Granite is one of the most popular, elegant and durable natural stones out there, and for good reason. In particular for countertops, they can transform the look of your whole kitchen or bathroom.
Its strength, beauty, and resilience is strong and impervious so it can easily withstand heat and spills. One of the first things you may worry about when installing a granite countertop is how you will care for it on a regular basis. Luckily, you don’t have to do much. But there are do’s and don’ts when it comes to granite cleaning and maintenance.
In today’s blog, we ask and answer: can you use vinegar on granite counters?
Vinegar For Cleaning: Yay or Nay?
Homeowners have been cleaning surfaces with vinegar for decades, so it’s really nothing new. It helps to remove grease, stains, and odors, so it’s a great hack to know about. However, vinegar also happens to be very acidic, which is actually what helps to dissolve stickiness.
That acidity, while helpful in some applications, can be damaging to other areas, such as natural stone and wooden furniture.
We do not recommend using vinegar when cleaning granite surfaces. While it is certainly a naturally strong stone and can withstand high temps, the acid in vinegar causes etching, which makes the surface dull and damaged. Over time, it will lose its sheen and natural beauty as the sealant wears away.
The corroded surface leaves your counters looking dull and rough, which is not what you want to see after you’ve invested so much money in new countertops.
There’s a Safer Way
Fortunately, there are other safer ways you can clean your granite countertops. Clean it daily with a clean damp cloth to wipe up spills and crumbs. All you need is a cotton or microfiber cloth with warm water and dish soap to clear away debris. Mop up beverage and pasta sauce spills immediately so the stains don’t set.
There are also slab cleaners on the market that you can buy and that are safe for use with granite. You just spray them onto the surface and gently rub with a cloth.
In addition to vinegar, never use bleach on granite countertops.
Removing Vinegar Stains From Granite Countertops
Vinegar can lead to long-lasting damage on granite counters if you don’t treat it right away. If you inadvertently get vinegar on your granite surface:
- Blot the residue with a clean cloth.
- Spread some baking soda on the area.
- Wipe the baking soda away with a soft cloth.
- Don’t scrub too hard or you can scratch the surface.
- Rinse with water and a soft towel.
- Wipe the surface to get rid of any remaining baking soda.
In the end, while vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent for many things, you should avoid using it on your granite countertops because it can corrode the surface.
Contact Granite Guy
For more helpful cleaning tips for your natural stone countertops, ask our Brookline granite installers today. Get a free consultation when you contact us at 508-460-7900.