It’s a common mistake. You wipe down your counters after washing the dishes to complete your kitchen cleaning in one fell swoop. It seems like a simple enough solution, but dish soap isn’t intended for cleaning stone and as a result, over time this solution will actually reduce the luminous shine that you enjoyed when your counters were first installed.
For the best results, you need to look for the products that have been developed for this purpose. Granite, while resistant to scratches should be exposed to a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Stone care products are designed to address the specific needs of granite and other stone countertop materials. These specially designed cleaners address soap scum, hard water residue, as well as any dirt or grime from regular use.
For a brilliant shine, it is essential that your granite started from a polished state at installation. If you have bought a home in Edmonton with granite fixtures, the previous owner may have chosen a different finish. A honed counter, rather than polished, presents with a muted matte finish and no amount of scrubbing with any type of cleaner can produce the glimmering, reflective result that you desire. If this is the case, you may need to hire a professional to restore and re-polish the surface to its desired state.
Be cautious of home-made cleansers. The internet is full of do-it-yourself cleaning solutions for granite, but you should be very cautious about implementing any of these solutions as an improper cleaner could damage your finish and compromise any warranties on your granite product.
Of course, the best defense to preserve the shine of your granite surfaces is to ensure regular attention and maintenance. In the case of liquid spills or sticky messes which may seep through the seal and stain your countertops, the best approach is to immediately wipe up these spills when they occur and don’t allow them to sit unattended for prolonged periods of time. Before you go to work with your granite cleanser, ensure to clear the counters of any debris or crumbs with a wet cloth.
As a general rule, be aware to use cleaners that are pH balanced and are free of any acidic chemicals. Avoid the use of vinegar, ammonia or lemon cleaners on your granite surfaces. These three cleaners are considered to be very acidic and can be harmful to the finish of your countertop. Once washed, be sure to run your hand across the surface to feel a consistent smooth texture as some spills may be disguised visibly on the surface and may only be detected by touch. After washing, be sure to dry your counters with a separate dry cloth to restore their lustre.
If you’re looking for advice, our team at K & J’s Custom Granite can be a great resource for care of your granite fixtures. Give us a call or drop by our showroom with any granite questions you may have. We’re glad to help.
