Here is a life hack to help clean granite surfaces:
Preparation
The first thing to do before cleaning the stone is to find out whether it is sealed. Granite is porous and needs to be sealed every two years or so to keep it from staining and to resist bacteria. You can tell if a countertop is sealed because a drop of water will bead up on it. If the stone is not sealed, the water sinks in. If the stone is not sealed, it needs to be before it’s subjected to heavy duty cleaning.
What to Use
Do not use harsh chemicals or any acid-based cleansers on porous stone. These cleansers etch the stone and dull its finish. Use warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent or a cleanser made just for stone. Apply it with a cloth made of cotton or microfiber.
How to Clean Granite
Wipe the counter or surface down to get rid of any stray crumbs or other dirt.
Half-fill the sink or fill a plastic bowl with warm, soapy water. Dip in the cloth then wring it out a bit.
Wipe down the surface.
Dry it thoroughly with a terry cloth or a microfiber cloth.
If the surface is to be disinfected:
Make a solution of one part water and one part rubbing alcohol. Pour it into a spray bottle.
Spray the surface, let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse it off. Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth.
If the stone is badly stained, a poultice can be used. This also works for marble.
Make a paste of baking soda and water.
Try and remove as much of the spill as possible.
Spray what’s left of the spill with water.
Apply the poultice, then cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Leave it on for 24 hours to give the paste a chance to pull up the rest of the stain.
Remove the poultice after 24 hours, and wash the surface as described above. The poultice may need to be applied more than once.
This life hack should help any homeowner keep their stone surfaces in tip-top shape for as long as they live in the home.
