Over the years, more and more homeowners prefer to use granite as their kitchen benchtop and bathroom material. The reason is that granite is not as permeable as other materials, which makes it less prone to soaking up spills, stains, and oils. Despite that, it is still important to regularly clean your granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne to ensure their longevity.
Although granite is resistant to bacteria, it is equally essential to make sure that they are always shiny and stain-free. To help you polish your valuable natural stone benchtops, we have put together in this article some handy tips to make the process quick and easy.
General Tips in Cleaning Granite Counters
When you have installed the best granite benchtops from Stone Interiors, you can ensure the quality of your product. Even so, it is still important to care for your benchtop to prolong its life and beauty. Here are some effective tips on how to clean granite surfaces properly:
Getting Rid of Dust
Kitchen counters can quickly accumulate dust. If the material of your benchtop is granite, use a microfibre cloth to wipe the counter and make sure that the surface is always clean. If you are dealing with thicker layers of dust, dampen the cloth with water. The key to clean more efficiently is to use a white cloth to check if there is dust left on your counters.
Removing Stains
Unlike other natural stone benchtops, granite does not stain easily. But if you don’t clean spills such as coffee, spaghetti sauce, or red wine right away, they might stick to your countertop. As such, it is best to avoid letting sticky residue and spills sit on your granite surfaces. Place a handy towel near your benchtops for quick and easy cleaning.
Drying and Buffing
Plenty of people forget about how important it is to dry and buff the granite surface after cleaning it. You can use a dry microfibre cloth for this purpose. Remember to replace the wet and soggy cloth with a clean, dry one. Doing so will help you polish the surface more effectively.
Preventing Scratches
Granite is not a scratch-resistant material. So, when you plan to use sharp tools such as kitchen knives, bone saws, and screwdrivers, make sure to put a chopping board on top of the surface.
Things to Avoid When Caring for Granite
When it comes to cleaning granite, there are several cleaning solutions that you should avoid.
If you are cleaning the surface, avoid using acid-based cleaners, especially if they contain orange, lemon, bleach, or vinegar. The acids may degrade the sealant and leave unsightly stains on the countertop. Have other disinfecting wipes that do not have citric acid in them. They are highly efficient in cleaning up spills and good for the granite’s seal.
Keep in mind that the variation of the resin treatment for granite depends on your manufacturer. So, if you choose to source your materials from Stone Interiors, you can ask our experts for an effective procedure. They will give you free and helpful advice, including the best time to apply a sealant to the surface.
Moreover, you should also take note that granite is not impervious to liquids and moisture. So, protect the surface with a sealant. By doing so, you will secure the granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne against potentially harmful materials that may lower their lifespan and affect their appearance.
Effective Ways to Deep Clean Granite
Regularly cleaning your natural stone benchtop is quite simple. You just need to prepare a washcloth, warm water, a small amount of dish soap, and a hand towel for drying.
To begin, wipe up spills and other grime with a warm, soapy dishcloth. Then, dry the surface with a towel and get rid of excess water. Make sure to avoid streaks. It is also a good practice to do this after cooking in your kitchen, if not daily.
If you want to disinfect your benchtop, mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over the countertop and allow it to sit for two to three minutes. After that, wipe the area with a washcloth. This is an effective way to restore your granite’s brilliant shine.
Useful Tips in Getting Rid of Stains
Sometimes, a simple cleaning solution cannot remove stubborn stains. In case this happens, you must learn a unique technique in dealing with the stain.
On one hand, if they are oil-based stains, make a paste using baking soda. On the other hand, if they are water-based stains, use hydrogen peroxide. Then, get a dough and spread it over the stain. Cover the affected area and let the material sit on the surface for a couple of hours. Take a clean cloth and wipe the solution away.
After carefully following the steps, get a warm washcloth and add a bit of dish soap. Use it to clean the residue.
Summing Everything Up
Learning how to properly take care of granite benchtops is easy once you know which products and techniques work and which ones don’t. If you want to get more tips on caring for countertops made from other types of materials, do not hesitate to reach out or visit our website stoneinteriors.com.au/ at a time that suits you.
Want to Replace Your Benchtop? Call Stone Interiors Today!
Cleaning and maintaining your benchtops should not be a hassle, especially if you choose to install a quality kitchen benchtop from trusted granite supplier in Melbourne. At Stone Interiors, we have over 25 years of experience in working with granite stone products. When you hire us to install the worktop of your choice, you can trust that we will provide you with a durable finish.
Whether you are looking for small pieces of stone benchtops in Melbourne for kitchens or large ones for offices, our experts can assist you with quality workmanship, excellent knowledge, superior products, and prices that match your exact requirements. Learn more about our products and services by calling 0422 448 494 today!