When people build a new home or redo their kitchens, they make granite their countertop surface of choice. This is understandable with all the many different benefits that this material has to offer. It’s also been a favorite of contractors to install for many years now because there are so many things that they can do with it. So it’s definitely a countertop material you might want to consider if you are remodeling your kitchen or building a new home from scratch. Therefore, it's just right for you to learn more about how to clean granite countertops in Orlando. We will also discuss below the benefits granite has to offer as well as other tips you might find useful.
The Benefits That Granite Countertops Have to Offer
As mentioned, there are numerous benefits that granite countertops offer and among them are the following:
It’s a highly decorative natural stone surface. When light hits it just right, you can even see it sparkle and shine because of the crystals found in its composition. Each piece of stone has unique veins, specks, and swirl patterns too.
Granite comes in a variety of different color choices. This is because there are so many different varieties of this stone found around the world.
The surface tends to stay cool even in hot kitchens. This means it never gets too hot to prepare dishes on top of it even if a stovetop is nearby. You can even put pots and pans directly ion it without hurting the surface or leaving burn marks.
It stays looking great even with minimal care. Granite countertops that are periodically cleaned will still look new even 5 to 10 years down the road.
Granite countertops fit all different styles of kitchen settings. This includes everything from classic looking to eclectic style kitchens.
This is also one of the most durable and kid-friendly types of kitchen countertop material. It’s acid-resistant, strong and bacteria do not grow well on it. It does not scratch easily either, even if you cut directly on top of it. In the rare event that it does get damaged, it’s a countertop material that can be repaired too.
Tips on How to Clean Your Granite Countertops
Granite countertops in Orlando, FL will look great for a long time with very little maintenance. That minimal maintenance does, however, include periodic cleaning. Here are the typical steps involved when cleaning and a few tips on how to make them look great after they are cleaned.
Step 1: Gather the Following Items
Several soft dry cloths (microfiber cloths work great)
Sponge
Warm water and soap mixture
Tip - If you want to use a specialized stone cleaning formula, it’s ok, but you will be spending money you don’t have too. That’s because granite stays looking great even when just washed with soap and water. Maybe use stone cleaner once a year to help keep your granite countertops in great shape.
Step 2: Get any Solid Matter Off the Surface It is recommended that you remove everything from the top of the granite countertop that you want to clean so you won't miss a spot. Also, grab a dry cloth and wipe any solid debris off the surface.
Step 3: DIY Cleaning Solution Apply the warm water and soap mixture across the surface evenly with the sponge. Use small circular strokes for the most effective cleaning. After this is done, wring out the sponge and use it to get off any excess water. Tip – As an alternative cleaning solution, you can also use a 50:50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water.
Step 4: Wipe with a Dry Cloth To get a granite countertop looking its best, a minute or so after washing it off with soap and water, next you need to wipe it down. You could call this polishing but you only need to use light pressure while doing this step. Tip – Granite countertops look better if they are polished with a dry cloth as opposed to a wet one. So when finishing your granite countertop cleaning, grab a new cloth when the one you are polishing with becomes excessively damp. Tip – For a little extra shine, try putting just a very little bit of cooking oil on a dry cloth as you polish.
Sealing Your Granite Countertops in Orlando, FL
Granite countertops will have to be sealed every 2 to 3 years. This is because the original factory sealant will wear out over time and this will make your countertop less scratch and stain-resistant. It’s also never a bad idea to ask your contractor how often they recommend your granite countertop to be sealed.
For expert Orlando granite countertop installation and maintenance including granite sealing, Stone World is here to help out. We are available in Sanford, Windermere, Ocoee, Lake Mary, Clermont, and surrounding areas. Get a free estimate today by calling 407-341-4688!