Granite Countertop Care Guide: Cleaning and Maintenance

Granite countertops are some of the most popular types in all of Nashville. Be sure to follow this guide to keep them looking as good as the day you had them installed. As it’s designed to keep your granite countertop looking nearly brand new for years to come.

Granite countertop care guide: Cleaning and maintenance

What to not use on your granite countertop

Every granite countertop will be damaged by harsh cleaners, especially those that contain bleach or abrasive material. Be sure to never use them on your granite countertop so you don’t cause damage to them

Basic cleaning tips for a granite countertop

1. Start with a large bowl, or a bucket full of warm water. Now add in a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Swish it around a little and get it sudsy.

2. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the water and use it to wipe away at the worst of the mess. Rinse the sponge or cloth repeatedly as you clean it further.

3. Once you have cleaned up the whole mess, rinse out the sponge or cloth so that all soap is out of it. Now rinse the granite countertop with plain water to get rid of all soap residue.

4. Wipe your granite countertop with a dry cloth and remove all remaining moisture.

5. Periodically you will want to use a natural stone or granite cleaner, instead of the soap and water, to bring back the shine that built up soap residue can cause. Natural stone cleaners for granite countertops can be found at most hardware stores in Nashville.

Remove a stain from a granite countertop

Your granite countertop will resist stains better than marble, particularly if it is dark. Here is what you can do to get rid of those stains which do occur:

1. Blot at spills, don’t wipe as that will spread it and make your problem worse.

2. Mix up your own poultice, which is a mixture of baking soda and water to a toothpaste like consistently, or purchase one from a local hardware store in the Nashville area.

3. Apply the poultice in a 1/4 inch thick layer. Overlap the stain on your granite countertop by at least 1/4 of an inch on all sides.

4. Cover the poultice completely with plastic wrap. Tape the edges of it down to the granite countertop and seal it completely.

5. Leave the poultice on the stain for at least 24 hours, and up to two days if needed. Allow it to dry completely.

6. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe up the poultice.

7. Rinse the granite countertop with plain water, and then clean it as normal.

8. If there is still a stain there, you can repeat the steps above as many times as you need to.

For difficult granite countertop stains

If you are still having a problem with your granite countertop, you can call up the team here at Stone World. They’ve seen every granite countertop stain you’ve imagined, and have helped at least lessen it for everyone who has come to them here in Nashville for help.