How to Clean Your Granite Countertop

Granite countertops are one of the most popular kitchen countertop options. This versatile natural stone comes in a wide variety of colors and looks great in any style of kitchen and any style kitchen cabinet. However, to keep your granite countertop looking good, a bit of maintenance is necessary. Granite, like other natural stones, is a very porous material. This means that it readily absorbs anything that may be spilled on its surface, and is easily stained. You can then imagine just how horrific it would be to accidentally spill red wine on your white-colored granite countertop. The good thing is that unsightly stains and damages are easily prevented by diligently following a few simple rules.

• Clean spills immediately. It’s tempting to just let stains sit until your guests leave, but this is probably not a good idea if you have a granite countertop. Leaving spills on your granite countertop increases the chance of it becoming stained, or that the spill will harden.
• Clean consistently. Once you’re finished cooking or eating, wipe away crumbs and spills with a clean rag and warm soapy water. To loosen and remove caked-on gunk from your countertop, gently wipe with a rag and hot, soapy water. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth when you’re finished to prevent lint from accumulating on your countertop.
  
• Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners on your granite countertop. It would be pretty frustrating to clean constantly, only to find that your cleaner was eating away at your countertop. Avoid lemon cleaners, vinegar, ammonia, and other acidic solutions. You can purchase cleaners specifically made for granite countertops, or you can make your own using a 3:1 solution of dishwashing liquid and rubbing alcohol in water.
• Like all porous surfaces, seal your granite countertop every couple of years to protect it from spills. Not sure if your granite countertop needs to be sealed? Throw a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water beads, you’re in the clear. If the water does not bead, then it’s time to seal your granite countertop again.