Do mild acids like vinegar and soda hurt Granite countertops?

Due to the way they look, granite countertops are among the most prominent kitchen surfaces. Also, this is the main reason why every homeowner who has granite countertops in his home must follow some basic rules in order to maintain the original beauty of the granite countertop. Granite countertops can lose their beauty unless the owner cleans them in a proper way.

The basic rules that govern the cleaning routine in the case of granite countertops include avoiding the cleaning materials that are commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens – for instance, citrus fruits such as lemon or orange and vinegar must be avoided because their acidic components can cause negative reactions to granite countertops.

Bleach must also be avoided because it will dissolve the granite coating and the seals. Once the seals are damaged, your granite countertop will be caused to get even more stains than before. The cleaning products that contain abrasive particles must be avoided as well because these particles are very likely to scratch and even allow hallow marks that will make your granite countertop look dirtier.

You should keep in mind that stains are not to be let to sit on the granite countertop – make sure you wipe every stain as soon as possible. When doing this, you should use a clean and soft cloth on the stained area. Also, you can seal your granite countertop in order to prevent further stains from forming. Make sure that you reseal your granite countertop every 2 or 3 years by using a non-toxic sealer that is safe for food preparation areas.

• Warning: do not use any type of abrasives on your granite countertop – for instance, sodas can damage this type of surface and make it more prone to further scratches and damage.