So, you’ve finally decided to get natural stone countertops, and now is the time to clean them. Using the cleaners you used to on your old laminate or tile countertops may not be a good idea, as they may etch your natural stone.
You want your newly installed countertops to always look fresh, not worn, dull and scratched.
Before you start a cleaning routine for your new countertops, it’s a good idea to discover what’s good and what’s not so good to use on stone. Here’s what you should and should not use on granite, quartz and marble.
Household Cleaners
One of the best cleaning products to use on stone countertops is household cleaners specifically formulated for a particular stone. For instance, if you need to clean your marble or granite countertops, there are cleaners made by Sprayway, Granite Gold, and MarbleLife that you can purchase.
Some of these products may come in aerosol form to primarily clean sealed stone, or a liquid formula which removes dirt and bacteria from unsealed natural stone.
Dish Soap
If you want to save money by using an option you already have at home, you may want to opt to use dish soap to clean your stone countertops. This option is a safe way to clean your stone, unless it contains acidic or abrasive elements.
Ideally, it is best to use mild detergents such as Dawn or Ivory, which have a pH around 7.5. Diluting these with water will also help make this cleaning option effective for cleaning stone countertops.
Dish soap is the universal countertop cleanser that easy, safe and affordable.
Alcohol
Another product you can use on your stone countertops if they are properly sealed, is Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol. This is a good option for disinfecting marble and granite.
When using this product, it is critical to dilute it with water at a rate of 50 parts alcohol to 50 parts water to avoid damaging the stone. Using full-strength alcohol on natural stone may etch it, dulling the appearance of the stone. Make sure countertops such as granite and marble are protected by having them resealed every few years.
Peroxide
You can use peroxide on natural stone, particularly to help eliminate food stains and spills. However, it is not as safe as diluted alcohol, especially on darker colored marble and granite.
Peroxide properties can cause surfaces to lighten, similar to the effect that bleach may have on a surface. As a result, you may have blotchy, white spots all over your natural stone.
If you must use peroxide on your countertops, you should dilute it – one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water. It’s also a good idea to test a small area of the stone that is inconspicuous, just in case discoloration occurs.
Vinegar
Vinegar is gaining popularity as a significant household cleaning remedy. You can use it to clean mirrors, certain types of floors, and help eliminate odors. However, it’s not a good option to use on natural stone. When it’s used on natural stone like granite, marble, or limestone, the acidity within it can etch the stone.
Lemon
Lemon is another popular cleaning additive that helps disinfect as it cleans. However, it’s never a good idea to mix lemon juice or lemon-based products into cleaning agents to clean natural stone. As with vinegar, the acidity levels in lemon can cause etching, making your granite and marble look hazy.
Baking Soda
Although a baking soda pumice is an option many use on stubborn stains, especially on natural stone, it may also blemish them. You have to use extra caution when treating stains using this substance. Although baking soda paste is effective at removing food and oil stains from natural stone, its abrasive nature could scratch or dull the stone.
Install Granite or Quartz Countertops that Will Last
Are you ready to make the switch to stone countertops such as granite or quartz? How about marble? The countertop professionals at Wisconsin Granite Design can help! Our Oak Creek Countertop Store has a wide selection of colors, patterns and stone types to choose from.
Whether you are seeking new countertops such as granite or marble, are looking to remodel your kitchen, or just need a countertop replacement we are the ideal choice. Call or visit us today!