Budget Saving Tips for Cleaning Granite Countertops

When you chose your granite countertops, you were thinking of a home that could last. Most homeowners go with granite countertops because they understand the long-term value that this beautiful stone presents. While it’s naturally fragile, with the right manufacturing and sealing, granite countertops are transformed into some of the most beautiful assets in your home, and act as durable surfaces that hold everything from homework to dinner.

That being said, most granite countertops don’t come without a hefty price tag. While it may look daunting to some, the price is directly associated with the quality work that goes into making sure these countertops last for years to come in your home. When looking at your overall budget, there are some post-installation factors that could help you save when you’ve already decided to invest in quality granite. The following are some budget saving tips when it comes to cleaning your granite countertops. Believe it or not, it is possible to obtain and maintain granite countertops without breaking the bank.

Give your hand a go at homemade solutions

If finances weren’t an issue, any granite countertop owner could simply pay to have a company or professional cleaners come in regularly and perform countertop maintenance. This would most definitely keep your counters in prime condition no matter who you host, or what your countertops encounter on a daily basis. However, for the majority of homeowners, this isn’t a realistic option, which is why the homemade solution route is gaining popularity with those who love their granite countertops, but aren’t willing to shell out their savings for cleaning.

The absolute best combination for cleaning granite countertops is simple soap and water. Wiping your countertops down daily with a mild soap and water mix is entirely efficient; however, granite tends to easily streak with only water, which can be frustrating. This is especially true if you have dark granite countertops on which streaks tend to be more visible in general.

Luckily, homemade granite cleaning solutions are easy to make and consist of products you probably already have! Go ahead and add about ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol to a few drops of generic dish soap and you’ll have a mild solution that avoids streaking on even those dark-toned surfaces. If you’re looking for a glossier touch to your cleaning methods, try adding some essential oils to your water mix and spray it on your countertops with a spray bottle.

No matter which homemade mix you use, make to buffer dry your countertops with a microfiber cloth. This will prevent scratching or etching that other, rougher cloth may leave and will ensure that your granite doesn’t soak up any leftover moisture which can cause staining. When it’s done, you’ll not only be happy with the successful results, but you’ll have a little more money in the bank than you would have if you had hired out to do a job you can do at home!

Try a generic store brand

If mixing up your own solutions just makes you too nervous, you’re not out of luck. There are other options when it comes to saving money on granite maintenance. While some granite specialty stores will offer pricey options when it comes to non-acidic sprays and solutions, like everything in life, there is always a generic brand to be found. Practically the same thing with a different tag, be assertive enough to ask your local salesman if what you see on the shelves comes in a less expensive version. It may be at the back of the store, but it exists and will do the same job without the price tag.

Avoid damage and save

While it may seem simple, the best budget saving tip for cleaning your granite countertops is to simply not do anything that will cause any time of damage, staining or soiling in the first place. When it comes to your granite countertops, avoid any cleaning product that contains acids or vinegars as these can cause quick damage or deterioration to your beautiful surfaces.

Understanding the stone itself will help you keep it in great condition. Granite is naturally porous and without sealant, extremely absorbent. That means it’s necessary to keep your granite properly sealed at least once a year to keep moisture at bay. It’s highly advisable to use the same company and sealant brand every time as granite tends to remain more durable with consistent treatment. Making sure your granite is properly sealed is essential to your maintenance routine and will make daily clean up of little spills easier and less likely to cause damage. Additionally, if you stick with the same sealant or granite company to come and check out your countertops annually, who knows—there may be an excellent discount in there for loyal and returning customers!