With cleanliness and the fight against germs a key component of our daily lives, disinfecting granite countertops to keep them safe is a popular priority.
But Hold Your Fire!
Before you go blasting those gorgeous granite counter tops with just any household disinfectant it’s important to understand that some cleaners and disinfectants can actually harm the granite’s protective outer coating.
As tough and hard as nails as granite countertops are, they do have a sensitive side. The protective outer shell is actually a clear sealant. Harsh and abrasive chemicals in some chemical disinfectants can eat away at the protective coating and also cause it to lose its luster and shine.
Don’t Use Anything Acidic To Disinfect & Sanitize Granite Countertops
Citric acid-based cleaners are a No-No when disinfecting granite countertops. Even small amounts of citric acid can eat away at the protective coating and break it down.
Just because a commercial disinfectant or sanitizer claims to be “Natural” or “Organic” it may still be too harsh for prolonged use on granite countertops because it could contain citrus acid as one of the ingredients listed on the bottle.
Dry and buff the surface with a soft, dry Terry cloth or microfiber towel to prevent streaking. Once the cloth has absorbed the solution, gently push it into the stone until the sealant bubbles are securely seated on the surface. While the stone is soaking, you can apply another layer of the sealant to make sure that the sealant is completely absorbed by the stone.
Next, scrub the surface with a mild soap or detergent, avoiding harsh abrasives. Rinse and allow the soap to become lather. After allowing the soapy water to dry, wipe your granite countertops again using a dry towel.
Now, use a pH-neutral, natural stone cleaner to reseal your surface. When purchasing a sealer for granite countertops, be sure that it is appropriate for your type of stone. For example, if you have a marble surface, a pH-neutral sealer will be most appropriate. If you have an acid-based sealer such as an acidic cleaner, a neutral pH sealer will be more appropriate.
Once you have completed all of the steps above, you will want to clean up any spills that you may have made. To remove any spills, use a pH-neutral, natural stone cleaner and mild soap or detergent. Once you have absorbed the spills, blot the area with a clean towel. For deeper stains, blot the spill with a microfiber cloth or blotting paper. Allow the blotting to dry completely before returning your granite countertops to their original state.
In addition to these easy steps, there are many additional cleaners out on the market today for granite countertops. Many contain abrasive chemicals which are harsh and can damage your stone. Some cleaners also contain alkaline chemicals that can do even more damage. You can save yourself from all of this unnecessary damage by learning how to clean stone properly. It is not difficult and it does not require any special equipment.
How to disinfect granite countertops the right way begins with learning the proper way to clean. There are actually two ways to remove germs from granite countertops. The first is the scrubbing method which uses a mild solution containing a neutral PH cleaner to remove surface dirt and bacteria.
This solution should be used carefully because some of the stronger disinfectants can cause the surface to become discolored. The second way to remove germs is the infrared spectrometer method which uses infrared energy to heat the dirt from the surface and then uses a chemical vapor disinfection technique to kill any remaining bacteria or germs. Both methods are safe and effective methods for how to disinfect granite countertops.
Finally, how to protect your investment and prolong the life of your countertop begins with regular maintenance. Most granite surfaces will begin to show signs of staining after years of heavy use so you want to be certain to remove all stains as soon as they occur. You should also be sure to keep the grout clean and make sure that it is sealed appropriately.
Some types of grout will actually change color when it is sealed so you will want to make sure that you remove stains as quickly as possible. Keeping your granite countertops clean is one of the best things that you can do to make sure that they will outlive your home and continue to provide you with beautiful and usable surfaces for all of your cooking and eating. With a little attention, you will find that this project will not only be easy but will also provide you with years of enjoyment.
