Cleaning Granite Countertops Tips and Advice

Cleaning natural stone, such as granite, marble, travertine, or limestone requires different care than most other household items. Just as there are specific cleaners for toilet bowls, ovens, dishes, etc., there is a specific cleaner for granite and other natural stone.

Perhaps the most important quality one should look for in a stone cleaner is that it is pH balanced, or pH neutral. These terms mean the same thing, and refers to how acidic or alkaline a substance is. For example, tap water is pH neutral. On the other hand, lemon juice has an extremely low pH, meaning it is very acidic, and ammonia has an extremely high pH, meaning it is very high in alkaline. Both acidic and alkaline substances are very harmful to granite and will cause the surface to etch and dull over time. For more information visit pH balanced cleaners for granite countertops.

Since all natural stone is porous to some extent, it is going to absorb any liquid or cleaner left on it. The porosity of the stone depends on the type of stone as well as how much treatment it has gone through. For example, and extremely high polished granite is much less porous than a tile of tumbled travertine. Natural stone comes from the earth. When foreign chemicals are introduced into the stone's surface, you are at risk of altering the natural makeup of the stone causing permanent damage.
Using 100% naturally derived natural stone cleaners and conditioners will prevent harsh or abrasive chemicals from infiltrating the stones surface, inevitably causing damage. Instead, when you fill the porous surface with, non-toxic cleaner and conditioner, you enhancing the stone as well as cleaning it.

Filling the porous surface with a conditioner also prevents staining agents from seeping into the top layers of granite countertops or marble vanity. If you spill coffee, ketchup, tea, or any other item that has staining potential, it will have much more trouble getting into the surface of the stone if it has been cared for with a stone conditioner.

When learning how to clean granite countertops, you will discover that you should stay away from acidic cleaners, such as vinegar, or abrasive chemicals, such as ammonia when cleaning granite on a daily basis. These things will only harm the stone counters over time, so use a cleaner specifically formulated for cleaning natural stones. It is possible to effectively clean kitchen countertops, tile backsplashes, and stone showers with a stone cleaner and conditioner that helps prevent staining and leaves a smooth, reflective finish.