There are many benefits of granite countertops, however, one thing that is often overlooked is with cleaning. While cleaning granite is not a terribly difficult task, many homeowners with granite kitchen countertops end up making many mistakes when it comes to cleaning. There are hundreds, even thousands, of different disinfectants on the market. However, many of these are not suitable for granite. With that being said, it is easier to outline the types of cleaners you should avoid, so here is a list of the chemicals you should avoid when cleaning your countertops.
Chemicals
Grout cleaners
Bath tile cleaners
Ammonia
Hydrogen peroxide
Bleach
Vinegar
Orange or lemon juice
Glass cleaners
Disinfectants
Most disinfectants will have a variety of chemicals listed above in them. The reason these can be damaging to granite is because they cant strip the sealer right off the granite. And once the sealer is gone, your stone can be damaged. This will result in dull looking countertops, which is not what you want out of granite! Here are some of the most common cleaners found in the home that can be incredibly dangerous to your countertops.
Lysol Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner
Windex
Pledge Multi-Surface Cleaner
Bleach
Disinfecting Wipes
Clorox All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach
Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar Cleaner
How Should Granite Be Cleaned?
Instead of using any of these cleaners with harsh chemicals, considering getting a cleaner that specializes in granite care. These types of specialty cleaners are non abrasive, meaning they won’t destroy the integrity of the stone over time. You should also make sure your granite is properly coated and sealed. Most sealers only need to be applied once a year, so it is a great investment for ensuring your granite is kept in pristine condition!
