Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Home made cleaners for granite, marbles and stainless steel


Granite
One of the best cleaners for granite can be made at home at a very low cost. In a spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol with a few drops of mild dish detergent. Fill the bottle to the top with water. Use this by spraying on your granite and wiping it off with a fresh, damp cloth, as often as necessary. Do not leave the solution on the surface of the granite.

Marble
The only cleaner you need for marble on a daily basis is a soft sponge and hot water. Wipe down the marble and dry it with a soft cloth. Purchase a cleaner specifically made for marble if you want to occasionally do a more thorough cleaning. Do not use any generic cleaning products, since many of them will damage marble, no matter how gentle they claim to be.

Stainless Steel
You have several options for cleaning stainless steel. Start with a soft cloth and plain water, then buff with a clean, dry towel. Rub in the direction of the grain for a smooth look. If you still have fingerprints or other marks on the stainless steel, you can use glass cleaner, mild dish detergent, vinegar or club soda. Apply with a soft cloth, again in the direction of the grain, then wipe with a damp or dry cloth. After cleaning, rub the area with baby oil for a high shine.

General Maintenance
On granite and marble, wipe up spills with a soft sponge and hot water immediately. Use trays and coasters for items that will be placed on the surface to help prevent leaks or spills that may stain it or scratches if an item is dragged across the surface. If necessary, seal your marble or granite annually for additional protection. You can tell if the surface needs to be sealed by placing a drop of water on the surface. Wait 20 minutes, and if the drop is still in its original form, you don't have to seal it. If the water drop has spread out, the surface is absorbing some water and should be resealed.