I'm looking for the best way to clean granite counters in restrooms. Water sits on the surface around the faucets and leaves mineral deposits. I've found a lot of conflicting advice. Use steel wool--don't use steel wool. Use phosphoric acid, citric acid, vinegar or LimeAway--don't use any acid. Use an abrasive cleanser like Ajax--or don't use it. Any suggestions?
You can check on the Web site below to confirm, but granite is very cleanable material. On marble you must avoid the use of any acid. Marble is limestone and will discolor or dissolve with an acid. Granite has a different makeup and you can easily break up the deposits with just vinegar, which is mildly acidic and inexpensive.
Do not use abrasives that can destroy the polished finish just as on china or porcelain fixtures.
Try the acid on a small surface to be certain you are on granite. Minor bubbling from the deposits are all you should see.
Do not use any chemicals to remove mineral deposits. Best way to maintain your counter tops is to protect the surface with beeswax. The wax will stop the water from settling down on the granite surface. Periodically take steelwool # 00 or 000 grade and remove any build-up of minerals (SALT) Make sure that the surface is DRY when you use steel wool
Been using this technique for the last 40 years!!!! the only people who dont like it are product manufacturers.
Interesting. How do you apply the beeswax evenly? Do you rub it on dry, melt it, or what? How long does it last? If you then remove the wax and soil with steel wool don't the steel bits get into the wax and rust?
apply the bees wax evenly with lint free cloth ( old T shirt) after about 5 minutes rub the excess wax off. Try to get an even sheen. The bees wax will stop water settling on surface thus not allowing the mineral (salt) build up.Use the steel wool DRY, no water , wipe off the minerals and the fine steel wool particles thus eliminating rust problem. The process is VERY EASY, COST EFFECTIVE and IT WORKS!!!! Try not to make it complicated, keep it simple. A sharp blade should help you to remove excess build up but if the granite surface has been pitted than you may have to mechanically polish the damage and then follow the simple maintenance procedure.
Some granites may have certain minerals that can react with acid, so care is needed. Try Amir's beeswax technique for sealing the surface. New to me, but can't hurt if you use care with the steel wool and get it all off.
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