How To Clean Granite
For a lifetime of beauty from your granite tiles, it is important to know exactly how to clean them.
With the popularity of granite tile in home renovation projects soaring, designers are coming up with new and innovative ways to design kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces, in and around residential and commercial buildings. Whether it is a polished granite tile floor in your kitchen, or wall tiles in the bath, granite tile is irresistible. For outdoor spaces, flamed granite tile is the preferred tile of home designers, as it features a rough texture for slip-resistance.
Regardless of whether you choose to beautify your home with granite tile or use it in a commercial application, cleaning your granite tile properly can go a long way toward maintaining its beauty for a lifetime.
Here are some pointers:
- Use warm water and a fresh, soft cloth, on granite countertops. To avoid water spots, dry the counters thoroughly. Consider using distilled water when cleaning granite countertops to avoid mineral or chlorine build up.
- Establish a “regular” cleaning routine for both countertops and granite tiles.
- Immediately clean any spills that may come in contact with your granite tile. Always use a damp cloth or paper towel to blot the spill and avoid abrasive sponges or scrubbers. Remember that certain drinks such as red wine, coffee, soda, or grease can really stain if they are left to sit for too long.
- Accidents happen, so you can use soap and water for tougher spills. If that doesn’t work, baking soda and water paste should do the trick. A light stain on your granite tile can be covered with the paste overnight and then removed, but tougher stains could take up to several days. It is also important remember, especially in commercial granite tile installation, that oil-based stains can be treated with a base of water or rubbing alcohol. Water-based stains can be treated with acetone or hydrogen peroxide. However, acetone can burn the shine of the tile if left for too long, so it should be used carefully and only in extreme circumstances. Hydrogen peroxide works on light colored granite and acetone works on darker colored granite tiles for a deep clean.
- Store-bought stone polishers are a good idea when it comes to cleaning granite tile. However, it is important to read the product label to and ensure that product is specific to granite and safe to use.
- Many granite tile owners prefer to mix their own granite polish by combining one-quarter cup of baking soda with 3 cups of water or by mixing 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 3 cups water, and several drops of pH-neutral soap. As with any polish, you should apply, wipe thoroughly, and polish with a soft cloth or chamois.
