Granite countertops have been sought-after home décor favorites for decades, but while we may mainly think of granite countertops in the kitchen, granite countertops are just as popular in the bathroom for many of the same reasons. Granite is a natural stone that is durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns that will look great with almost any kind of bathroom décor, from classic to modern and from minimalist to baroque. In fact, because granite is a natural stone, no two granite countertops will ever be exactly alike! One thing that all granite countertops do have in common, however, besides their beauty and durability, is that cleaning granite countertops in the bathroom (or kitchen or anywhere else) is easy, provided you have the right tools for the job!
Cleaning Granite Countertops in the Bathroom is Simple
Cleaning granite countertops in the bathroom comes with a different set of challenges than cleaning your kitchen countertops, but the process is often very similar. In the bathroom, you face everything from water droplets that can discolor surfaces over time to buildup of residue from soap scum, toothpaste, and hairspray, to name just a few. You may even have to deal with mold and mildew when cleaning granite countertops in the bathroom. Each of these challenges may present their own unique concerns, but cleaning them up is pretty straightforward, especially if you have a little guidance and the right cleaning products on hand.
Perhaps the biggest key to keeping your granite countertops looking their best—whether in the bathroom or anywhere else—is to clean regularly. Clean up spills and splatters as soon as you notice them, and give your countertops a thorough going-over with a specially formulated granite cleaning product once every week or two. It doesn’t take long, and you’ll see the results right away and for the life of your countertop!
What Not to Do When Cleaning Granite Countertops in the Bathroom
If you start searching the web for ways to clean granite countertops in the bathroom, you’ll no doubt stumble upon any number of granite cleaning “hacks” that utilize anything from common household cleaners to “homebrew” recipes made up of chemicals and even items from the pantry or refrigerator. A quick search of Pinterest yields homemade granite cleaning recipes that involve everything but the kitchen sink, including rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid, essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, white vinegar, lime juice, bleach, and even vodka.
Perhaps it goes without saying, but trusting your granite countertops to these sorts of home remedies is a terrible idea. Granite is a durable stone that will stand up to a lot of use, but some of these homemade cleaning recipes go well beyond use and into abuse. Many of them involve substances that are acidic and can erode or discolor your granite, while others are abrasive and might wear the surface of your granite away. Not to mention that stirring together a witch’s brew of household chemicals can be bad for your health. No, your best bet when it comes to cleaning granite countertops in the bathroom or anyplace else is to stick with granite cleaning products that are specially formulated for your countertops, and reserve the vodka and lemon juice for cocktail hour.
Granite Countertop Cleaning Instructions: Easy As 1, 2, 3!
If the “life hacks” you find on Pinterest and other websites aren’t a good way to clean and protect your granite countertops, then how should you go about it? Fortunately, the process is simple and straightforward, and all it requires is a little dedication and the right tools for the job. First, clean up spills and stains as they happen, and incorporate regular granite cleaning into your weekly bathroom cleaning schedule. It’s easy to do: just spray on a granite cleaner that is specially formulated for natural stone, and then wipe clean with a dry rag.
For the best results, however, you should do more than just clean up your granite countertops. After all, they are a big investment and a centerpiece of your bathroom, so you want to keep them looking their best. To do that, polish your granite countertops once a week using a properly formulated granite polish. This will not only help your countertops retain their natural luster, but will also help protect them from stains and spills. Finally, you should seal your granite countertops once every 12 to 18 months with a granite sealer. Since granite is a naturally porous stone, proper sealing helps protect granite countertops from stains and also from absorbing moisture, which can be especially important in the bathroom. If you’re unsure whether your granite countertops need to be re-sealed, just conduct a water test: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the countertop. If the water beads up, your seal is in good shape, but if it absorbs and darkens the granite, it’s time to re-seal.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re unsure how to get started cleaning, polishing, and sealing your granite countertops in the bathroom or kitchen, you can always ask the supplier for their recommendations. Whatever you do, though, it’s best to always use products that are specially formulated for granite and other natural stone surfaces rather than risking your granite countertops to home remedies or chemical cleaning products.
Rock Doctor provides products designed to help make it easy to care for your granite countertops, and our complete line of granite cleaning and granite care products are safe for use in your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else in the house. Find all of our granite cleaning, polishing, and sealing products and more at Lowe’s Home Improvement and participating True Value, Ace Hardware, Do it Best, and Home Depot locations.
