THIS FESTIVE SEASON, TAKE CARE OF YOUR GRANITE PRODUCTS AND MAINTAIN A WELCOMING, BRIGHT HOME:
BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP- ONE STOP DESTINATION FOR ALL YOUR STONE NEEDS:
If you have granite counters in your home, dinner parties may fill you with dread. All the added activities in your kitchen can lead to some serious problems. Before you put an end to the festivities in an attempt to protect your granite counters, look at the list below. Here are six steps that will protect your granite counters.
1. Start With a Good Sealant
If your granite counters haven’t been sealed in a while, have that service taken care of before your scheduled dinner party. Granite is a porous stone, which means that liquids will absorb quickly into your counters.
A quality sealant provides a layer of protection against moisture damage. For maximum protection, have a new layer of sealant applied as soon as you notice that water no longer beads when spilled on your counters.
2. Be Quick With the Cleanups
Because granite is a porous stone, you need to be quick with the cleanups, especially when dealing with substances that can stain – such as red wine, beets, and blueberry juice. Stains will set in quickly if not cleaned up properly. The best way to clean stains is to use a soft, damp cloth. If your counters do become stained, use a baking soda paste to remove the discoloration.
There are a variety of other natural do-it-yourself methods to remove minor stains from your granite counters. When cleaning your granite counters, avoid the use of harsh chemicals or acidic substances, such as lemon juice. Harsh chemicals and anything acidic can cause damage to your granite.
3. Keep the Heat Away
If you plan to use your counters as serving space during your dinner party, protect the granite from contact with direct heat. While granite counters are heat-resistant, they can still suffer burns and cracks from direct contact. To avoid that, always use hot pads and trivets when you place hot pots, pans, or dishes on your granite counters.
Also, if you plan to use crock pots or electric roasters, protect your counters with a soft towel or large hot pad. The heat that’s generated from these types of appliances can ruin your counters.
4. Watch the Oils and Lotions
If your recipes call for oil, or you have hand lotion in your kitchen, watch for damage to your granite. Hand lotions and oils – including coconut and olive oils – will leave marks and discoloration on your granite counters, especially if spills and splatters aren’t cleaned up quickly.
If you do develop oil-related stains on your granite counters, use the same baking soda paste you use to clean up other types of stains. Deep stains will require professional attention, however.
5. Take Care With the Knives
Granite is one of the strongest surfaces you can choose for your kitchen counters. However, your counters should never be used as a cutting board. Knives can leave deep scratches and grooves in the counter.
Kitchen ware can also cause scratches, so your small kitchen appliances and dishes should never be pulled across your granite counters.
As a word of caution, if you have cats, keep them off the counters. Their nails can leave small scratches in the surface of the granite.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Are There Any Cleaning Products to Avoid?
Any natural acid, such as lemon, lime, orange juice, and vinegar, should never be used to clean granite. You should also avoid using bleach, ammonia, or glass cleaner. All of these liquids can dull the glossiness of the granite.
You also need to avoid using steel wool or sponges with the scrub side down. Over time, the hard scouring of these products will etch the gloss finish and ultimately weaken the counter’s sealant.
How Do You Remove Stains?
You can clean a stain off granite with some common household products. If you have a water stain, use a combination of equal parts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. If the stain is oil-based, use baking soda and water. Use enough of each product to make a thick paste.
Spread the paste on the stain. Cover the mixture with a sheet of plastic wrap. Tape the wrap on the stain and allow the mixture to sit overnight or up to a few days. Next, remove the plastic wrap and wipe away the mixture. Rinse the spot carefully and wipe the counter with a soft cloth.
What Is an Everyday Cleaning Method?
You can maintain your countertops with little effort. You only need a mild dish detergent diluted with some water and a soft sponge without the scrubbing side.
Fill your sink or a bucket with some warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Soak the sponge and wring out the excess water. Gently wipe the counters with the soapy water using a circular motion.
If you have any sticky or dried spots, use some more soap and a little elbow grease. If the spot is particularly stubborn, soak a microfiber cloth in the soapy water and lay it on the area for a few minutes to help loosen the debris. Do not allow the wet cloth to sit for too long, however, or the counter will incur a water stain due to the stone’s high absorbency.
Once you have cleaned the counters, dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth. This not only prevents water stains, but also helps decrease the onset of streaks and increase the shine of the finish.
Does Cleaning Also Disinfect the Granite?
Although soap and water do a great job at cleaning granite, this method does not necessarily disinfect the countertops. To remove the bacteria, use equal parts water and propyl alcohol with a couple drops of dish soap. Add everything to a spray bottle and shake it well.
Spray the solution onto the granite. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe away the excess with a soft cloth. You can do this cleaning method after cooking or on a regular basis to keep germs from settling in your kitchen.
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