If you ask anyone to list their “must haves” for their dream house, granite countertops are likely to make most every list. In fact, a survey in 2012 done by MSN concluded that 75% of new kitchens used granite as a countertop choice. Granite is a timeless, elegant and durable option that lasts a lifetime.
It comes in a variety of colors with unique veining that gives it character as no two pieces of granite are alike. Upgrading to this beautiful, natural stone adds to the resale value of your home and gives your home an instant facelift. The comfort of your home as well as the beauty of kitchen and bathrooms is immediately increased.
Once you take the leap and upgrade to granite countertops, you will want to know how to take care of them to keep them pristine and perfect. While granite countertops are very durable, certain liquids can cause them to deteriorate or damage. With such an expensive investment, let Arch City Granite help you with the best products to clean your gorgeous, new countertops.
Cleaning granite countertops safely
When it comes to granite countertops, there are a few liquids that should never be used on them. Any cleaning product containing bleach or ammonia should be avoided. Acidic liquids can cause granite to deteriorate or damage as well as break down the sealer that was applied when your granite countertops were installed. As a porous stone, granite is sealed to keep liquids from seeping into the tiny holes and staining or discoloring the stone. Other acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice should also be avoided.
There are many granite safe cleaning products on the market that are safe for your countertops. Here are a few of our suggestions:
- Rejuvenata liquid from Dry-Treat: This is our favorite and most recommended cleaner for granite. Not only is it gentle on your countertops, but it has a small amount of sealer in the solution so it protects as it cleans. Using it on a regular basis keeps your granite countertops shiny and clean along with replacing trace amounts of granite sealer that wears away over time. Regular use of this product prevents the need to reseal your countertop. There are other equally good products like Revitalizer spray from Stone Tech Products.
- Bleach free disinfecting wipes: As said before, never use bleach on your countertops, but there are some brands, such as Clorox, that make a bleach free wipe that removes bacteria and disinfects your counters nicely.
- Homemade solution: Another great alternative is to make your own homemade solution using easy to find household products. In a spray bottle, combine a small amount of dish soap, ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil and you have a nice smelling cleaner that disinfects and is safe for your countertop.
Whatever you use to clean your countertop, make sure that it says it is safe for granite countertops. Remember the rule to avoid acidic liquids such as bleach, ammonia or harsh abrasive materials and always use a soft cloth to wipe your granite countertops down with.
Arch City Granite has the best selection of granite countertops
When you are in the market for granite countertop upgrades, come see our friendly and educated staff at Arch City Granite. Not only do we have a large selection of granite pieces in our showroom for you to see and touch, but our staff can answer all the questions you may have concerning granite and all natural stone countertops. Upgrading your countertops to granite, marble, quartz or soapstone is a big decision but as far as upgrades go, it’s one of the best decisions you can make. Stop by today, we look forward to assisting you.