Granite is a type of natural stone that provides a luxurious and modern aesthetic to your kitchen or bathroom, but like all types of countertop materials, will become marred and dirty over time with use. Due to their unique material qualities, there are certain things that you should and shouldn't do to clean them. Understanding the proper ways to maintain your granite countertops can help you keep them looking brand new for as long as possible.
Clean with Water
The most important, and also the simplest, thing that you should do to clean up general spills and stains is to make sure that you only use hot water. This is because general purpose soaps and commercial cleaners can actually dull the finish of granite, making it less reflective. For deep cleaning, you should make use of a specialized cleaning agent that is formulated specifically for use on granite.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
In a similar vein to the above point, for particularly stuck on stains and food particles that hot water along won't remove, you can make use of lemon juice or vinegar to try and remove it. The natural acidity of these items won't damage the finish of your countertop if used in small doses, but it is still strong enough to eat away at difficult debris.
Use Cutting Boards
Another important thing to do with granite countertops is to make sure that you make use of a cutting board. While granite is a natural stone and is able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear without becoming damaged, the coat of sealant that is placed on top of your countertop can be nicked and scratched if it comes into contact with sharp edges. This means that you should always make an effort to use a cutting board when using knives in your kitchen: this has the added benefit of also providing an extra layer of protection against food liquids and drinks which could require cleaning.
Use Trivets
Finally, granite, like most other types of natural stone, can sometimes crack or fracture if exposed to a high temperature suddenly. This means that you should avoid putting hot pans and dishes directly on the countertop: while most of the time a warm plate won't have an effect, a crack is a fairly serious issue that will require your countertop to be completely replaced, so it's not worth the risk. Make use of trivets to help protect the surface.
