Granite countertops are a beautiful luxury to have in your
home. They instantly add an updated look to your kitchen, as well as make your
house look expensive and chic. They always look clean and modern, but that can
be tricky when cleaning your house. You may not think that the lighter granite
countertops are dirty, when in fact, there is plenty of filth on them. On the
other hand, black granite shows every smudge and stain there is. You could use
a typical name brand or bargain brand house cleaner to attack these dirty
surfaces, but there are other, safer ways to clean that will ensure that your
granite countertops stay in the best shape for as long as possible.
Think Outside the Box
A surprising product that effectively cleans countertops is
ArmorAll! This car cleaning product is known for cleaning up and detailing the
interior of your car, but a lesser known fact is that it can successfully
polish your granite! To do this, you must first clean off your counter with a
little warm water and a microfiber towel. Next, spray the ArmorAll onto the
towel, and “wax-on, wax-off” as you would a car. With a second microfiber
towel, rub off the excess product, and your counter will not only be clean, but
shining and brand new-looking.
Make Your Own Cleaner
If you would like to save even more money to get the job
done right, try using products that you already have lying around the house to
make your own cleaner. You can do this by mixing one-quarter of a cup of
rubbing alcohol, three to four drops of dish soap, and water into a 16 oz.
squirt bottle. You could add a few drops of essential oil to this mix, but that
is optional.
Store Bought Cleaners
If you still would like to go store-bought for cleaning
products, then follow these tips for the right clean. Try to avoid products
with acidic bases in them, like vinegar and lemon. They can cause etching.
Ammonia-based products may strip the sealant off the stone, making for a less
shiny look to your beloved countertops. You will want the most basic cleaner on
the market, one that is pH neutral. A Castile liquid soap is all natural and
will keep your countertops looking brand new.