Granite care or careless?
I have been asked over the years by my customers and friends, "How do I take care of my Granite counter tops, and what should I use to clean them"?
Always wanting to error on the "Safe side" I would tell everyone to just use mild dish soap and water, knowing that would or could not hurt the beauty of the natural stone.
Just recently, I was challenged on this school of thought, so I thought I would do some research on this subject for you all who care about their Granite.
I looked at several web sites of Stone suppliers and installers from around the country, I asked my installer Amanzi Granite and also searched the "Fine Home Building" web site and the "DIY Network" site.
Here is the simple conclusion I came up with; Clean up generally needs just warm water and a mild dish soap.
Most general purpose cleaners can etch or damage the stone and degrade the sealer, therefore removing protective properties and becoming susceptible to stains.
Specially designed cleaners for natural stone will also not break down the protective sealer. In fact, some cleaners contain protective properties which reinforce the sealer and prolong stain resistance.
For heavier cleaning jobs, using cleaners formulated for stone will effectively remove tough grime and messes yet be gentle on the surface.
Dulled or lightly scratched areas can be restored by using automotive rubbing compound and waxing with liquid wax. Some fabricators recommend giving the entire surface area a coat of an automotive type paste wax from time to time to help maintain appearance, but this is usually not needed.
The main problem with granite is that oils that can be absorbed and discolor the stone. If the surface appears to be discolored, a poultice is available for lifting oil stains.
If it is a color stain, a light bleach solution can be used, or even Clorox Clean Up, but remember that cleaning methods must be used consistently. Do not use bleach today, and then use an ammonia based product tomorrow.
Denatured alcohol will remove most adhesives and residue, and will not harm the finish, but acetone and lacquer thinner will damage the surface.
Scouring powders, abrasive cleaners and steel wool pads will scratch and dull the finish.
Cleaning products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids may etch the stone - this includes many common liquid cleaners such as Windex.
Never allow acidic foods such as lemons, vinegar (including salad dressings) or pineapple juice to remain on the surface of the counter top. They will stain and may etch the stone.
Use only sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone.
Here are a few brief descriptions of the various types of common natural stone used in your home.
STONE DESCRIPTIONS
Types of Natural Stone
Granite - is the hardest of the stones. Even the softest granite is harder than any limestone, marble or slate. Its durability and resistance to heat and acids used in cooking (lemon juice, vinegar) make kitchen countertops the number one residential use for granite. Granite scores high from a sanitary standpoint – it resists such bacteria as salmonella. Among other granite uses are bar tops, table tops, center islands, outdoor kitchens and floors.
Marble - is a highly decorative stone and more porous than granite. It is mainly used because of its veining and color. Common choices are fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds, vanity tops and table tops.
Limestone - is a softer stone and has the least amount of veining. It is popular among those people looking for a flat, matte finish. Limestone can be used for fireplace surrounds as well as vanity tops.
Slate - is a hard stone that ranks high in abrasion resistance. Main uses are for flooring and such bathroom applications as shower stalls, floors and walls.
Onyx - is similar to alabaster and marble. It’s wonderfully translucent but very, very soft. It’s not for walking surfaces but is great for walls and in the bath.
Soapstone - is often used for kitchen countertops. It acquires a patina with age and requires regular oiling for maintenance. It is very uniform in appearance.
Travertine - is a type of limestone. It is known for its many holes that are formed from sulfur bubbles eating away at the stone as it is formed. The holes can be filled with synthetic resins and cements or left in its natural state. Travertine can be polished or left in its natural matte finish and is often used for flooring, fireplace surrounds, table tops and bathroom applications.
The Moral of the story?
"Warm water and soap will do the job, but you can purchase approved cleaning products. It's your choice! What a beautiful thing, living in America where we can choose!
your friend Scott
