Cleaning Products for Granite Counter Tops
Posted December 05 2012Cleaning Products Review
Cleaning Products for Granite Counter Tops
Cleaning products for granite counter tops are becoming very diverse. Whilst granite counter-tops are a popular choice for most homeowners, the vast majority are unclear of how to correctly clean and maintain the stone’s surface.
There are numerous types of cleaning products for granite counter tops currently available on the market as well as different techniques that can be used to make sure you are effectively cleaning your granite. Whether you plan to use commercial products that are ready to use right out of the bottle or maybe you prefer to be environmentally friendly and make your very own solution, there is a perfect way to keep your granite counters clean to suit your life-style and budget. With products obtainable at every price range as well as cleansers that you can make yourself, the alternatives are limitless when it comes to cleaning counters.
Spills happen, especially in the kitchen – this is simply unavoidable. Red wine, coffee, tea, oil are only a few sources, but if you own a granite counter top, you know that possibilities of staining are endless. Your granite counter top is a big investment, and you want to make sure it stays beautiful for a long time.
Of course, the best way to prevent any serious and permanent damage to the counter top is by sealing it. Sealing guarantees a further resistance to moisture migration into an already moisture-resistant surface. In fact, before 1995, there were only a few quality sealers on the market, yet there were still few cases of staining. Once properly sealed, the granite is more resistant to everyday dirt and spills. Sealers have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. In today\’s market, most granite automatically will get a resin treatment at the factory, so you don\’t have to worry about sealing your granite counter top.
To remove stains, much like any stain, it\’s recommended to clean the spill as soon as you can. Oil-based stains include everything from cooking oil to milk. An oil stain can darken the stone so it must be chemically dissolved so the stain may rinse away. Clean the surface lightly with a household detergent or ammonia or mineral spirits. A poultice of baking soda and water is an eco-friendly solution that often will work on oil-based stains. There also are a wast variety of cleaning products for granite counter tops which are environmentally friendly.
Organic stains are different (think coffee and tea): Fruit, coffee, tea, food, and paper can cause a pinkish-brownish stain on the stone, which may disappear after the source of the stain is removed. It\’s highly recommended to use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia to remove this type of stain.
You don’t have to clean your granite counter top each and every single day. However, whenever you notice spots on it you should address it right away and don’t put it off. It’s still recommended that you clean counters at least once or twice weekly and possibly more so for those who have kids or a lots of people who use it everyday. The granite countertop is without a doubt a wonderful addition to have in your home. Cleaning it whenever you can means that you’ll be capable to enjoy it for a very long time.