Latinas House Cleaning

How to Clean Granite Countertops and Make Them Shine

If you love cooking in the kitchen, granite countertops are a great choice. Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials on the market. It holds up well to daily wear and tear and is scratch-resistant. It also stands up well to heat.
Granite is a porous material, so it absorbs liquids. However, when a sealant is applied annually, your granite countertop should last for many years.
Maintaining granite countertops is just as important as sealing them. Below, we share the steps to make your countertops shine with a homemade granite cleaner.
1. Clean the Countertops
Start by removing everything on the countertop. Take all appliances and move them to another surface. Once the countertop is free of large objects, use a dry sponge to remove any residue.
2. Scrub the Surface
Granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, anything too acidic or basic should be avoided on granite. Continuous use of vinegar or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish detergent and warm water to a sponge, work up a good lather, and start cleaning. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the granite.
Scrub the countertops from back to front in an S-shape.

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3. Remove Tough Stains

If scrubbing doesn’t work, you may need a razor blade. Use the blade to scrape away any dirt or buildup on the countertop. Don’t worry, it won’t scratch the surface. Just make sure the entire edge of the blade is resting on the countertop. Once you’re done, rinse the sponge, wring it out, and wipe away any remaining suds a few times. Make sure the countertops are free of any large puddles or suds.

4. Disinfect the Surface

In a spray bottle, prepare a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Spray the entire countertop with the water and alcohol mixture and wait five minutes. After five minutes, wipe the moisture off the countertops from back to front with a clean dishcloth using an S-shaped sweeping motion. Once you’ve completed these steps, the countertops should be clean and sanitized.

5. Add Shine

To add shine to granite, pour a little cooking oil onto a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the countertop a little more stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine.