Steps to make homemade granite cleaner

Granite kitchen countertops are an attractive option for many householders. If you are searching for any beautiful countertop material, granite is a superb option. Additionally to the visual appearance, granite is famous because of its exceptional durability and comparatively minor maintenance needs with time. The fabric easily withstands high temperatures and resists most kinds of stains when it’s correctly sealed.

While granite offers quite a bit to provide, additionally, it includes a couple of shortcomings. Just like any countertop material, granite can display indications of deterioration with time — specially when it’s not correctly maintained. If it is unsealed or poorly sealed, granite can absorb fluids for example wine, oil, and water. Although it may be costly to reseal granite countertops annually, doing this can greatly extend the countertop’s existence and search.

Apart from resealing, regular countertop cleaning keeps granite countertops shiny and minimizes the buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria. However, the niche granite countertop cleaners offered in shops can be very costly, forcing homeowners for their services sparingly. A homemade granite cleaner is a terrific way to keep the countertops searching their finest without emptying your wallet. Actually, there is a growing curiosity about DIY or homemade granite cleaning solutions, and even for good reason.

To begin with, most homemade cleaners are created with a number of common household materials for example dish soapy rubbing alcohol. They’re also an inexpensive option to traditional granite cleaners, which could cost you several dollars per ounce. You may also personalize the answer together with your favorite scented oil or scent. Ultimately, making your personal cleaning solution could be a fun and rewarding process when done properly. Let’s explore the best — and worst — methods to clean your elegant granite countertops.

More to Use 

We begin using the products you need to avoid. While using wrong kind of product or cleaning utility caddy may rapidly damage your granite countertops, potentially departing them in worse shape than whenever you began. In some instances, the harm may be relatively minor, but when it’s bad enough, it can result in a seriously costly repair.

Among the greatest offenders in natural granite countertop cleaners is citrus or acidic products for example vinegar. Not simply will this stuff dull the granite’s appearance, but they may also etch or cut the stone. As the etching may appear very quickly on some countertops, the harm isn’t always immediately apparent. Don’t permit this to fool you into believing that it’s dependable acidic products in your granite countertops — the harm is likely to appear with time. It’s also wise to avoid Windex or similar products. Generally, for example this really is too harsh for granite and may take away the stone’s valuable seal, which makes it more vulnerable to build-ups of dirt, grime, and bacteria.

Acidic and citrus substances aren’t a granite countertop’s only enemy. It might appear harmless, but water can also be problematic when used by itself or perhaps in bigger quantities. That’s since it has a tendency to leave streaks behind, temporarily smudging your countertop’s beautiful surface. The good thing is that unlike acidic substances, water-related streaking is generally reversible. Should you accidentally spill water around the countertop or find you need to eliminate water streaks, simply mix together a tiny bit of alcohol (rubbing or regular) plus a couple of drops of soap. You can utilize dish soap, hands soap, or other kind of gentle soap you have on hands.

Whenever you ready them with the proper kind of materials, natural granite countertop cleaners will neat and reinstate your countertops and the surfaces shiny — without departing behind streaks or smudges. Never be afraid to experiment a little when you are making your personal solution the very first time, as it might have a couple of learning from mistakes batches before you decide to discover the recipe that works well with your kitchen area.

Homemade Granite Cleaner

Things to Use:

If the idea of making your personal homemade granite cleaner enables you to cringe, you will be relieved to understand that many homemade recipes are very straightforward and simple. Actually, there’s a high probability you have what you ought to create the first recipe. You may also personalize the recipe to meet your requirements, for example adding pretty much alcohol or including several drops of acrylic for any more enjoyable aroma.

Although a lot of recipes suggest including essential oils, you are able to leave them out if preferred. No matter which recipe you utilize, you’ll wish to have a comparatively large (12 to 16 ounce) bottle of spray on hands for simple application.

Here’s a good example of one homemade granite cleaner recipe in one Good Factor:

• • 1/4 cup alcohol — rubbing or cheap vodka
• • 3 drops of dish or Castile soap
• • Water
• • 5-10 drops of the favorite acrylic

Begin by flowing the alcohol in to the bottle of spray, adopted through the dish soap. Next, add several drops of acrylic and fill all of those other bottle track of water.

Another recipe uses nearly exactly the same ingredients however in slightly superiority:

• • 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
• • 2 cups water
• • 6-8 drops Beginning dish soap
• • 3-4 drops scented oil (optional)

Begin by adding the rubbing alcohol first, adopted through the water and dish soap. Then, include several drops of scented oil if you are utilizing it. You may want to add a little more or fewer based on personal preference. Once all of the ingredients have been in the bottle, simply shake the bottle intensely to combine them together and you’re prepared to clean!

After finding a perfect mixture of ingredients, spray the mix on your countertops and wipe the region clean utilizing a soft dry cloth. Most kinds of softer cloths are sufficient, however, many homeowners prefer microfiber because of its rapid absorption. When the surface takes a lengthy time for you to dry, try buffing it having a dry cloth to hurry in the process. You may also make use of a classic sponge to clean up any remaining moisture.

Although these components work nicely to clean and sanitizing, your granite countertops may require a little more care to ensure they are truly shine. A water and isopropyl alcohol solution is a superb option for shining and disinfecting the dirtiest surfaces. A highly effective solution contains part water and part isopropyl alcohol. Simply mix the components together and spray them to the granite surface — then, allow it to take 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse the region dry and quickly dry it having a clean microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Other Surfaces 

Since you’ve made your personal cleaning solution, you’re most likely wondering whether it works on other surfaces throughout the house. It’s a secure bet to make use of of all surfaces and appliances, especially because homemade granite cleaners are gentle and effectively cleanup dirt and grime in many settings. They’re also safe enough for marble and stone, which don’t prosper with acidic ingredients either.

The How to Correctly Clean Your Granite Countertops

Choosing the best balance of ingredients for the natural granite countertop cleaner is simply half the fight. Another key element of effective countertop maintenance is understanding how you can correctly clean granite countertops. The idea of cleaning your granite countertops can appear a little frightening, particularly if you’ve never tried it before. Thing about this process involves understanding which products and materials to prevent. It is also vital that you use gentle cleaners and sponges to help keep from scratching or tarnishing the top.

To effectively clean your granite countertops with no damage to them, it’s better to steer clear of the following:

• Household cleaners — General household cleaners and other alike products for example bleach, de-greasers, and glass cleaners frequently contain harsh materials for example acids and chemicals. With time, this stuff can put on away the top and cause etching, making your countertops more vulnerable to staining.

• Bathroom cleaners — Many bathroom or tile cleaners have abrasive substances which will scratch and dull the granite’s surfaces.

• Storing fluids on the top — Various fluids and toiletries, for example cooking oils, nail products, creams, and lotions, can stain your granite’s surface whether or not the lid is on and also the method is stored around the countertop to have an long time.

After thinking about which goods are dangerous for that the surface of your countertops, there’s also some guidelines to clean granite countertops and looking after their shine and sparkle. Fundamental care, for example clearing up spills as quickly as possible, is important. Spills can marly the top, potentially resulting in dark or dull spots. It’s better to cleanup spills with tepid to warm water and mild dish soap.

Wipe lower any little bit of wetness around the countertop having a dry cloth immediately to help keep unsightly water streaks away. With respect to the countertop’s overall condition and degree of dirtiness, you may want to do this again more often than once. Checking up on various daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning regimens can improve your countertop’s appearance and prolong its existence.

In the finish of every day (or sooner, in case your countertop is especially untidy), grab a sponge or dishcloth and a few warm water. Make use of your favorite homemade granite cleaner to spray lower any parts that appear to be especially dirty, after which remove the answer having a dry cloth. It will not only keep the countertops in pristine condition, it helps you to disinfect and safeguard them. For sufficient weekly cleaning, completely obvious from the countertop space so that you can achieve even individuals tougher spots. Spray the granite cleaner within the whole surface and across the edges, where crumbs and dirt have a tendency to collect with time. This is a great time to wash in the the dust and dirt that’s accrued in other areas from the kitchen, just like your appliances and containers.

A couple of different ways to maintain your countertops within the best shape include:

• Coasters — Coasters prevent mugs, glasses, along with other objects from scratching your granite’s surface. Although granite is usually resistant against scratches and etching, it will not hurt to provide your precious countertop an additional layer of protection.

• Cutting boards — Granite is durable enough to deal with chopping, cutting, and cooking on its surface. However, cutting boards can prevent undesirable scratches and scuffs much like coasters. Using cutting boards also keeps your knife blades sharp and precise, as they possibly can rapidly become dull when used on granite countertops.

• Hot Pads — Granite is marketed to be heat-resistant, and typically it stands up well to high temperatures. Although it’s rare, granite has additionally been recognized to crack or nick occasionally, particularly when hot pans or plates are frequently put on its surface. Next time you need to place a hot object lower around the countertop, make sure to slip a warm pad underneath.

Using proper cleaning practices and merchandise keeps your countertops searching good, but probably the most demanding cleaning regimen can’t prevent damage occurring because of improper sealing. Despite what some experts might suggest, it isn’t always essential to seal your granite countertops in the finish of every year. The stone’s absorption rate, and also the quality and type associated with a granite sealer you’ve formerly used, plays a huge role in figuring out how frequently it’s important to reseal your countertops.

Additional factors include how good the first sealer was applied and if the countertops happen to be broken by harsh cleaners or cleaners. The easiest method to see whether the countertop requires resealing would be to look for indications of liquid absorption. One apparent manifestation of a weakened surface is really a more dark appearance round the sink, which implies that water is seeping in to the granite.

When it’s time for you to reseal, get a high-quality product which can safeguard the top for many years. A few of the cheaper products may put on lower faster, requiring more frequent substitute. Should you not determine if your granite is sealed, begin by shedding a little bit of water to the surface. Water will either bead, and therefore the top is correctly sealed, or it’ll soak in to the surface and indicate that you’ll require a brand new seal.

The significance of Proper Granite Countertop Care

I know full well that granite countertops are costly. They’re also recognized for their durability, heat- and scratch-resistant qualities, and overall toughness. Granite is regarded as the earliest building material on the planet, and it is broadly utilized in kitchens in addition to stairs, thresholds, along with other household spaces.

Proper maintenance is vital for extending the existence of the countertops. Knowing steps to make the best homemade granite cleaner could possibly help you save time and effort and cash, as lengthy as you’re doing so properly. Make sure to use natural granite countertop cleaners regularly, steering obvious of dangerous ingredients including vinegar and anything acidic, for example fresh lemon juice. Sealing the top annually, or when needed, can also be vital for granite countertop maintenance.

Now you understand how to help make your own homemade granite cleaner, go to the Lesher Marble online showroom to determine the best way to incorporate granite or similar products to your kitchen! Call us today to understand more about granite countertops.

Resourse: http://leshermarble.com/blog/index.php/homemade-granite-cleaner/

DIY Granite Cleaner

Video COMMENTS:

Flor Skull: Hello Alaska! I just was wondering if this cleaner needs to be rinse of the granite with a cloth damp in water? or just wipe the counter top like you demonstrate in this video? Thank you very much <3

AlaskaGranny: I just wipe it dry.