Granite is a very delicate
material that must be cleaned carefully to make sure it lasts for a long time.
To achieve a granite floor that looks like new, you must keep it in good
condition, following specific guidelines as far as cleanliness is concerned.
The steps are the following:
- Step 1 - For stains and spills on the granite surface, know what had caused them. Identifying their sources will let you know what appropriate method and appropriate product to use.
- Step 2 - Blot the cleaning product on the surface not wipe it. This avoids the further spread of the stain or spill. Make sure that you use only the recommended amount if you opted for a chemical-based cleaning product as too much can be too strong for the granite surface.
- Step 3 - After leaving the solution on the damaged spot for a definite time based on the product's instructions, rinse the granite floor and make sure to dry it completely. It will help prevent accidents brought by slippery flooring.
- Step 4 - If you would want your granite floor to be more protected, use granite sealers. They can minimize damages to the surface especially the scratches.
- Step 5 - Buff the granite surface. It will complete the cleaning granite process as it polishes and shines the surface. You can use a cloth to get it done on a relatively small area. However, for a large room, it will be better to hire professionals offering granite buffing service.
Preventive Measures:
1. Choose an
easy daily routine to clean granite: Warm/hot water and a soft cloth
(microfiber works really well) should be sufficient for your countertops on a
daily basis. If possible, use distilled water rather than city water, just in
case there is high chlorination or other mineral content. To prevent water
spots, always be sure to dry your countertops thoroughly with a fresh soft
cloth. For your granite floors, dust-mop daily to prevent grit from building
up; microfiber works really well for this, too. If there are stubborn marks,
try using hot water with your mop.
2. For
deeper granite cleaning, try not to go overboard: A
ph-neutral dishsoap like Seventh Generation works really well, as long as you
make sure to rinse thoroughly and then dry. If you want something a little
stronger, you can try Simple Green Stone Cleaner – it’s natural and safe to
use. Household products like hydrogen peroxide (on light granite only, to be
safe), acetone (dark granite) or clear ammonia work, too, but be careful of
ammonia – it can dull your granite over time. For your granite floors, hot
water or a stone cleaner will keep it clean.
3. Protect
your granite from damage: It’s a lot easier to take preventative measures
against stains and scratches than to try to deal with them. For your granite
countertops, use coasters for drinks and trivets/pot holders for hot items.
Even though a boiling pan of spaghetti probably won’t mark your granite, it
will heat it up fast – especially if it’s dark – and possibly cause other
problems (like you burn yourself). Also, grit could get trapped in between the
pot and the counter and possibly scratch your granite. Use a cutting board even
if knives are unlikely to scratch granite; at least you’ll keep your knives
from dulling. Put felt pads underneath a tray for any bathroom/cosmetic
products, and…don’t sit on your countertops. For granite flooring, put rugs in
high-traffic areas to protect against grit that can be carried in on shoes, and
use pads under any furniture that touches the granite.
4. Polish
your granite from time to time to make it sparkle: Want to
know how to polish granite naturally? Try a chamois on a clean, damp surface –
the cloth should buff your granite to a nice shine. If you’d like more shine,
there are a lot of commercial granite polishers out there – but you can also
make your own. Mix one part rubbing alcohol with three parts water and a few
drops of ph-neutral dishsoap. Apply this solution to your granite with a spray
bottle, then wipe with a soft cloth. You can also make a polish with 1/4 cup
baking soda to 3 cups water. Apply with a soft sponge, wipe up excess liquid
and then buff with a chamois. A note: polishing your granite floor can make it
very slick, so either skip this step or be extremely careful.
These are some easy instructions so you know how to clean a granite floor and get you get your home to look clean and beautiful.
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