How To Clean Your Granite Kitchen Countertops The Right Way

Houzz kitchen trends for the UK show that granite is still one of the most popular worktop upgrades. Your granite countertop is a stunning element in your kitchen design that can last for many decades to come, and add value to your home IF you look after it properly.
However, you can't simply clean it the way you do other surfaces. Granite requires a bit of extra TLC to look its best and remain hygienic. Here are ways to make it sparkle during Spring Cleaning Week and beyond.

Avoid Abrasive Products
Granite is vulnerable to damage from harsh chemicals and cleaning cloths that scratch, so you want to avoid them when cleaning your countertop. Stick to a simple microfiber cloth and gentle dish soap that won't stain. Granite is porous which means that it can soak up spills that will stain its beautiful appearance over time. When cleaning your granite countertop, even DIY methods that make use of vinegar or lemon juice need to be avoided as they can make the stone look dull instead of vibrant. You want to preserve that wonderful texture for as long as possible. 

Bring Out Its Natural Shine
Your kitchen countertop is where you handle and prepare food on a daily basis, so you want it to be clean and disinfected properly. A study found that 32 percent of kitchen countertops were found to have coliform bacteria, of which E.coli is a subgroup.
​To prevent germs, mix together equal parts of water and 91 percent isopropyl alcohol. Put the liquid in a spray bottle and use it on your granite countertop. Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it with water, then dry it with a microfibre cloth to prevent streaks.

Seal It To Keep It Clean
Every six to 12 months you should get your granite countertop sealed by a professional, or you can do it yourself with products from reputable hardware stores. Sealing granite helps to keep it in top condition while also preventing bacteria from seeping into any minute cracks and holes. It goes a long way to maintaining a germ-free and beautiful surface, which is of course what we all want. 

Never Let Water Settle
You might not think it's a big deal if a few drops or streaks of water remain after you've cleaned your granite countertop, but these can cause a problem. When water rests on granite, it can get absorbed and cause stains or damage. This is why you should always dry your countertop with a microfibre cloth after cleaning it so that the surface is bone dry.

Granite is a natural stone that’s always in style in the kitchen, but you need to protect its lustre by cleaning it the right way. When sprucing up your kitchen, be sure to give your granite countertop the care it deserves - it’ll repay you by looking shiny and beautiful for years to come.