Is it time to clean your countertops, but you are afraid to do so because you don’t know how to clean stone countertops? You will be surprised to know that there are quick and easy ways to clean your stone countertops. And, you don’t necessarily have to pay exorbitant prices or use commercial products to achieve this end.
Stone, such as granite has become a much more popular choice for countertops in the home today.
Their beauty is so alluring that many homeowners purchase homes with these stones. Or, they make these upgrades to the house to enhance its beauty. Stone countertops are much more popular these days because it is much more readily accessible than before at any time in history.
Since stone is more common in high-traffic areas of the home, such as the bathroom, they must remain clean. However, a question that you probably have is how do you clean stone countertops? Below are the most common types of stones used for countertops and how to clean them.
Cleaning Marble Countertops
Marble may not be the most popular countertop on the market. This may be in part because it is costly. However, it is one of the most gorgeous stones because it is so elegant. It is also the most vulnerable to damage. This is why you must take extra care to ensure you clean marble with the proper solutions so that you won’t ruin it. When it comes to bathrooms, most people use abrasive and acidic products. This is an absolute no-no when it comes to marble bathroom countertops.
Solutions that contain vinegar or lemon juice can cause etching on marble. Etching is dull spots on marble caused by a chemical reaction and the calcium carbonate in the marble. Even though this damage is fixable in most cases, avoiding it in the first place is the best option.
There are lots of cleaning solutions on the market for marble. However, if you want a quick and easy way to clean your marble, consider using a mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a soft cloth. After cleaning it, rinse it. The dishwashing liquid should not include phosphorous or degreasers. Most importantly, it shouldn’t be citrus-based ingredients. Once you clean and rinse the marble, be sure to buff it dry with a soft, dry cloth to minimize streaking. If you need to disinfect the marble, use isopropyl alcohol and wipe it off.
Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Quartz is quickly becoming more popular than other stones on the market. This is because it’s much more durable and easier to maintain. However, this doesn’t mean that you should use any product on them to clean them. Just like other stone countertops, they can be ruined by the wrong types of cleaners. When it comes to cleaning quartz bathroom countertops, you want to avoid acidic or alkaline solutions. Soapy water solutions work well on quartz. Just make sure that the soapy solution is mild and doesn’t have too much acid in it. If you need to disinfect the quartz, you can use alcohol on in the same manner as you would with marble, too.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
Just like other countertops, granite is sensitive to acidic and alkaline products. The sealant on granite can weaken over time from exposure to such elements. The best option for cleaning granite bathroom countertops is hot water and a mild detergent. Don’t use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on granite to disinfect. However, if you want to disinfect the countertop, spray isopropyl alcohol on the surface and wipe it away.
Since stone can be costly to repair if damaged, it helps to know the best cleaning products to minimize damages. There are many commercial options on the market to use for each type of stone. However, the quickest, easiest, and safest way to clean your stone countertops is to use the simplest ingredients you can make right at home. If you are still afraid of cleaning your stone bathroom countertops, you can always seek the help of a professional cleaner.
The countertop specialists at Texas Granite Group can answer your questions about caring for and maintaining your stone countertops. We are a full-service countertop sales, installation and renovation company in the Austin area and are here to help. Specializing in granite, quartz, marble and quartzite, our selection is limitless and is right here on-site making your design process a one stop shop! As kitchen and bathroom countertop remodeling experts, we will make the design process engaging and fun. Call for a Free Consultation today!