Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your New Granite Countertops
If you have recently had granite countertops installed in your kitchen, you may believe that the strong stone from which they are constructed means that you can clean them the same way you did your previous counters. However, there are a few mistakes you should avoid while cleaning your new granite countertops that could damage the surface and dull their beauty.
Allowing Spills to Sit
Before you had your new countertops installed, you may have waited to wipe up spills, either because you were busy cooking or did not see the spill in the beginning. However, when you have granite countertops, you need to be vigilant about cleaning up spills right away.
While the stone is durable, it is also very porous. If you allow a spill to sit for too long, it will penetrate the surface and soak into the pores, staining your countertop and making it more difficult to clean.
To keep this from happening, get into the habit of wiping up any spills within minutes of them happening. Doing so will save you extra work and help keep the granite stain-free.
Using the Wrong Cleaner
Another mistake you should avoid when cleaning your granite countertops is using the wrong cleaner. If you missed a spill and noticed that a stain is setting in, you may be tempted to grab some cleanser and start scrubbing.
However, if you use an abrasive cleanser, its grit will scratch and remove parts of the protective surface of the granite. This would then leave the porous stone exposed, making it more likely that any spills will cause staining.
Also, if you are tempted to use homemade cleaners that contain vinegar or lemon juice, you should think twice and avoid using anything with these ingredients. Both vinegar and lemon juice are highly acidic, which means they will eat away at the surface and remove its protection.
Whenever you need to wipe up spills, use a wet rag with mild dish detergent. Then rinse the surface thoroughly to avoid streaking and to remove any residual soap.
However, if you need to perform a deep cleansing, use a cleaner specifically designed for granite. This specialized cleaner will deep clean the granite without damaging the protective surface layer or the stone. You can ask the company that installed your countertops for recommendations on which product to use.
Avoiding the above mistakes while cleaning your new countertops can help keep them looking beautiful and reduce the risk of damage to the surface. For more information on cleaning, polishing, and maintaining your granite countertops, seek help from the company who installed them for you.
