Caring for your granite stone is important for your hygiene. After all, kitchens and bathrooms are probably the most shared rooms between American families, so it’s no doubt that the countertops in there need special attention in that regard. But among so many cleaning solutions out there, how do we find out the best ones for us? Well, don’t worry – in this article, we’ll go over how to sanitize granite countertops the right way, as well as some home tips to take and avoid.
To read our full guide on granite countertops – with everything there is to know – click here.
Cleaning products and tools
To properly sanitize your granite countertop, you’ll need the items listed below:
- warm water;
- mild or gentle dish soap;
- dish cloth;
- (two) clean microfiber cloth or towel;
- 70% isopropyl alcohol;
- spray bottle.
These are basically a homemade, ordinary selection that everyone can get their hands on. That said, there are some overall tips to prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from settling on top of countertops.
First of all, maintain an effective sealer (more on that in a bit). That will serve like a cover against outside elements and nothing will sit on the stone itself. Second, you should disinfect it weekly if you cook in the kitchen every day. Third, never chop meat or any kind of food unless it’s on a cutting board. Lastly, don’t let spills (especially sweet substances) dry off on the surface without wiping them. As we all know, moisture will attract bacteria and even rats.
How to sanitize granite countertops
Tools and chemicals ready? Follow the next steps, then:
- Wet your dish cloth with soapy, warm water;
- Gently, wipe down the granite to remove all dust, crumbs and spills;
- Dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking;
- Spray the isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your countertop;
- Allow it to stay for three or four minutes to remove residue;
- Rinse the solution with some warm water;
- Dry it again with a new microfiber cloth.
After you’re done, your granite countertop should have regained its previous bright appearance. As you can see, these are simple and straightforward steps that you can take whenever you see fit!
Things to avoid
Of course, there are commercial and more powerful cleaners in any nearby store that you can always buy. There’s nothing wrong in using a recommended cleaning solution, but make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
There are chemicals, however, that you should never use – because they will damage your granite permanently, be it the sealer or the surface itself. These include:
- common vinegar and abrasive cleansers;
- chlorine bleach;
- commercial window cleaner (Windex);
- hydrofluoric acid.
Sealing is important!
We’ve mentioned several times on this blog: to truly preserve the beauty and texture of your granite, you must seal it at least once a year. Applying coats of sealer is crucial to extend your countertop’s durability over time.
As granite stones are porous – in other words, prone to water absorption – we need to take extra measures to protect the surface from cracks, stains and scratches. Old balconies and vanities that were never taken care of have to be changed entirely, which affects your own budget more than anything.
For home renewals, you may also find useful: How to Remove Granite Countertops – Step by Step
Contact Eagle Stones today!
If you live near Sarasota, Florida, then you probably know us – our expert team has been serving clients all over the county for decades now. We work with the best supply and installation services regarding international stones such as granite, marble, onyx and much more!
Click here to browse through the online catalog. Or, if you’d like, we can even go to your house, sanitize your granite countertop and seal it for you! Why don’t you fill out this form for a free quote and get started?
