Learning how to clean granite countertops will protect your investment and increase their lifespan.
Using alcohol on granite.
Use coasters under all glasses particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
Denatured alcohol disinfects your countertops and should be used to clean your granite countertops after every use to keep it clean and prevent germs and other bacteria from growing in the pores.
The use of essential oil is optional but it does help offset the smell of isopropyl alcohol.
But be careful what products you use as some cleaners that might be fine on other surfaces can damage granite.
So 70 isopropyl alcohol is the best disinfectant for granite countertops.
However don t apply alcohol to permeable materials like quartz and granite.
Rubbing alcohol is well tolerated by stainless steel and plastic coated appliances so the diluted form in this homemade granite cleaner is safe for use on toasters coffee.
Glass cleaners bleach ammonia and acids such as lemon or vinegar can strip the countertop sealant and leave granite vulnerable.
Use an alcohol pad or wipe to clean and disinfect.
In fact the most effective concentration for killing bacteria is 60 to 90.
You can also apply a granite polish like rock doctor granite polish or granite gold polish to periodically to make your counters really shine.
Plastic laminate and sealed marble are fine.
Certain habits can eliminate maintenance issues with your natural stone and granite countertops.
This granite cleaner is non abrasive and leaves behind a light clean fresh scent.
Many common foods contain acids that can dull or etch the surface of many calcium based stones.
Unlike fresh lemon juice lemon essential oil does not contain citric acid that can harm natural stone surfaces.
Soap and water are gentle on granite and you can use them on your countertops as often as you like without risking damage.
For increased disinfecting power add isopropyl alcohol to the mix.
It s safe for granite and marble and a great way to get a lemony clean fragrance.
Don t dilute the alcohol with water because the alcohol s effectiveness at killing germs drops when it is diluted below 50 concentration.
Granite care and precautions.
Using a dry microfiber cloth buff your counters daily.
Consider using a granite cleaner on your countertops at least once a week.
I use lemon essential oil because i like the scent.