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Clean and Disinfect Countertops

Nov 15 2021

3 Natural DIY Ways to Clean Marble Countertops

If you’ve chosen a natural stone like marble or granite for your countertops, you likely love them, so you will want to protect your investment by caring for them correctly. Although correct sealant application will protect your countertops, using harsh cleaners can reduce their effectiveness over time.

DIY cleaning of your marble or granite countertops can be very simple when armed with a few tricks of the trade and made quite earth-friendly (and inexpensive) with a few common ingredients and tools you probably already have around the house.

Here are some guidelines from our team at GranitePro. Call 410.875.7579 to ask one of our experts if you have questions about DIY cleaning or maintenance.

Materials

The porous nature of natural stone lends to a beautiful final product, but it does require the occasional use of some gentle cleaning materials. These will include:

  • Baking soda (flour can be used as a substitute if needed)
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Gentle, unscented liquid dish soap
  • Isopropyl alcohol (70%, or diluted from 99% to 70% with clean water)

Other helpful tools to have on-hand include:

  • Refillable spray bottle
  • Plastic cling wrap
  • Scotch tape
  • Bowl and spoon or spatula
  • Microfiber towels, or old, clean cotton t-shirts

3 Marble Countertop Cleaning Tips for DIYers

Although you can buy a commercial cleaner specifically designed for use on marble, any mild, alkaline dish soap will do the job. The following three tips should allow you to tackle any stain on your marble countertops:

1. For general cleaning and maintenance, you simply need to:

  • Mix warm water and dish soap in a refillable spray bottle (about a tablespoon of soap to a bottle of water)
  • Spray the entire surface area of your countertop
  • Wipe up all residue with a clean cloth until dry
  • Buff with a soft towel
  • Store the remaining cleaning solution for later use

2. For most food or wine-based stains, you can spot-treat the stained area with hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia.

3. Remember that marble is more sensitive to acid solutions like lemon juice or vinegar and can even contribute to the formation of dull etches that require re-grinding and polishing.

The bacteria-resistant nature of natural stone means you generally don’t need to worry about extensive disinfecting, provided the counter has a solid seal. However, should extra precautions be required, a quick spritz with isopropyl alcohol or antibacterial soap and wipe with a clean cloth is all that is necessary for a little extra protection.

Granite Countertop Cleaning Tips for DIYers

Cleaning and disinfecting granite countertops will be very similar to marble countertops. They can also be kept in great shape with a regular routine of warm water, mild soap, and microfiber towels.

For oil-based stains, you might try creating a poultice of baking soda and water in a bowl (until it is roughly the consistency of Greek yogurt or sour cream). Next, use a flexible spatula to spread on the affected area, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Make sure to spot-test a small area first to ensure that the color of the stone won’t be affected. After you apply, let sit undisturbed for a day or two to let the baking soda draw out the stain. Rinse to monitor the results. Difficult stains might require multiple treatments.

For water-based stains, use the same process but substitute hydrogen peroxide for baking soda and water.

GranitePro: Your Granite Experts

Occasionally, even the best-maintained countertops may require professional cleaning and resealing. At GranitePro, our team of in-house artisans is here to help you with all of your marble and granite countertop needs. Call us today at 410.875.7579 for information on how to best care for our natural stone products, keeping them looking as good as new for decades to come.

Categorized: Countertops, Maintenance, Marble Countertops, Remodeling
Tagged: Clean and Disinfect Countertops, cleaning, maintaining countertops, marble counters

Apr 15 2021

The Best Ways to Clean and Disinfect Countertops

One of the benefits of installing natural stone countertops is that they have a built-in resistance to bacteria and other germs. Cleaning countertops made of a material like granite or marble involves more work than you would have to put in for other surfaces.

You should also think about whether the products you’re using effectively clean and disinfect your stone surface choice. 

Cleaning Marble Countertops

When it comes to cleaning marble countertops, you should go with the most basic cleaning solutions because marble surfaces are vulnerable to scratching by general cleaners. Fill a spray bottle with water a spray bottle to apply water to your marble countertop, add a drop of dish soap and wipe it with a soft sponge. Make sure you scrub hard enough to whip up a lot of suds. 

Next, rinse out the sponge and use it to wipe the soap off the marble countertop surface. Once all the suds are gone, buff the marble dry with a clean dishtowel until it shines. After cleaning, go through the process of resanding and polishing the surface to get rid of any imperfections in the marble stone. 

Cleaning Granite Countertops

While sealed granite is stain-resistant, that doesn’t mean it can’t be blemished when someone spills wine, oil, or juice. Remember to blot up stains versus wiping them up to avoid spreading the dye across a larger area. You only need warm water and mild dish detergent for cleaning granite countertops. Rinse it off with water before drying with a soft dish towel. 

If your granite countertops need a deeper clean, look for pH-neutral products specifically made for natural stone. They’re also good for removing any soap build-up left from cleaning with a dish detergent. 

Cleaning Quartz Countertops

You have two different options when it comes to cleaning granite countertops. The first one involves mixing isopropyl alcohol and water and using it to wipe the surface. You can also use antibacterial soap and water to clean the surface. Use a sponge to avoid scratching the quartz as you clean. If you want to really clean and disinfect your quartz countertops, mix all three ingredients to create a super cleaner. 

Avoid using any cleaning products with ingredients containing vinegar or bleach. You can end up permanently damaging your quartz surface. Ensure you keep products like glass cleaner and nail polish away from your quartz countertops as they can break down the bond holding the quartz and resin together. 

Cleaning Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are extremely stain-resistant, making them perfect for withstanding the abuse of day-to-day living. You can use soap and water to clean soapstone or purchase an all-purpose cleaner. The strength of soapstone makes it nearly invulnerable to the chemicals in most cleaners, unlike quartz, marble, or granite.

If you oil your soapstone, you will need to apply a new coating of mineral oil once per year to maintain the look. Pour it directly onto the soapstone countertop and spread a thin coat around with your hand. It can take time for the mineral oil to soak into the stone since soapstone is not naturally porous. 

General Stone Countertop Care and Cleaning Tips

You can avoid cracking your stone countertops by using trivets underneath hot items like pans or food dishes. Wipe up spills immediately so that it doesn’t stain and damage the stone, especially wines, vinegar, and citrus juices. You should also be careful with any food or drinks containing dyes. 

GranitePro can bring the beauty and luxury of stone countertops into your home. Choose from among a wide selection of products in our storeroom. Other services we provide to Eldersburg, Maryland residents include:

  • Installation
  • Fabrication
  • Tile

Call GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to start transforming the look and feel of your home. 

Categorized: Countertops, Maintenance, Marble Countertops
Tagged: Clean and Disinfect Countertops, covid 19, Disinfecting

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The countertop experts at GranitePro in Eldersburg, Maryland have built the foundation of our company upon providing our clients with quality countertops, affordable pricing, and excellent customer service.
At GranitePro we have one basic principle, Make It Easy. From start to finish, we are here to help you every step of the way. It is as simple as that!
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