Tips for Cleaning Granite Stone Surfaces

Maintaining and cleaning granite should not be a difficult task. By learning the characteristics of granite stone, as well as the right way of cleaning it, you can better ensure your granite remains in great condition for many years to come.

1. Staining: A common misconception that people have is that granite is a porous natural stone, and as such will stain at the drop of a hat. Although it is true slightly porous, it is still a resilient stone that can be properly protected against stains. One of the ways of ensuring that your granite surfaces do not stain easily would be covering them with a sealer. Granite sealants are ideal for preventive maintenance and sustaining the natural look of your granite.

2. Etching: Etching is not the same as staining. With chemical etching, the granite’s surface is compromised by acidic substances which corrode granite and give it a dull appearance. The common culprits that cause etching are chemical household cleaners that comprise of an array of harsh acids. As much as sealing will prevent staining, it will not fully protect against chemical etching, for most acidic substances will eat through a granite sealer.

When it comes to granite, the best places to use it would be as granite showers, flooring, tub surrounds, stone fireplaces, and powder baths and so on. The granite is less likely to experience chemical etching in these applications. Although most people think caring for granite is a difficult task - this is not so. As long as you familiarize yourself with its properties and keep in mind that it is different from other stone surfaces, you will take the necessary precautions that will ensure you are caring for it through the right procedures. Here are additional tips for cleaning granite:

1. Do no use generic cleaning products when it comes to the care of granite. These are what usually cause damage to the surface through chemical etching. Instead, use only a granite cleaner that is specially formulated for granite and similar natural stone materials.

2. When searching for granite cleaning products, look for those that are specifically formulated to clean granite. Some homeowners may take shortcuts and simply by cleaning products that are cheaper. These products will end up costing you more in the long run as you would be required to look into re-polishing the granite or repairing any etching.

Information is vital. If you have a lot of granite surfaces in your home, then you would be best advised to stay on top of knowing what would be right for cleaning your granite surfaces and what products would damage these surfaces.