-Wipe
Before you dampen the surface, it’s advisable to wipe the countertop to remove dust and debris.
Many homeowners make the mistake of skipping this step and going straight to cleaning their
granite countertops with water or a liquid cleaner which ends up smearing dust and dirt around
to create a bigger mess! Therefore, it’s important to wipe the counters thoroughly with a clean
cloth before moving on to the next step.
3. Make Your Cleaning Solution
While there are many types of store-bought cleaners or “specially” formulated cleaning products
for granite countertops, we’ve found that a simple, homemade cleaner does an excellent job at
getting your counters clean and sanitized! To make it, mix the following ingredients together as
per their respective ratios:
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup liquid dish soap (you can choose an eco-friendly product for this)
Stir it up to create suds and let the real cleaning can begin!
Note: Add another 1/4 cup of the dish soap if the solution isn’t soapy or sudsy enough.
4. Use a Soft Cleaning Tool
Whether you choose to use a microfiber cloth, kitchen towel or a sponge; make sure that it is
soft or non-abrasive. Dip your cleaning aid into the soapy solution and squeeze out some of the
excess water before wiping your granite countertop from one end to the other. Pay more
attention to stubborn stains by soaking them with your cleaning solution before scrubbing. Also,
be sure to rinse out your cleaning tool as it starts to pick up dirt for a more efficient clean.
5. Wipe it Dry
To avoid streaking, it’s best to dry off your freshly cleaned, granite countertops by wiping them
with a clean kitchen towel. Finish off by putting your racks, holders and other items back in
place and your work here is done!
Real simple, safe and cost-effective, isn’t it? Well, when it comes to cleaning, that’s the best
way to go about it!