Granite has emerged as one of the most preferred choices when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms countertops. It is because of its appearance, surface that is least porous in comparison to other natural stone countertops and resistant to germs and bacteria.
Still, it is important to clean the granite countertops regularly to ensure its beauty as well as durability. Many people are not aware of the appropriate cleaning methods for granite countertops, so they opt for professionals who provide end of lease cleaning in Sunshine Coast. They can clean it in the best possible manner.
However, with little guidance, you can also perform the task. Here is a complete procedure to clean and disinfect granite countertops. Let’s have a look!
Clean and Disinfect Granite Countertops
Your kitchen countertop is one of the most important places in your kitchen because it is the food preparation areas. So it should look clean and must be free from germs. That is why you need to clean and disinfect at least once a day.
Prepare a combination of warm water and dish soap
Take a bucket and fill it with warm water. It will help you to
remove oil stains and grease more effectively. Now add a dash of mild liquid dishwashing soap into the bucket and stir so that it can mix properly. The water should be slightly sudsy.
Use a clean cloth the wipe down the counters
To clean the counter properly, first, remove all the appliances and other similar things from it. Take a piece of clean cloth and dip it into the solution. Then, take it out and squeeze it properly. Use it to wipe down the counters in a circular motion. Professionals who offer end of lease cleaning in Sunshine Coast also follow the same method for Granite Countertops.
Disinfect the countertop
Once you have cleaned the surface properly, it is time to disinfect it. Pour one part of rubbing alcohol and one part of water into a spray bottle and shake it well to mix it properly. Then apply it on the countertop and wait for around 5 minutes.
Clean and Dry the counter
After disinfecting, you need to make sure that there is no residue of the rubbing alcohol on the countertop. So clean it again with warm soapy water or just water. Finally, take a dry cloth to dry the surface and remove the excess moisture.
Note: Never use acidic cleaners on granite – It is one of the most important things that you should remember while cleaning the countertop. Anything that contains ammonia, lemon or vinegar can break down the surface. Also, avoid using an abrasive scrubber.
How to Get Rid Of Spills and Stains
Apart from the regular cleaning of dirt, dust and germs, you also need to make sure that there are spills and stains on the countertop. Many people like to hire experts who provide
reliable end of lease cleaning in Sunshine Coast. However, you can also try the following ways.
Blot any spills instead of wiping
If you have spilled something on the countertop, immediately blot it with the help of a paper towel. Do not wipe any spills because by doing it, you can actually spread it. It will make cleaning easier for you.
Use the combination of hot water and dish soap
Pour some hot water into a small bucket or mug and add liquid dish soap in it. Mix it properly and then pour the solution on the spills and clean it with a clean microfiber cloth. If the spill or stain is still visible repeat the process.
Remove oil stain with baking soda paste
Oil stains on granite countertops can be very annoying and difficult to remove. If you want to get rid of it effectively, use baking soda paste on the stain. Apply a thick layer of paste on the affected area and use a clean cloth to rub the spot.
Try hydrogen peroxide for water stains
Even water can leave behind stain marks on the countertop. If you want to get rid of the water stains, prepare a solution using one part of water and three parts
hydrogen peroxide. Apply the solution on the spot and rub it with a clean cloth.
Rinse the countertop with water
Once you are done with removing the spills and stains, rinse the area properly to remove all kinds of residue. At last use a dry clean cloth to remove the moisture from the granite countertop.
How to Prevent Future Stains
Cleaning and disinfecting are not enough to protect the granite countertops. You need to seal it to prevent future stains. If you hire professionals, who carry out end of lease cleaning in Sunshine Coast, they will also advise you to do the same.
Check the seal of the countertop
The first thing you need to do is to examine whether you need it or not. For that splash water on the countertop and check if its beads up or not. If it does, then the granite is still sealed but if it’s not, gets ready to seal it again.
Clean and dry the area
Before sealing the countertop, you need to make sure that the countertop is clean and dry. Otherwise, the sealing won’t be effective. So get a granite-specific cleaner from a specialty store or use a household cleaner like dish soap, alcohol and clean water. After cleaning it, use a dry cloth to remove the moisture.
Allow the countertop to get dry naturally
Even if you have wiped done the surface to remove the moisture, it is always advisable to allow it to get dry naturally. So, once you are done, leave it for around 20 minutes so that the remaining moisture and evaporate. This is how it will get adequately dry.
Use a sealant
Visit any nearby home improvement store in Sunshine Coast and look for impregnator sealants that are meant for granite surface. You need to make sure that the sealant covers each area of the granite, so it is advisable to use a spray bottle. Allow it to settle down to leave it overnight.
Apply second coat
To make sure that the counters are sealed appropriately, you should go for a second coat. Before applying the coat, clean it once again and allow it to get dry. The second coat will make sure that the sealant will last longer.
Wipe down the surface with a dry cloth
Once you are done with the sealing, wipe down the granite countertops with a dry cloth. It will remove any residue and add more shine to the countertop. After applying the second coat, you can wait for around half-an-hour.
Endnote
Cleaning and disinfecting the granite countertop is not as difficult as it seems. All you need to do is follow the right process and take some precaution to protect its surface. If you are planning to clean your granite countertop, follow the procedure mentioned above. It will help you to get the job done in a hassle-free manner.
