Granite is a completely natural worktop surface which is quarried straight from the source in the form of a large block. All granite worktops are usually completely unique with a variety of colours and textures on offer.
They suit both contemporary and traditional style kitchens and are a classic choice for any kitchen. Granite also adds value to your home as it is a high-end kitchen surface material. This can make your kitchen more appealing to prospective buyers if you are looking to sell your home in the future.
Some of the benefits of granite surfaces include:
- Scratch and chip resistant – As granite is a genuinely hard rock it is not susceptible to cracks or chips.
- Easy to clean
- Highly affordable with an expected 30-year life expectancy
- Resistant to heat, stains and moisture
- Added value to your kitchen
- Family friendly – resistant to drops and spills
- Unique – with no 2 slabs alike
Repairable if damaged
As granite worktops are sealed after installation, they can be extremely resistant to any kind of damage. We would always recommend having your granite sealed to protect the surface from damage, stains and bacteria which can build up in this naturally porous stone.
One of the most desirable qualities of granite is its resistance to heat, meaning you can safely put hot pans and dishes directly onto your worktops without worrying about the damage! This is due to the fact it is a naturally occurring stone.
If you want to keep your granite looking brand new it is best to still avoid putting extremely hot things onto your surface and avoid leaving things to create stains, cleaning up spillages straight away.
If you do however end up with a stain in your granite worktop, here are some solutions!
Granite is a porous material which can absorb water and other liquids as well as being susceptible to stains. However, it is one of the less porous stones and with a good seal you can avoid most stains all together!
Oil-based stains – These will look dark on the surface and be difficult to remove. This will require you to draw out the oil from the worktop.
You should clean the area with drops of ammonia or acetone mixed with water or try a natural mix of baking soda and water.
Organic stains – Originating from coffee, tea, food or wine. They may be pink or brown on the surface and much easier to remove than oil-based stains.
You should use a mix of hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia and water. The hydrogen peroxide can also act as a barrier to bacteria. You should allow it to sit for around 10-15 minutes before dabbing it with a clean cloth until the stain begins to lift.
Mould or mildew stains – There are specially designed granite mould removers which would be your safest choice of product to use. It is best not to use bleach for this as you could cause damage to the granite.
Regular cleaning agents cannot usually remove these types of stains even after a lot of scrubbing.
Mineral or water spot stains – If the stain isn’t too bad we would recommend you start cleaning with a simple mix of water and soap. You can use a bristled brush to scrub the stain gently.
If the stain is a bit tougher you can use a paste of baking soda and water with diluted ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. You can repeat this until you are happy the stains have been removed.
Ink and paint stains – Ink stains from markers and pens can be removed again using hydrogen peroxide mix (lighter stones) or lacquer thinner (darker stones) depending on the colour of your quartz.
These are strong chemicals and should be used sparingly to not discolour your granite worktops.
Rust stains – These are usually obvious, copper coloured and caused by metal objects. These can usually be permanent. However, you can try a poultice solution to get the stain out.
Poultice is made containing a mix of water, baking soda and a liquid solvent. It should be the consistency of peanut butter, like a paste. This is designed to pull out deep-set stains from your surfaces.
To use this type of solution you should clean the area first, then spread the paste over the stained area and cover it with a plastic wrap or cling film. After 24 hours you should use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and then a damp sponge to wipe away the remains of the paste.
The choice of solvent will depend on the surface. The best for granite is a mix of:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- 4 drops of ammonia
You can also use a rubbing alcohol cleaner to disinfect your granite surface. This should be made up of water (50%), isopropyl alcohol (50%) and 3 drops of your chosen essential oil to create a nice smell.
If your stain is too deep for these solutions, you can hire a professional granite cleaner who will polish your whole worktop making it look brand new again!
A professional granite clean follows these steps:
- Remove build-up of dirt and grime from granite surfaces with a granite cleaning solution.
- Remove any remaining residues from granite surfaces.
- Seal granite surfaces with a small amount of granite worktop sealer (which only takes about 5 minutes to dry), leaving your granite with a powerful protective layer.
- Polishing your granite surface with a special polish to leave granite revitalised and shiny.
With any stain removal, you should remain cautious and ensure that you have consulted a professional if you are not confident that you can do this yourself.
Feel free to get in contact with us if you have any concerns with your granite worktops.
