With granite countertops being a popular choice for many homeowners, some may choose a more contemporary or matte look with black granite. Black granite brings style and sophistication to your kitchen or bathroom and is a great choice for homeowners looking to add value to their home.
Just like any other natural stone product, granite must be cleaned and cared for properly. Otherwise, it can sustain damage over time, such as daily wear and tear, cracks, and scratches. Fortunately, Rock Doctor has a full line of cleaning products, as well as plenty of tips for how to properly care for your black granite countertops.
Cleaning Black Granite Countertops
To maintain the stunning and dramatic appearance of your black granite countertop, it’s best to know the do’s and don’t’s of cleaning and caring for it. If you’re wondering how to clean black granite without leaving streaks or dirt, there are many different cleaning solutions available for you to try.
Options for Granite Cleaners
The best granite cleaner for black granite countertops is one that’s made specifically to clean natural stone. Using the wrong cleaner can leave tiny etches on the countertop surface or even strip away some of its sealant.
For daily use, granite cleaners or soap and water are the best ways to clean and disinfect your countertop. Granite cleaners are specially formulated for natural stone, so they won’t ruin its surface or sealer.
Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Cleaner is the perfect cleaner for your black granite countertops. Its non-abrasive and non-acidic formula means that it is safe and effective for daily use, but strong enough to eliminate even the toughest stains. You can use Rock Doctor’s granite cleaner in both the kitchen and the bathroom.
Keep in mind that many household cleaners will hurt your black granite countertop and should not be used. For example, extremely acidic solvents like vinegar or other multi-surface cleaners like ammonia and bleach should not be used to clean granite, as they can strip the sealant from its surface or cause discoloration. Glass cleaners should also not be used to clean granite countertops.
Sealing Black Granite
Unlike some other natural stones like quartz, granite is a porous material. Fortunately, black granite is less porous and denser than other granite slabs, so it tends to be more stain-resistant and less susceptible to absorbing fluids. Still, sealing granite countertops is the best way to retain their quality and stunning appearance.
Granite countertops are typically sealed to maintain their smooth surface. Sealants also help eliminate germs or bacteria from building up in the stone’s pores, reducing the risk of contamination to other food products.
To test whether your black granite countertops need to be sealed, place a drop of water on the granite’s surface and see how long it takes to soak into the stone. If it takes more than 30 minutes to absorb, your countertops may not need to be sealed.
It’s always best to test whether your black granite countertops need sealant before applying any. If a sealer is not needed but is still used, it may leave streaks and residue that are difficult to remove.
When sealing your black granite countertops, first thoroughly wipe away any debris, spills, or stains from the surface. You’ll also want to spray with a specialized granite cleaner and scrub the surface until it’s dry and streak-free.
Afterward, apply the granite sealer on its surface and spread evenly. The sealer will need to sit for ten to twenty minutes so it can seep into the stone. Afterward, you can polish your countertops and remove any excess sealant that’s left behind.
Granite countertops must be sealed at least once a year to maintain their luster and quality.
Additional Care Tips
If your countertop has a polished surface, cleaning monthly can be feasible. However, if you’re frequently using your granite countertops, it’s best to perform weekly and even daily cleanings to remove dirt, grime, and germs. Cleaning every day also helps you avoid facing hard-to-remove stains and dirt that can permanently damage your kitchen or bathroom countertops.
Here are some other tips to consider to properly care of your black granite countertops:
- Wipe away any spills promptly to prevent them from being absorbed into the stone
- Use coasters for glasses, cans, and bottles that have condensation
- When placing hot pans on your countertop, use hot pads or trivets to protect the granite’s surface
- Use cutting boards when cooking to avoid scratching the countertop surface with a knife
- Always use a soft cloth when cleaning granite rather than a scrubbing brush or abrasive cloth that could leave tiny scratches
It’s also important to polish your black granite countertops to maintain their shine. Use a certified granite polish that’s non-abrasive and enhances the colors of your countertop to leave a fresh, natural shine. Many polishes will also leave a water-resistant protective coating to protect against spills, glass rings, and etching.
Black granite countertops add a unique quality to your home’s kitchen or bathroom, but they must be cared for properly to maintain their appearance and quality. To learn more about granite countertop cleaners, visit our website at rockdoctor.com.
