Many homeowners in Tucson are interested in purchasing granite kitchen or bathroom countertops but they’re unsure of how to properly care for a natural stone surface. Surprisingly, granite countertops in Tucson are easy to clean and maintain with a little know-how. If you’d love to upgrade to granite but are worried about the upkeep, keep reading to learn the simple do’s and don’t of caring for this popular countertop material.
Do Clean With a Mild Detergent
For everyday cleaning, granite responds best to warm water and a mild dish detergent. Alternately, you can use a cleaner made specifically for the care of granite countertops. These products are available from your countertop manufacturer or your local hardware store.
Don’t Clean With Acidic Products
To keep from scratching granite countertops in Tucson, avoid cleaning it with products that are highly acidic or abrasive. Never use scouring pads or powders or any cleaners that contain lemon, vinegar, or bleach. These products can damage granite, especially if it hasn’t been sealed recently.
Do Re-Seal Each Year
To resist scratching and damage, granite countertops need to be sealed periodically. Generally, you’ll need to re-seal your granite around once each year. However, in heavily-used areas like the kitchen, many experts recommend re-sealing granite countertops every 6 months instead. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer of your granite countertops.
Don’t Neglect Spills
When spills happen, be sure to clean them up immediately. Water or other liquids can permeate the sealed surface of granite if you let them sit for too long. To clean spills, blot the wet area gently with a dry, clean cloth.
Do Remove Stains Correctly
With natural stone, there’s a right way and a wrong way to remove stains. For organic food-based stains, cleaning the affected area with a solution made from hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia will usually do the trick. Oil-based stains should be removed with a poultice made of baking soda and water. For water marks, use a dry 0000 steel wool pad to gently buff out the dark spot.
With a little bit of knowledge, granite countertops are simple to clean and maintain. For more information about having granite installed in your kitchen or bathroom, visit Daviskitchens-az.com.
