Start 2021 Fresh with Clean Granite Surfaces

For centuries, families across the globe have upheld the tradition of spring cleaning. (The custom has its roots in many different cultures and religions; it’s traced back to a 13-day long cleaning celebration marking the Persian New Year). Every year, come warm weather, people around the world have opened their windows, aired out their homes, and re-set kitchens and bathrooms alike to shake off the dust of winter. This might be a revolutionary thought, but this year, why wait until spring? 2020 was rough. Let’s start 2021 fresh. Wondering where to begin? The foundation, or very literally, the rock features that you have in your home. Getting your granite surfaces, or any other natural stone like marble, sparklingly clean will make your entire home feel fresher. Here’s your go-to guide to jumpstart 2021 with immaculate granite surfaces.

1. Clear everything off your granite surfaces

This might feel obvious - or like overkill - but consider this: It’s hard to get a good clean in every crack and corner of your countertop if you’re trying to wipe and scrub around soap bottles and cutting boards. Commit to the process; take everything off the surface. (You might be able to declutter a bit, as well - which will only make the end result feel more dramatic.)

2. Deal with soap stains

If you have granite in your bathroom or kitchen (whether it’s a countertop, floor tile or vertical panel), you’ll have to consider soap stains. Even though we tend to think of soap as “clean,” modern soap contains many ingredients such as fats, pigments and scents, all of which could mar your natural-stone surface. There is a difference between soap stains and soap residue. You can deal with the latter by ensuring that your countertops or walls are as dry as possible after each use. For stains, you might have to use a little bit of elbow grease and the right product. If you’re looking at an oily soap stain, mix a little baking soda and acetone to the consistency of pancake batter and leave it on the stain for 24 hours before rinsing with water. For severe scum, use a single-edge razor blade to shave off the excess buildup. After you’ve removed all stains, wipe down the surface with a good granite cleaner to finish this step.

3. Disinfect all granite countertops and panels

After 2020, disinfecting definitely became the name of the game. Now, above and beyond viral health concerns, regularly disinfecting your countertops is a good call (especially for food-prep surfaces). Cleaning and sanitizing are different processes, even though we tend to lump them into one umbrella definition. You’ll want to clean your granite surface first, to remove dirt and impurities. Then, we recommend MicroGold® Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray. It’s a sister brand of Granite Gold® and has been tested and approved to kill the COVID-19 virus.

4. Seal your surfaces - well

You can protect your future self from most frustrating granite cleaning woes with one simple step: Sealing your granite surfaces. A good sealant acts as an extra layer to keep your valuable natural stone that has come to your kitchen through millennia, protected from messes and more. If it helps, think of it this way: As long as you’re doing it right, there’s no such thing as over sealing your granite. A good rule of thumb is to test the integrity of the seal. The water test is a helpful tool in determining the integrity of your seal. This can be done by pouring a small spot of water (about 3 inches in diameter) onto the stone in various locations and letting it sit for 30 minutes before wiping it away. If a dark mark or ring is visible in those locations, it means the water is penetrating the surface of your stone, and it will need to be resealed.

5. Interested in a smooth, glossy finish? Buff your granite for a gleaming effect

The sharp, polished look of a well-buffed granite surface will make your home feel brand-new; however, you do need to use the right technique. If your granite is already sealed, start by cleaning the surface. Once dry, continue with a specially formulated granite polish. (Like granite cleaners, the polish has to be formulated for granite and other natural stone; common household polishing products can actually damage natural stone.) Make sure that you use a soft microfiber cloth; work the polish into the stone, and finish with a new cloth to make sure that you don’t leave any residue behind. If you’re interested in learning more about the best granite cleaners, the different types of natural stone, or anything else about home stone care, reach out to our team. Our Stone Care Experts with more than three generations of expertise will be happy to take your call at 1-800-475-7866 today.