Is Vinegar Safe on Granite?
One common approach is choosing granite countertops for a mix of strength and elegance. Yet, being a natural stone, maintaining the integrity of the granite countertop requires specific care, especially when it comes to cleaning agents. Vinegar is a common household cleaning agent, and individuals sometimes ask if it is safe to use it on the granite surfaces. In this guide, we will look at vinegar and granite compatibility and the dos and don'ts to keep your granite countertops in tip top shape.
Acidity and Granite
Etching Potential: Vinegar is acidic, with a pH between 2.4 and 3.4, depending on the brand of vinegar. That acidity will react with the calcite in granite and might dissolve the granite making a hole or enemies a glassy polished finish. Granted, granite is less susceptible to acid than other materials, such as marble, but even the best stone sealer can break down over time due to prolonged exposure to vinegar.
Potential for Wear and Tear: Over time using vinegar on granite can wear down the sealer and may make your stone more subject to pitting and staining.
Cleaning Granite Safely
Mild Soap and Water
Best Option: Using mild dish soap and certain warm water to clean your granite countertops. This mild cleansing technique safely cleans dust and spills without endangering the rock or the sealers.
pH-Neutral Cleaners
Cleaning Solutions: You can clean man-made stone without any issues using a pH-neutral cleaner that's not designed the stone trainable, that is not the case with natural stone. Using these products maintain a clean surface without damaging the sealer or leaving a film that can attract soil
When Not to Use Vinegar
Daily Care: To clean daily use soap and water or a specially formulated stone cleaner and do not use vinegar. Insuring that it will provide extended life for the finish of the countertop and the protection for the surface.
However, you can use some granites throughout the house but don't use vinegar to clean a granite, properly go for a poultice or a commercial granite stain remover that is stone safe to clean any organic stain. Most of them are great at targeting specific types of stains which are safe to use without any harm on the granite.
Protecting Your Granite
Regular Sealing
Increased Resistance Sealing the granite countertops at regular intervals helps in maintaining the stain and etching resistance of the same. If used, then sealers may create a protective shield that prevent the stone from coming in contact with acidic substances.
Immediate Cleanup
Spill Response: If you happen to spill an acidic item or vinegar on your granite countertop, soak it up as soon as you can and wash it with warm soapy water to reduce any harm.
That pound of flesh comes with some of the most beautiful countertops money can buy and plenty of bang for your buck. Vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner, but the acidic nature of vinegar means it is not suitable for granite. Stone care products are to be used for cleaning and maintaining your granite countertops, to keep the stone's integrity and beauty.
To learn more about the cleaning and care of countertops and why you should NEVER use acidic cleaners on them please visit vinegar and granite. Following these tips will help you keep your granite surfaces shining and beautiful long into the future.