Black granite is a very popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens because it’s durable, easy to clean, and looks great. Black granite countertops are often found in homes with the most expensive appliances and furniture, but they’re just as easily incorporated into something more modest. If you’ve recently acquired black granite or if your kitchen or bathroom has been outfitted with this material,
Here are a few tips for caring for black granite to ensure a long-lasting space.
1. Clean Using Soft Cloths
The best way to clean black granite is with soft cloth. This will prevent any scratches on the surface, allowing for a clear view of the stone. It is also important to clean with soft fabrics because black granite is a porous material, meaning that anything hard could scratch the surface.
2. Dry to Avoid Water Rings
Water rings and stains can occur on any stone material, but you can easily avoid them by cleaning immediately and drying them afterward. After washing your granite countertop, give it time to air dry before placing items back on it. Doing this will help avoid water spots and other marks from setting into the stone, making it easier to clean off later.
3. Use Low-Gloss Topping
Most black granite countertops are finished with a low-gloss finish for easy cleanup, but if yours is not, consider using a low-gloss blacktopping for easier maintenance. Any time you use chemicals, spills, or food on your granite countertop, it can create a high gloss material that is more difficult to clean than standard finishes.
4. Keep Accidents from Happening
Keep your countertops looking their best by avoiding spills altogether. Use paper towels to clean up any messes, and make sure you use proper utensils on your granite surfaces. Never place knives or other hard utensils directly on the surface of the granite, as this will cause scratches and chips to appear more quickly.
5. Use a Quality Cleaning Solution
Try a commercial cleaning solution if you have a large stain or buildup you need to remove from your countertop. Pure stone cleaners are made specifically for granite and help break down difficult stains, so they come off much more quickly. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully, so you don’t cause any damage to the material.
Additionally, if you have a small stain or spill on your countertop, you can use an anti-stain paste. These contain compounds designed to break down stains so that you can wipe them away with a soft cloth.
6. Use Vinegar to Remove Spills
If you have ever spilled anything on your granite countertop, your first instinct might be to grab the commercial cleaner. However, don’t reach for that bottle just yet! The best thing for granite is vinegar, which can remove stains quickly. Dilute the vinegar with water, and it will break down oily or greasy deposits, so they are easy to clean off your surface.
You can also clean your granite countertop with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Mix a few tablespoons of white vinegar with a few splashes of warm water, and then scrub the stone’s surface with a soft cloth. This will help remove any stains or other marks from it without scratching the surface or causing damage.
7. Protect It with a Sealant
Your countertops will last longer if you seal them. Sealants protect your countertop from spills and stains and can help it last longer. They can help protect your granite from discoloration and staining over time, as well as keep fingerprints off the surface. Creating a silky smooth surface with a sealant is easy, but it requires another step to finish.
First, apply a thin coat of sealant to the surface of the granite with a damp rag. Once this layer of sealant is no longer sticky, it is time to leave for a few hours to dry. After allowing your countertops to dry, you can apply a second coat of sealant. It will provide the most protection for your granite countertops.
When you keep your black granite countertops clean, you make your home or restaurant look more inviting. You can find a variety of cleaners to help get the job done, but the best thing is to use one made for granite. These cleaners can help you get started on the next step to maintaining your countertops – keeping them clean and sparkly.
Also read: 5 Things To do Before Buying New Countertops
