Learn How to Clean Granite Countertops and Keep Them Looking Lovely

By learning how to clean granite countertops and using the proper granite cleaner your beautiful kitchen counters will give you joy and last a lifetime.

Upgrading to granite countertops increases the value of your home and you get to enjoy their easy maintenance, beauty and durability.

Granite, originating below the earths molten mantle, is hard minerals fused together which rise and then cool.

Granite is expensive but its warmth, exquisiteness and beauty is breathtaking. It is a great choice for kitchen countertops because it is heat resistant, scratch resistant and immune to household acids such as citrus fruits and vinegar. Although it is low maintenance and durable, damage can occur.

Many products on the market claim that using them is how to clean granite countertops but there is one inexpensive and truly great cleaner, which most people have already.

A bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol cleans and shines your granite countertops in minutes.

You should never use harsh chemicals on granite or any stone product. Also, cleaners containing acidic ingredients such as vinegar could cause deep etches and scratching.

Instead, into a quart-size spray bottle, add a quarter cup of isopropyl rubbing alcohol, a couple of drops of liquid dishwashing detergent and then fill this to the top with water. This is not only the best granite countertop cleaner but also the most inexpensive, costing only a few cents to make.

You can share this information with any of your friends that want to know how to clean granite countertops also.

Preventive maintenance is also important to keep your granite countertops looking wonderful. You should always clean up any spills immediately and use your vinegar, soap and water solution weekly to clean the counters.

Polished granite countertops are a little more delicate so never use the counter as a cutting board. Do not leave any acidic foods such as soft drinks, vinegar or lemon juice on your counter for very long, as it is possible for them to etch the top.

Stay away from abrasive or harsh cleaning products.

Another streak free cleaner you can make at home is warm water with a little pH balanced dishwashing soap. Use this to wipe your countertops and make them streak free and shiny.

Never drag appliances, pans or pots across the countertop.

You should apply a penetrating sealant that the manufacturer recommends, annually.

To remove a black or grey mark on the surface, caused by a pot or some other item, gently polish this out using a very fine steel wool.

With a little care and the knowledge of how to clean granite countertops properly, your granite will add warmth, color and beauty to your kitchen forever.

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