Cleaning Granite Counter Tops

Green cleaning granite counter tops...

Granite counter tops have become enormously popular in kitchen décor in recent years. Granite tops can range from light-colored stone to dark gray and even black. These kinds of counter tops can be expensive in their most exotic forms, so it's a genuine benefit to investigate cleaning granite counter tops the "green way."

It is important to recognize that granite is not the same as marble. In fact, the two are complete distinctly different from one another. Marble is a much softer stone and is more often used to construct bathroom counter tops that aren't subject to the same work stresses as granite counter tops in the kitchen.

However, although granite is strong, it does not mean you can treat it roughly. In particular, you should never use anything acidic, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to clean a granite counter top. Remember that in nature, water mixes with minerals to form certain kinds of weak acids, and these acids can cut into stone, even something as hard as granite. That's why you don't want to take a chance cleaning your granite counter tops with anything acidic. An acidic cleaner can leave scratches in granite counter tops that will become a haven for dirt and germs. Those are the last things you want hanging around your kitchen counters!

Cleaning granite counter tops in an eco-friendly way is not difficulet at all. Wash the surface with a solution of warm water and a few drops of liquid soap (preferably a natural soap without phosphates). Use a soft cloth to apply the cleaning solution. Then either rinse the cleaning cloth well, or take a second soft cloth and soak it in clean water. Wring it out well, and wipe up any soap reside that may be left behind. This method should work well as a regular maintenance regimen.

Another thing to remember about cleaning granite counter tops (and marble ones, too) is that these stones are porous and liquids will soak into them. Since granite is used primarily in kitchen counter tops, it is vulnerable to spills from things such as water, tea, coffee, wine, vegetable and olive oils, grease splatters, barbecue sauce, ketchup and fruit juices. Always wipe up any spells instantly to avoid stains.

If something should soak into your granite counter tops, try this stain-removing method:

Remove as much of the substance as possible by blotting. Spray the stain lightly with some water, and then cover it with a paste made by mixing baking soda with water to the consistency of yogurt or sour cream. Top this mixture with plastic wrap and leave covered for 24 hours. As it dries, the baking soda will lift up the stain. If some stain remains behind, repeat the process until the stain is completely removed. Then wash the area as outlined above, being sure to rinse the surface well to remove any residue.

Cleaning granite counter tops with these gentle, natural treatments will help them look strong and beautiful for years to come.