I recently replaced my dinner table with a granite dinner table. What is the best way to clean it? I asked and was told to use either pledge or windex because that will help it last longer because it isn't a harsh cleaner. I usually use a pinesol water mix or clorox wipes, are these products too harsh? I just want to feel like it is clean and not have to worry about my kids getting sick because it hasn't been cleaned properly.
Thanks in advance!
You can use tough n tender...not only does is work fantastic, but it's safe. No toxins, chemicals or fumes!! You can also add solumel for tougher areas...also safe! In fact, all products that I use at home (personal, cleaning, laundry, etc) are chemical, toxin and fume free! We have a very safe home environment :o)
Good luck!!
T.
I don't want to be a downer but my mom has had a granite table for approximately 3-4 years and everything that's spilled on it has caused etching in the granite. Good luck on your search for the perfect cleaner!
All the things you mention have toxins and really aren't healthy. I use a spray bottle with 50/50 white vinegar and distilled water and use that to clean just about every solid surface in my house (except wood). Vinegar is a good disinfectant. And, a one gallon jug of vinegar costs around $2.50, so it is extremely economical.
There are some towels that are usually found at places like Walmart that are microfiber terry cloth. These are exceptional at removing any streaks/spots - i.e., just spray the table and dry with one of these towels and it will sparkle.
I use the vinegar water to clean mirrors, as well. You don't need the windex, which has ammonia, which like chlorine, the fumes are not healthy to breath (if you can smell it, you're breathing it ;)
The other primary cleaning product I use is baking soda. I sprinkle that in my s/s sink, spray on vinegar, wipe with a cloth, rinse and dry with one of those towels and it looks perfect.
Hy Been workin for 5 years in the granite and marble industry and if you dont want to buy the expensive things just use regular soap detergent with water if you use windex, amonia or other stuff out there you will gradually start damaging your counters use soap and water and just dry it really good and this will even enhance the shine in your counters and it will definitly be clean.
We use Simple Green Stone Cleaner and Simple Green polish. Both are non-toxic and can be found at Home Depot etc. We love them. They work great on our kitchen granite tops.
I agree...pledge jsut seems oily...not really a cleaner type. I knwo alcohol based products are very drying of course. So it may be good to use the two together. Like you i use pinesol on everything. Try the pinesol to 'clean' then the pledge wipe to add the moisture back. Also, they are advertising a new product from frebreeze i believe that is good for wood, leather, granite.... I have new leather living room furniture and i want to try it. If you do, let me know what you think.
Pledge has a new product call "Clean and Shine" that cleans wood, granite, glass, and marble. I spray my counter tops with the Clorox surface cleaner and then polish with the pledge. Target also has in their "Method" line a spray called the "Daily Granite" and it smells wonderful and puts a pretty shine to it. I have been told not to use anything with ammonia in it b/c it breaks down the sealer. If it does get dull, you can get the sealer at a home store and buff it to a shine with a towel. Really no big deal. The main thing is, don't stress about it. Granite is rock for heaven's sake, you aren't going to hurt it. One of the reasons it is so desired is it's durable and low maintenance.
Method Granite CLeaner available at Target.
You can buy special cleaners at home depot or lowes for granite.
Let me say I used to work for a tile manufacture and we also sold stone. Unless the product specifically says that it is safe for stone DO NOT use it on your granite. DO NOT use Bleach Pine Sol, Baking Soda, Vinegar or any thing that may be acidic as this will etch the surface of the stone and therefore open it up to absorb bacteria. The granite was probably sealed before you got it, in order to tell this drop water on it to see if it will "bead" up like water on a waxed car. If it does this it is sealed and any harsh or acidic cleansers will strip that right off and then next time etch the stone(a rough feeling spot in the surface). I always told people and still do that if you wouldn't wash your skin with it then you shouldn't use it on your stone. Just a mild soap like Dove or Palmolive or or plain old dawn and warm water works fine. Most bacteria and viruses will not live out in the open dry bright environment for long if at all and most of those can be killed with just a mild soap like I said above. So unless you work in a hospital you should be fine from the ordinary bacteria and viruses. NO harsh cleansers, they are bad for you table, the environment and you as well. Vinegar, does work great on most everything else, but I do not recommend it on any stone of any kind or wood either for that matter.
