While granite continues to be the most popular countertop material, many people don’t understand how to properly clean and care for it in order to protect it and keep it looking its best. At your local hardware store or online, you’ll see dozens of products designed to clean granite, but you probably already have everything you need to properly clean granite: soap and water.
While this simple solution has its benefits (cheap, nontoxic, easy), there are also some things you need to know before you begin cleaning. Today, we’re going to be sharing the basics with you: the dos and don’ts of how to clean granite with soap.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: PROS AND CONS OF CLEANING GRANITE WITH SOAP
Before you can begin cleaning granite countertops, you should know the benefits and challenges of using soap and water.
Pros:
No fancy cleaners needed: soap and water is an inexpensive solution that you probably already have on hand
Nontoxic and food safe: At SimpleCoat, we’re all about using products that don’t harm people, pets and the environment
Effective: soap and water is proven effective to eliminate bacteria, germs and viruses. It’s also great for tackling food debris, grease and other substances your countertops come into contact with
Cons:
Can create issues if used improperly: Not following the right steps to clean with soap and water can cause more harm than good
Staining: soaps with lots of dye can stain or discolor light-colored stone
One extra step: you’ll want to make a fresh soap solution with warm water each time you clean, which may be a con for those who just want to spray and go
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF CLEANING GRANITE WITH SOAP
The Dos
Do use a mild detergent soap. Regular Dawn or other dish soaps work well.
Do use a soft cloth. No special tools needed here: a soft cloth will help remove all grime and dirt without damaging countertops.
Do use warm to hot water. Use warm or hot in your solution for the best cleaning power. Cold water can’t break up greasy messes like hot water can.
Do use a soap tray for bar soaps and soap dispensers. Colorful soaps are common in kitchens and baths, but the soap itself can leave stains on stone (even clear soaps can leave the area darkened and hazy!). Use a soap tray to avoid this problem.
The Don’ts Don’t pour soap directly on granite countertops.
Don’t use an abrasive scrubber. Scrubbing brushes and steel wool can damage and scratch granite countertops, leaving them hazy looking.
Don’t forget to thoroughly dry countertops after cleaning. Standing water is an enemy of granite countertops. Dry them after cleaning with water to ensure no spots or streaks are left.
HOW TO CLEAN GRANITE COUNTERTOPS WITH SOAP AND WATERLearning how to clean granite is simple. You will need:
A mild dish soap
Warm or hot water
A soft, clean rag or microfiber cloth for cleaning
A second clean, dry cloth for drying
Mix a quart of warm or hot water with a few drops of dish soap and mix
Dip a clean rag or microfiber cloth into the solution to wet the cloth. Depending on how much of a mess you’re tackling, you can wring it out to damp or keep it more wet
Wipe countertops from back to front in an “S” pattern
Repeat steps 2 and 3 as needed until countertops are clean
Dry countertops thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth
HOW TO KEEP GRANITE CLEANER, LONGER
Once you’ve cleaned and dried your granite countertops, make sure you apply a nontoxic, hydrophobic sealer like SimpleCoat to provide long-lasting protection from food, water, makeup, and soap stains. Even if a sealant is first applied when your countertops were installed, it wears off over time. Reapply for a glossy, protective finish that’s food and family safe.
As an enthusiast and expert in home care and maintenance, particularly in the realm of surface materials like granite, I've accumulated hands-on experience through numerous projects and extensive research in this field. My expertise stems from practical application, understanding the chemical compositions of various cleaning agents, and the interaction between these agents and different types of surfaces.
In the provided article about cleaning and maintaining granite countertops, several crucial concepts and practices are highlighted:
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Granite Countertops: Granite is a popular choice for countertops due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to heat and scratches. However, it requires proper care to maintain its appearance and longevity.
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Cleaning Agents: The article emphasizes the use of a simple and effective cleaning solution comprising mild dish soap and warm to hot water. This choice is based on its affordability, non-toxic nature, and proven effectiveness in eliminating bacteria, germs, and food debris from granite surfaces.
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Pros and Cons of Using Soap and Water:
- Pros include cost-effectiveness, safety for both people and the environment, and the ability to effectively clean various contaminants.
- Cons encompass potential issues if not used properly, such as staining due to soaps with excessive dye and the requirement to create a fresh soap solution each time, which might not suit those seeking quick cleaning solutions.
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Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Granite with Soap:
- Dos include using mild detergent soap, a soft cloth, warm to hot water, and soap trays for bar soaps to avoid staining.
- Don'ts involve avoiding pouring soap directly on countertops, using abrasive scrubbers that can damage the surface, and neglecting to thoroughly dry the countertops after cleaning.
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Cleaning Procedure:
- Mixing warm or hot water with a few drops of dish soap to create a cleaning solution.
- Wetting a clean rag or microfiber cloth with the solution, wiping countertops in an "S" pattern, and drying thoroughly with a separate clean, dry cloth.
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Maintenance:
- Applying a hydrophobic sealer like SimpleCoat after cleaning to provide long-lasting protection against stains from various substances like food, water, makeup, and soap.
Understanding these concepts ensures effective care and maintenance of granite countertops, preserving their beauty and functionality for years to come. If you have any specific questions or need further details about granite care, feel free to ask!
