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Pro tips on how to deep clean granite worktops

How to clean granite work tops

Hygiene is paramount in today’s world, but how do you safely deep clean the granite worktops in your kitchen?

Granite worktops and other stone surfaces are durable and age beautifully, but they still require regular maintenance to keep them hygienic and looking their best. When dealing with natural stone, you need to be careful about which cleaning products to use as harsh chemicals can damage surfaces.

To help you, we have come up with some pro tips to protect and clean your granite counters…

1. Seal your worktop

Granite, like most natural stone surfaces, is porous so it can be stained by liquids and household cleaning products. To prolong the life of your granite worktop you need to regularly seal them so that spills and liquids don’t penetrate the pores of the stone. Re-sealing will mean your worktops will be easier to clean so they remain bacteria-free and looking fantastic. You can check whether your granite counter is sealed by putting a few drops of water on the worktop, if the water beads up it is sealed, but if the water soaks into the stone, it’s time to reseal.

2. Clean up spills immediately

The quickest way to keep bacteria at bay is to wipe away spills in the kitchen as soon as possible, that way the nasty germs don’t have a chance to grow. While a quick clean with dish soap and warm water will remove the visible dirt, disinfecting will kill any bacteria.

Bacteria, mould and fungus-like moist surfaces, so keeping your granite worktops dry will make them less appealing to microbes. Between regular cleaning, dry the areas around your sink and kettle.

3. Don’t use abrasive cleaners.

When cleaning a natural stone surface like granite, you should avoid cleaning fluids containing acid like vinegar, lemon, or any ammonia or bleach. These chemicals will weaken the worktop sealant, so you need to use warm water, a mild dish soap and a microfibre cloth for daily wipe-downs.

4. Disinfect your cloths

Your cloths and sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, particularly if you use them again and again. Sponges are the worst culprits, so they need disinfecting and replacing regularly. Did you know: microwaving sponges kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria? Just wet the sponge and nuke it for two and a half minutes.

5. Disinfecting granite worktops

A well-sealed granite counter is the best barrier to bacteria, with hot water and dish soap being used daily. If you need something stronger, use a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray on the worktop, leave for up to five minutes and rinse with warm water before drying with a clean microfibre cloth.

Hydrogen peroxide is also commonly used to remove stains from granite and other stone surfaces. Although hydrogen peroxide is safe for occasional use, it is acidic and could damage the granite sealer after repeated applications.

Please note: disinfectants should never be sprayed near food.

Want to know more?

When choosing a granite worktop, it is vital to have them installed and sealed by an experienced professional. The Blue Pearl Granite Company Ltd supplies and installs quality marble surfaces, quartz, granite and other stone worktops for kitchens and bathrooms in properties across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, London, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire.

Leading companies such as Silestone®, Compac, iStone and The Marble & Granite Centre work closely with Blue Pearl to provide customers with the finest surfaces to finish any home.

For more information and a free consultation, call The Blue Pearl Granite Company Ltd on 01462 742 627 or email