Last updated on June 4, 2021

In comparison to other materials, a granite worktop is much more elegant and sophisticated while simultaneously being extremely durable. Many people, especially chefs, favour granite worktops as they are robust, heat resistant, and possess natural beauty. However, just as with any premium surface, countertops require maintenance to ensure their beauty and durability stand the test of time.

If you’ve been wondering how to clean granite work surfaces or are in search of a granite cleaner to make use of, you have come to the right guide. This guide will provide you with the steps and even professional advice for making granite surfaces easy and effective to clean.

Prevention is always preferred over treatment and that is the secret remedy to flawless granite surfaces. Having a consistent routine can prevent capture dirt, prevent scratches, and even counter dullness.

Checklist for Granite Worktop Care

Here is a small daily checklist to ensure your granite worktop maintains its beauty.

• Always prep and do a wipe down of the surface. Works best when liquids are tackled right away especially juice, wine, or even coffee.

• Apply the right cleaning solution – Warm soapy water works for light cleaning, but for more stubborn dirt, a designated granite cleaner and polish for granite is best. This will cut down on dirt while keeping the sealant in place.

• Take it easy – Only microfiber cloths, soft sponges, or similar materials should be used. Anything more rough will cause the surface to scratch, which will make cleaning granite more difficult in the future.

As tough as granite is, it is not indestructible. With gentle care, granite will bestow years of brilliant polish and enduring shine.

Best Worktop Cleaner For Granite

There is a world of difference between cleaning products. The wrong spray or solution can be granite’s worst enemy, as it will prematurely strip away the sealant and leave it vulnerable to stains. The best granite cleaner will be:

• pH neutral so as not to etch or damage the stone.
  
• Free of bleach and ammonia.
  
• Formulated to clean, shine, and protect in one step.

There are numerous products that granite cleaner and polish which, is perfect for maintaining the appearance of the granite kitchen worktops as though they were recently installed. One good-quality bottle will go a long way and will protect the surface from expensive restoration.

For daily maintenance of granite, a simple spray and wipe with your preferred granite cleaner is sufficient. For deeper maintenance, a granite worktop polish involving a boost in granite colour and shine is recommended.

Isopropyl-Based Cleaner

Use this easy and affordable homemade cleaner to clean granite worktops and kill any bacteria or germs that might be lurking. It is also tough on grease and will leave your worktops sparkling like new.

Things You Will Need:

• 1-2 tablespoons dish soap
• 3-4 tablespoons isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• 2 cups (16 ounces) warm water
• Clean washcloths or microfiber cloths
• Spray bottle (optional)

Steps to Follow:

1. Combine the dish soap, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and warm water.
   1. This can be done either in a spray bottle, in a tub used for cleaning purposes, or in the kitchen sink.
2. Wet your washcloth with isopropyl-based cleaner.
3. Wipe the worktop thoroughly and make sure to remove any dried-on spots or grease.
4. Dry the worktop with a clean, dry washcloth or microfiber cloth to help prevent streaking.
5. You’re done! Your clean, shiny, and the disinfected granite worktop is ready to use.

Natural Cleaner

If you prefer to use a more natural cleaner in your home, try this easy recipe. You’ll just need a few key ingredients, and you get the added benefit of your worktop smelling wonderful, too!

Things You Will Need:

• 1-2 tablespoons natural liquid soap (such as castile soap)
• 10-15 drops essential oils (tea tree or lavender work well due to their germ-fighting properties)
• 2 cups (16 ounces) warm water
• Clean washcloths or microfiber cloths
• Spray bottle (optional)

Steps to Follow:

1. Combine the natural liquid soap, essential oils, and warm water. This can be done either in a spray bottle, in a tub used for cleaning purposes, or in the kitchen sink.
2. Wet your washcloth with the natural cleaner.
3. Wipe the worktop thoroughly and make sure to remove any dried-on spots or grease.
4. Dry the worktop with a clean, dry washcloth or microfiber cloth to help prevent streaking.
5. Perfect! Your worktop is now spotless and smells great.

Preventive steps to avoid stubborn stains

Ignoring stubborn stains is a mark of desperation. For granite cleaning, the following steps will help to remove the stains without damaging the stones:

• For oil-based stains (cooking oil, margarine, and butter), take baking soda and mix it with water to create a paste. Subsequently, spread it over the stain, cover it with plastic, and allow it to sit overnight.

• Organic stains (like coffee, tea, or red wine) can be removed using a simple method. Combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and follow the same steps.

• Once the stubborn stain has been removed, rinse with warm water and dry using a clean cloth to avoid water stains.

Vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh chemicals should be avoided as these roughen the surface and erode the sealants.

Granite worktop polish for a showroom finish

Granite worktop polish yields a showroom finish and should be performed weekly. With daily maintenance polishing is done once a week which refined the deep hues and intricate designs of the stone.

Answering the question of how to polish granite the right way:

• Start with a surface wash using your granite cleaner.
  
• Use a small amount of polish on a cloth that is both soft and dry and is not wet.
  
• With the use of gentle circular motions, buff the surface.
  
• Within a few minutes, wipe away any excess and it should be glowing.

Not only does a polish improve the looks of the polished surface, it also provides a protective layer, which reduces the effort required for cleaning granite in the future.

Long Term Care and Maintenance

Granite, as any other stone surface, is a valuable asset that requires routine maintenance. This is to ensure the granite kitchen tops are in pristine condition and to retain their beautiful finish.

Granite worktops have to be resealed at least once a year. On the other hand, following the rest of the provided instructions does go a long way. Ensuring that the stone surface is well sealed prevents granite worktops from becoming stained and also makes the cleaning granite process a lot easier.

Not only are granite worktops prone to getting stained, the surface itself is also susceptible to scratch marks by sharp objects, such as knives. Thus, it is recommended that a chopping board is used to avoid granite worktops from getting damaged.

Granite might be able to withstand extremely high temperatures, however, it is not immune to abrupt changes in temperature. For instance, placing a very hot pot on the granite surface can easily cause the stone to crack.

Maintaining worktops span dry requires keeping a constant lookout in ensuring no spills occur, or any puddles exposed will turn granite mineral deposits.

You should aim to make your work space as easy to clean as possible, and in doing so it makes maintaining the surface much more easier.

Last Words

Knowing how to clean granite countertops goes beyond maintaining order in the kitchen—it’s about safeguarding an asset in your home. By utilizing the right granite cleaner, performing regular granite worktop polish, and adopting a few mindful practices, your worktop’s beauty and functionality can be preserved for decades.

Among the countertops, granite recurs as one of the most stunning and durable options for the kitchen. With respect and regular granite maintenance, exquisite and pristine granite kitchen tops can be a daily delight.