Maintenance and cleaning of granite countertops is pretty straightforward and simple. For one thing, it is very rare for granite countertops to get scratched or stained because granite is such a hard surface. It takes a lot of pressure to scratch a granite countertop surface.
If you do manage to scratch your granite countertop, simply try to buff out the scratch with some steel wool. You should use the finest steel wool to be sure you don’t scratch the surface further. Use a ‘000’ or finer steel wool to carefully remove any deep scratches. Of course this doesn’t actually remove the scratches, but can drastically reduce their appearance. If done with enough patience and skill, you won’t be able to notice to scratches once you’re done.
As far as regular maintenance goes, you really don’t need anything stronger than warm water, some dish soap and a clean cloth. Though you can use a window cleaner, these products often leave a film that you will probably find undesirable.
In order to remove more stubborn residue, such as gum, glue or hardened drink mix, use a box cutter or razor blade, tipped carefully to an angle. Scrape over the affected area until most or all of the substance has been removed.
After using a razor blade or similar tool to scrape off difficult residue, be sure to follow with some vinegar and water, as well as a little steel wool scrubbing to remove any left over materials. Again, be sure to use only the finest steel wool.
Some people use “Scotch-Brite” to clean their granite countertops, and swear by it, though most manufacturers’ websites seem to agree that this should not be used on granite countertops. Whether because of possible harm to the granite, or because of potential harm to people when used in food areas, it is generally not recommended to use this product on granite kitchen countertops.
As far as I can tell, there’s really no good reason to complicate matters and add potentially poisonous substances to your countertops. Regular cleaning with soap and water is sufficient. And when you would like stronger disinfecting or stain fighting power, mix a solution of 1:2 parts white vinegar to water.
Surprisingly, white vinegar and warm water is one of the most effective cleaners for countertops. It can remove soaked in stains, as well as remove odors. If you want something more granular, try some borax. Though many people mistakenly think of borax as being caustic, it is actually an extremely mild soap.
You can find borax in any grocery store. It is very effective because of the fine granular form it comes in. Simply sprinkle onto stains or grime, add some water and scrub away. Borax is so gentle that those with sensitive skin sometimes use it in place of regular bar soap, so it certainly won’t harm your granite countertops.
Cleaning granite countertops and keeping them in tip top shape need not involve any harmful chemicals, when soap, water and vinegar are all that you’re probably ever going to need to care for your granite countertop. There are, however, some granite countertop sealing materials that are said to help protect surfaces from soaking up food waste.
Though these sealant treatments are recommended by the manufacturers, one must wonder whether they truly serve any purpose. Granite countertops are notoriously low-maintenance surfaces. Opt for the sealing treatment if you like, but I think I’ll leave mine au natural.
