More Questions on How to Clean Granite and Other Natural Stone

When we encourage consumers to Ask the Experts, we’re not kidding. We actively seek to help consumers properly care for their granite and other natural stone surfaces, whether they’re questions about granite cleaners, general cleaning or using Granite Gold products in creative ways. Here’s the latest in an occasional series when we share the questions and answers (here’s the previous post): Q: I am considering pressure washing marble in conjunction with a cleaner such as Granite Gold Outdoor Stone Cleaner®. Could it be used in such an application and, if so, could I apply it to the marble through the soap dispenser of my pressure washer or must it be applied exclusively with a garden hose? A: The answer regarding square footage varies based on the specifications of the pressure washer. There is not a problem putting Granite Gold Outdoor Stone Cleaner in the pressure washer soap dispenser. If you want a more concentrated formula, we suggest Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner®. Q: With Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner, it says to use 2-4 ounces with a gallon of water. If I use 2 ounces with a pint of water, what will happen? A: Too much soap can cause streaking and build up; if that happens, you can rinse with hot water. Q: I believe I have natural stone tiles on the floors of my bathroom and foyer area of home. I just bought Granite Gold Grout Cleaner®, but I really want to clean the tiles of the floor. Should I get Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner or is Granite Gold Grout Cleaner just as effective? A: Granite Gold Grout Cleaner will be effective. The advantage of Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner is that it’s more of a deep cleaner and conditioner, plus it’s a cost-savings concentrate. Q: Are Granite Gold products safe for use on vanity counter tops that are not stone, although resemble stone, and are a manufactured product versus a natural one? A: Our products are made for and safe to use on all natural stone and manufactured stone, or solid, surfaces such as quartz, Silestone, Corian and Cambria. They are water-based, pH balanced, and safe on food-prep surfaces. Q: I bought Granite Gold Sealer® and was so gratified at the way my granite now looks. How long do I wait before I put on the Polish? A: Here’s a step-by-step process when it comes to cleaning, sealing and polishing:

1. Clean the surface with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner
2. Spray sealer on the surface in a 3-foot section
3. Immediately wipe into stone with a lint-free cloth

Do not allow sealer to dry on the surface – it will cause hazing

4. Buff dry with a lint-free cloth
5. For maximum protection, repeat the process 2-3 times
6. Wait 24 hours for sealer to cure before using Granite Gold Polish

Also, here’s helpful information on what we consider an important three-step process in caring for natural stone surfaces. Q: I'm looking for a replacement product similar to Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner (which I now have learned I shouldn't be using in my new stone tile shower). Which product is intended for this kind of daily use in showers: Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® or Granite Gold Shower Cleaner? I may try using the Scrubbing Bubbles dispenser, though I know there's no guarantee your product will work in that. Anyway, please let me know which is product is preferred for daily shower cleaning. Thanks! A: Granite Gold Shower Cleaner is a safe alternative to ordinary, everyday shower and bath cleaners that can damage natural stone and lead to costly repair and replacement. Granite Gold Shower Cleaner more intensive than Granite Gold Daily Cleaner because of the elements most common in showers (such as soap scum build up). Check out our blog post, "Shower Cleaning Isn’t Easy; Here’s How to Remove, Prevent Build-up," for helpful information on caring for natural stone in showers and baths.