Granite design, fabrication & installation in Milwaukee

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Cleaning granite countertops in the bathroom and kitchen can be easier (and less expensive) than many people think. Although special granite cleaners and some all-purpose cleaners are safe for granite, all you really need is warm water, gentle dish soap, and a washcloth or microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners and chemicals (such as bleach, ammonia, and vinegar) or abrasive sponges, as these weaken and break down the sealant over time.

The best way to clean your custom granite countertops is to keep the stone well-sealed, clean up spills as they occur, and daily wipe down the counter with warm water, mild dish soap, and a dishcloth. To prevent streaking and water damage and leave the stone shining, dry with a soft microfiber cloth or terry cloth.

If your granite countertops get stained, don’t panic. Baking soda is an essential ingredient to remove stains from your natural stone counters. For water spots, add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda to form a thick paste. For oil stains, mix water with the baking soda instead of hydrogen peroxide. Once the paste is made:

1.  Apply the paste to the stain
2. Cover with plastic wrap and tape down the edges
3. Let sit overnight, or a few extra days if necessary
4. Rinse off the paste
5. Wipe down the granite countertop

There is generally no need to disinfect your sealed granite countertops since the sealant resists bacteria. To ensure a disinfected surface, spray the counter with a 50/50 mix of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Leave the solution on the countertop for three to five minutes before cleaning up with water and a clean cloth.

Sealing Granite Countertops

Is sealing granite countertops necessary? Generally, natural stone countertops like granite and marble require an impregnating sealer to protect the stone and slow down staining, giving you more time to clean up spills. Some types of dark-colored granite are dense enough to resist the majority of stains on their own, while others require regular sealing.

How do you know if your granite needs to be sealed, or resealed? If drops of water bead up on the surface of your kitchen and bathroom countertops, your seal is intact or the stone resists absorption on its own. If the water soaks into the granite, the stone needs to be sealed.

Granite is a naturally porous stone meaning it consists of tiny holes that allow liquids to penetrate. This penetration is likely to cause stains. In efforts to provide the best possible stain protection for your granite countertops, Granite Plus now uses InvisaBLOCK. InvisaBLOCK is a leading sealant and heavily utilized in the fabrication industry. The sealant creates an invisible barrier above and below the stone’s surface to provide maximum stain protection.

InvisaBLOCK does not change the appearance of your countertops and comes with a 15-year warranty. Don’t take any chances, have Granite Plus seal your newly installed stone with the best available protection. Inquire about 

Compare Granite to Marble and Quartz

How do you choose what type of stone to use for your kitchen or bathroom flooring needs? Granite, quartz and marble are popular choices for their aesthetic appeal as well as many other qualities. Granite offers several benefits and unique aesthetic qualities.

Granite vs Marble

Granite and marble are both porous, natural stones and usually cost similar prices. Granite is more durable and less likely to become stained, chipped or scratched. Granite is also more resistant to acidic foods and requires less maintenance and upkeep. Marble countertops have to be resealed twice a year, while granite only requires resealing every other year.

As far as appearance, granite is speckled and comes in a variety of colors. Marble is usually gray, white or cream colored with dark veins, although there are pale green and pink types of marble.

Granite vs Quartz

Unlike granite and marble, quartz countertops are man-made using resins and crushed natural quartz. Both granite and quartz are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. They resist heat and scratching. Granite is harder to scratch and can be used outdoors, such as for patio tables.

The non-porous surface of quartz makes it more stain resistant and requires less upkeep than granite. Quartz tends to be more resistant to acidic foods and cleaning liquids. The two stones can be hard to tell apart from a distance as they have a similar speckled appearance.

Is Granite Safe?

Yes, granite is safe. All rocks have a small amount of radioactivity in them however the levels are small fractional values of established thresholds for environmental safety. Granite is a safe product and safe for your home. Learn more about granite and radon now.