GRANITE CARE, CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
General Care:
In general, all that is required to maintain the appearance of your granite is to wash it frequently with lukewarm, clean water, then wipe with a clean soft cotton cloth and allow to air dry thoroughly . Final cleaning may be done using denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and clean water mixed at a ratio of 1/1 in a spray bottle. Simply spray this mixture on the stone and wipe dry with a clean, soft cotton cloth. This will help eliminate any soap build-up.
Surface and penetrating sealers are preventive measures that provide extra protection for the granite. Following these care and cleaning procedures should ensure that your granite will remain beautiful for many years to come.
Cleaning:
In general, abrasive cleaners should not be used under any circumstances. If it is necessary to use a cleaner, use a neutral (pH - 7), non-fat, mild detergent without additives or fragrances.
Surface Spots:
Most surface spots can be removed by scraping the area with a single edged razor blade.
Staining:
A sealer should be applied to your granite at the time of installation. This sealer will need to be reapplied every 1-2 years depending on the type of sealer, the frequency of cleaning and the cleaners used.
There is nothing inherent in the granite that will cause stains. Stains are always from exterior causes and usually are organic, oil or rust-related. Identifying the cause of a stain is the key to remove it.
Stain Removal:
Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. Identifying the type of stain is the key to remove it. Look for color, shape and environmental factors that could be causing the staining. For help in identifying the type of stain and for removal techniques, please read the following suggestion.
Types of Stain and First Step Cleaning Actions:
Oil-based (Grease, Tar, Cooking Oil, Milk & Cosmetics):
An oil-based stain will darken the granite and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft liquid cleaner containing bleach or ammonia, or with mineral spirits or acetone.
May cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been removed. Clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia.
Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in color and follow the shape of the object that caused the stain such as nails, bolts, screws, cans, flowers pots, etc. Metal stains must be removed using a poultice and are extremely difficult to remove.
Clean with diluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide for light-colored granite. Use a lacquer thinner or acetone for dark-colored granite.
Small amounts of paint can be removed with lacquer thinner or by scraping with a single-edge razor blade.
