Marble is known to be a fussy material. It is high maintenance, and is relatively difficult to clean compared to stainless steel and quartz materials. Yet, the look and feel of marble is paralleled only by a few natural stones: including Granite.
Granite is favored for its exquisite look that may mimic that of marble, but is harder, more durable, and requires less maintenance than marble. Granite countertops are popular forms of office furniture, especially in high-class offices and executive suites where the countertop can be properly maintained and appreciated.
Still, granite is not invincible, and there are a few restrictions when it comes to cleaning the material. In this article, we'll go through the step-by-step process in cleaning granite, as well as the ingredients you should completely avoid to prevent damage onto your countertops.
How to Disinfect Granite Countertops
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Cleaning granite is a relatively easy task. There are a few commercial products you can use, like Granite Gold, to effectively clean and disinfect your countertops without damaging them. To clean granite countertops, here are a couple of things you'll need:
- Dry microfiber cloth
- Stone-safe cleaning solution OR
- Mild dish soap
- 70% Alcohol or steam cleaner
- Granite polish (optional)
Step 2: Wipe Countertop with a Dry Cloth
First, wipe spills from your granite countertops with a dry cloth. This initial step will prepare your countertops for cleaning, and remove any loose dust, dirt, or oil-based stains. You may also opt to use a handheld vacuum cleaner to clear the dust off the countertop, but this may not be practical for an office setting.
Step 3: Clean Granite Countertops with Mild Solution
Create a mild cleaning solution using mild dish soap diluted in warm water. Use this solution to clean granite countertops, focusing on dusty or grime-filled areas. Use another cloth to wipe dry, then rinse your granite countertop with a cloth dampened with warm water to remove any soap residue.
Step 4: Disinfect Granite Countertops
Disinfect with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is relatively neutral, and it can be used in moderation to disinfect granite countertops. Simply spray or apply 70% rubbing alcohol onto a soft piece of cloth or paper towel, and use this to wipe your countertops clean. Allow the residual alcohol to dry, and your granite countertop should be well-sanitized.
Disinfect with Steam Cleaners
Alternatively, you may use a steam cleaner to disinfect granite countertops. Natural stone surfaces often have a heatproof and water-resistant sealant, which can withstand the heat of a steam cleaner for a moment at a time. Run the steam cleaner over the entire surface of your granite countertops, and let the stone cool off before using.
Bonus: Polishing Granite
After disinfecting your granite countertop, you can bring back the shine with a granite polish. A natural stone polish would make countertops shine, and seal the surface away from moisture and dirt. These polishes are often made from resin, wax, or oils, and are available in your local hardware store. Use the polish according to the manufacturer's directions.
Also read: How to Disinfect a Toothbrush
Ingredients to Avoid
Like most natural stone surfaces, harsh cleaners are a definite no-no for disinfecting granite countertops. Harsh, acidic cleaners would etch the surface, leaving rough, white patches on your natural stone countertops. Here's a list of common household cleaning products to avoid using on natural stone and granite countertops:
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Lysol or Similar Disinfectant
- Ammonia-based Cleaners
- Citrus-based Cleaners
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Additionally, granite scratches easily, which is why you would want to avoid any abrasive cleaners or tools when disinfecting granite countertops. Always use a soft cloth or sponge instead of abrasive scrubbers. If cleaning with baking soda, avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratches on the granite surface.
How to Keep Granite Countertops in Perfect Shape
Is your granite counter looking a bit shabby? Don't let the beauty of that natural stone fade away! Here are a couple of tips on keeping your granite counters in perfect shape, even after decades of use:
- Wipe away spills immediately before they stain.
- Avoid scratching or using harsh chemical cleaners on granite. When in doubt, go for stone-safe cleaners like Granite Gold instead.
- Have your granite professionally polished and sealed once a year. The water-resistant seal may fade away over time, so it is best to have your granite polished and sealed once every year or so.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, or cleaning solutions with microbeads. Salt may also scratch the surface. Avoid placing metal or sharp-edged items on top of your granite countertops as well.
- Avoid placing or spilling acidic substances such as citrus fruit juices and vinegar. Wipe away spills immediately, and fix any etch marks that appear before the damage gets worse.
Keep It Clean
We at Luce SG are dedicated to bringing top-quality office cleaning services. Our expert office cleaners know how to properly handle a variety of materials, so you can rest assured that our team will do the job right!
For more information about our cleaning services, contact any of our cleaning experts today.
