Granite countertops and how to clean them

Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops as well as floor and wall tiles. Granite is harder than marble. The shiny surface and wide range of colors of this stone make every house beautiful. Granite even has antibacterial properties and is resistant to heat. But the beautiful appearance and useful properties of granite have made it relatively expensive.

However, if you have used this unique stone in your kitchen, you should be familiar with how to maintain it. Granite countertops are easy to maintain, just follow a few tips. To keep your granite stone healthy and new and to clean it, stay with us in the following article.

How to polish granite counter stone

Real granite is a type of igneous rock. It means that it is made of lava. What is in granite depends on where it was formed, how long it cooled, and more. This is why granite comes in a wide range of colors and crystal sizes. Granite deposits are as unique as the volcano that created them.

The first step to maintaining granite countertops is to know what stains granite and what cleaners can be used. The kitchen is one of the basic and important parts of any home that has a great impact on the beauty of the home. With the right design and color selection in its design, you can add to the beauty of the kitchen and its effect at home.

Choosing the right design and color in kitchen design depends on the design style and is very important. Kitchen counter stone is one of the components that is used a lot on a daily basis and is subject to various damages. The features that the counter stone should have include resistance to impact, scratches, low water absorption and high resistance to other things, which black granite stone has these features.

Granite and kitchen design

In the design of the kitchen, the use of black granite stone can create dignity and a strong effect. In some designs, contrasting colors such as white and black can be used for more eye-catching. The black stone slab between the cabinets is available in various materials and designs. This stone can be plain and bright, matte and shiny, etc. in the black color range.

Black granite stone is very stylish and one of the most suitable choices for the kitchen counter. This stone has different types that can be used according to any taste. Granite stones with golden and copper-colored or uniform black streaks are among the beautiful examples that are a good choice for the countertop.

Two misconceptions about black granite countertops

Black countertops made of glossy or matte granite stone, more or less sheets and sprinkles of different shades, always create a captivating appearance. Some people may be afraid to use black granite countertops in their kitchen. The view of these people is that using this type of granite can turn the kitchen into a dark and dull space.

Others think that it is difficult to clean and maintain this stone. But the truth is that if you choose one of the black granite colors, you have made a very good decision. Dark granite does not make the space look dark when combined with lighter colored cabinets and walls. On the contrary, this combination will show that black countertops were the only logical element and the best choice for this type of space.

Also, due to its density, black granite is much less likely to absorb stains than other stones. This makes maintaining a black granite countertop even easier. Next, we will talk about how to maintain this stone. Another important thing is to decide whether black kitchen counters complement the style you want to see and enjoy every day.

Granite type recognition test

To identify the type of granite, a piece of granite can be tested. Do not use your counter stone for this test. The test is that we check the surface of the stone by pouring water, lemon juice, and oil, and after a few hours, if the place where the water was poured becomes stained, it is clear that the granite has porosity and has absorbed the water.

This may cause discoloration in the stone. In case of water absorption, it shows that you need a coating to prevent water absorption to maintain the granite. In this test, if the stone does not change color, it means that it has less porosity and less things are needed to keep the stone clean.

If you feel very cloudy or rough in the place where the lemon juice was poured, it means that your granite is dissolved by acids and you need to protect the stone from acidic substances such as tomato juice, lemon juice, etc. In this case, the stone needs to be covered.

How to clean granite countertops

For most everyday cleaning, you don't need to use complex or specialized chemicals on your granite countertops. But note that you must immediately wipe the things that fall on the counter with a soft tissue. Avoid placing any stain source on the granite. Although water can discolor the stone and leave marks, washing the granite with water is still the best way to clean it.

The key is to use only as much water as necessary (don't submerge the stone) and be sure to wipe and dry your granite countertops as soon as you're done cleaning. Water will only affect your granite if it sits on the surface for too long. Always try to use a neutral cleaner for granite surfaces.

Soap and water is usually enough. Acidic or alkaline cleaners can damage the granite surface and make it look dull and dark.

To clean granite counters, you should not use the following items:

Lemon juice
Vinegar
Citric acid
Ammonia
Bleach
Lysol

You can use the following materials to clean granite countertops:

dish soap
Castile soap
Hot water
baking soda
Isopropyl alcohol

Cleaning the countertop stone

To clean granite counters, first wipe away any dust or spills with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Then use warm water with a small amount of dishwashing soap to wash the granite surfaces. Wring the cloth and wipe again with clean water to remove the soap residue. Because over time it can leave a cloudy layer on dark granite.

Tip: Make sure your dish soap does not contain citrus extracts or essential oils. Because these materials, even if they are in very small amounts, can damage granite tables.

Never use any abrasive pads on granite or other natural stone surfaces. Wire cleaners, brushes, and even sponges can scratch the surface. Instead, microfiber cloths are the best tool to use. Because they do not scratch the surface and collect dust and dirt easily.

How to polish granite countertops

The charm of granite countertops is their high shine. There are several ways to polish granite countertops. You can use a special polish for granite. But there are other ways to make the granite counter shiny, which are:

baking soda: Cleaning professionals love baking soda! It is an incredibly versatile, effective and gentle cleaner for all types of surfaces. Baking soda can polish granite countertops. Make a mixture of three parts of baking soda with one part of warm water and mix until it is uniform. Apply a thin layer of paste to your granite surface and smooth it gently with a clean trowel. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth. Dry the granite to a smooth and shiny surface.

cooking oil: Although cooking oil can stain granite, it is also an effective polish in small amounts. Any regular oil like vegetable or olive oil will work. Apply a small amount of oil to the smooth, clean monolith and smooth the granite in circular motions. Do not forget to polish the edges of the counter! The oil will give your granite a nice shine and also help repel water.