Testing and Researching Cleaning Product Choices

When our kitchen remodeling project was complete and we started using the new appliances, cabinets, sinks, fixtures, etc., we encountered some unexpected consequences of our new purchases - namely care and maintenance of the completely different surfaces than those that we previously had. Since we chose stainless steel appliances and natural stone countertops, we had to research appropriate cleaning products.

Stainless steel is beautiful, but oh the fingerprints. We actually knew this when selecting appliances but couldn't resist the beauty! We didn't realize that the natural stone countertops required special cleaning as well. After testing and researching cleaning product choices we discovered Granite Gold. And, we are now huge fans of this line.

Here are some of our favorites.

Granite Gold® All-Surface Cleaner

We wanted to protect and preserve our quartzite counters. This cleaner is recommended for a variety of natural stones including granite, marble, travertine and all other natural-stone and quartz surfaces. Works with mirrors, glass and cabinet hardware. It is efficient in removing food spills and stains, and we like the citrus scent.

Be aware that many everyday, typical household cleaners, which contain ammonia or bleach, are not recommended for natural stone. We know this because we contacted several companies including Lysol, and also perused the product labels.

Our research led us to Granite Gold. Their All Surface granite cleaner is safe to use regularly, and is available in both spray bottle and as wipes.

• Safe on food-prep surfaces
• Non-acidic
• pH Balanced
• Biodegradable
• No phosphates or ammonia
• Also available in a cost-saving refill

Granite Gold Scrubbing Sponge

We also tried the Granite Gold® Scrub Sponge. Regular household scouring pads are too abrasive for natural stone, and may leave scratches. The granite cleaner scrub sponge is safe on natural stone and removes stuck on food particles. Non-scratch pads are also available at supermarkets, but it is reassuring to have one specifically designed for stone.

Granite Gold All-Surface Wipes®

We love these wipes– because they are so versatile, convenient, and make our stainless steel appliances instantly shine, shine, shine. They are perfect for a quick wipe on our stainless steel, appliances, glass backsplash, cooktop and more. The streak-free, non-toxic and non-abrasive formula won't scratch surfaces. It is also recommended for solid surface countertops like Corian and quartz surfaces as well.

• Safe on food-prep surfaces
• Non-acidic
• pH Balanced
• Biodegradable
• No phosphates or ammonia.

Granite Gold® Daily Cleaner

This product is a handy spray cleaner specifically for daily deep cleaning of natural stone surfaces. We keep this one very close by, especially when we are cooking. 

Granite Gold® Answers Your Top Cleaning Product Questions

Granite Gold® is the brainchild of cousins Lenny Sciarrino and Lenny Pellegrino. Their grandfather moved to the United States in the 1950s, bringing with him an Italian heritage known for expertise in the stone industry that he passed on to generations.

We contacted Granite Gold founder Lenny Sciarrino with some final kitchen maintenance questions:

1. How do you properly disinfect food-preparation surfaces?

Be wary of common household cleaners that contain disinfectants. They can break down the protective seal on granite and other natural stone, leading to costly repair and replacement.

Granite Gold Disinfecting Wipes® are the only EPA-approved wipes for sealed-stone surfaces. An important reminder about any disinfectant is to let it sit on the surface for at least five minutes for it to take effect. Don't wipe away the residue right away; let the disinfectant do the job. After that, rinse with potable water or Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®.

2. What types of stone would you recommend in various household settings, such as kitchens, bathrooms and entryways?

Granite is the use common in most kitchens. Marble is widely used in bathrooms, which don't see as much traffic as kitchens, and with marble you can enjoy softer, lighter color tones most people like in their bathrooms. With floors, you need to be mindful of the wear and tear, and that's why travertine is the popular choice. Not only can it withstand wear and tear, but also because of its unique markings and patterns, it hides nicks and imperfections.

3. How do you prevent and remove stains, and water spots?

Let's first start with prevention, and that begins with the extremely important protective seal. Without the protective seal, or one that's wearing away, you'll soon be facing costly repair or replacement. We're often asked how often stone should be sealed.

Truth is, you can never over-seal natural-stone surfaces, and by doing so frequently, you're building a protective barrier against stains and etches. The best way to determine whether you need to reseal stone is with a simple water test. Be sure to do this in several locations, since the integrity of the seal could vary from one area to another. If the water beads, then the stone remains sealed. However, if the stone is penetrated – look for a dark mark or ring created by the water – it is time to reseal.

Check for etching and stains as well before sealing your stone surfaces. You'll want to fix these issues before the sealant is applied. We advocate an easy three-step process: Clean often, seal frequently and polish regularly. With polishing, you're getting multiple benefits:

Enhancing the shine and luster of the stone – the wow factor we all love – reinforcing the protective seal and preventing build-up such as water spots.

To buy Granite Gold products online or in store, click here and see our Store Locator.