Natural stone countertops, such as granite and marble countertops, bring an air of elegance into your kitchen. When properly maintained, granite countertops can last for decades, which is why it is essential to know how to upkeep granite countertops.
Not all solutions can be used to clean granite counters. An all-purpose cleaner is often formulated for surfaces like ceramic tiles, linoleum, or resin, and may not be suitable for cleaning granite countertops. Abrasive cleaners should never be used on granite, and steer clear of acidic cleaners as they will etch the surface of the stone.
To clean a granite counter, use a safe cleaning solution meant for natural stone, such as Stone Care or Granite Gold cleaners, diluted dish soap, or a baking soda solution. Bleach, a household cleaning staple, is on the fence on whether it can be used on granite or not.
Can You Use Bleach on Granite Countertops?
There is a debate whether you can safely clean granite countertops with bleach as bleach can etch the surface, dull the varnish, and even change the color of the natural stone. But yes, you can use diluted bleach on sealed granite countertops.
Take note of the keywords diluted and sealed. These are important to remember when cleaning your granite countertop with bleach. The bleach must be heavily diluted with water before using, and use this only on properly sealed and varnished natural stone countertops.
Using too strong of a formula can etch and dull the surface, and bleach should never be used on unsealed natural stone. Always dilute bleach before using it to clean granite, and avoid pouring bleach directly on the surface. Do not clean the granite surface with bleach if it has cracks or holes in the sealant.
How to Clean Granite Countertops with Bleach
Step 1: Dilute the Bleach
The first step is to dilute the liquid bleach with warm water. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a ratio of 1/3 cup of bleach for every 1 gallon of water. Mix these in a large basin before using it on sealed granite.
Step 2: Use a Sponge or Clean Cloth
Take a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, and dip it in the diluted bleach solution. Wring the sponge or cloth to remove excess liquid. Using a sponge or cloth allows you to wipe the entire surface clean, and a microfiber cloth will prevent fibers from staying behind on the granite countertop.
Step 3: Wipe the Granite Countertop
Wipe the granite surface clean with a dry cloth to remove any dust, spills, and debris, then use the sponge or clean cloth to wipe the bleach solution over the surface. Bleach should disinfect the countertop, and remove any small stains as well.
Step 4: Let it Dry
You can opt to wipe the countertop dry with a clean towel, or let the bleach solution air dry for the full sanitizing effect. Your granite countertops should look clean, shiny, and new! If there are any stains remaining, use a baking soda stain remover to lift stains. Do not soak the stain in bleach.
Alternatives to Bleach on Granite Countertops
While bleach can be used on granite, it is not always advisable. Some cleaners generally avoid bleach when cleaning natural stone surfaces as it tends to dull the surface over time. Instead, homeowners can use cleaning products specifically formulated for natural stone, or homemade solutions like:
- Dish soap diluted in warm water for general cleaning
- Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove stains
- Isopropyl alcohol for disinfection
- Stone-safe cleaning products
Cleaning your home does not have to be a hassle. Remove the guesswork and the stress of sanitizing your home, and give us a call at Luce instead. Our house cleaning services will be able to maintain a spotless space, and they can easily clean most stains out of your furniture!
Our cleaners understand the proper way of cleaning furniture - from washing soft, plush materials, to removing stains from natural stone. You can rest assured that our team can deliver a comfortable and clean home.
Send us a message, and we can pencil you in for a home cleaning schedule at your most available time!
