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Granite has earned its reputation as one of the toughest and most durable materials for countertops and floors. Its exceptional hardness, only surpassed by diamonds, makes it heat and scratch-resistant, making it a popular choice in both residential and commercial spaces. This is an exceptional kitchen counter surface.
But despite its strength, every surface can be damaged or covered by the cleaners used on them. There are common misconceptions about what “cleaners” are safe to use on granite. Vinegar is one of these problem “recommendations” that sounds so nice and green but can lead to expensive problems on granite.
You might have heard that granite is impervious to all household cleaners, including vinegar. However, while granite itself is quite resilient, the granite’s seals are not. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between granite and vinegar and provide you with the best practices for maintaining your granite surfaces.
The Hardness of Granite
Granite's remarkable hardness makes it a preferred material for both countertops and flooring. Only diamond is a naturally occurring harder surface, which means granite can withstand significant wear and tear. This hardness translates to several key benefits:
- Heat Resistance: Granite can handle hot pots and pans without getting damaged, making it ideal for kitchen countertops.
- Scratch Resistance: Everyday activities won’t easily scratch granite, maintaining its pristine look over time. Note: We said resistant, not proof. A heavy pallet with a nail in it can still create a scratch, and a grain of dust underfoot can still mar the surface, just not as deeply in a single pass as it will on marble.
- Stain Resistance: When properly sealed, granite resists stains from spills, keeping your surfaces looking beautiful. However, people rarely consider the longevity of the seal chemistry or what might damage the seal. The countertop fabricator and installer certainly are not incentivized to disclose this information, and in all truth, if they have sealed the granite, it will protect their clients to the best of their ability until an acidic cleaner such as vinegar is introduced to the surface.
Granite in Homes and Commercial Spaces
Granite’s durability and aesthetic appeal make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications. Here’s why many homeowners and commercial property managers prefer granite:
- Countertops: Granite’s resistance to heat and scratches makes it perfect for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
- Floors: Its strength and easy maintenance make granite a smart choice for high-traffic areas. Considered an elegant stone, it is a natural alternative to marble when communicating luxury and elegance.
- Longevity and Aesthetic Appeal: With proper maintenance, granite retains its color and texture for years, adding value and beauty to any space. In fact, MARBLELIFE has maintained newly installed buildings from day one to more than 20 years without the need for a restoration, based on their proprietary maintenance protocols.
What Makes Vinegar a Popular Cleaner
Vinegar is a staple in many households, often found sitting alongside the olive oil and salt shaker in the kitchen. Its popularity as a cleaning agent stems from its unique chemical composition, affordability, and perceived natural green status. Vinegar primarily consists of acetic acid and water. The typical vinegar used for household purposes has an acetic acid concentration of about 5%, which gives it a pH of around 2.4. This low pH level places vinegar firmly in the acidic category. Acids were once considered effective cleaners; however, today we realize they are detrimental to concrete, grout, marble, and limestone surfaces.
Acidity is the main factor that makes vinegar an attractive option for cleaning. The acid can react with mineral deposits, dissolve grease, and remove dirt. This makes vinegar particularly useful for tasks such as cleaning windows. However, they are over-hyped in their marketing for countertops and bathrooms. They work fine on some countertop surfaces but are detrimental to the seals employed on concrete, terrazzo, and natural stone countertops such as marble, limestone, granite, and slate as it will remove the silicone sealers used to seal the naturally occurring pores in these surfaces.
Bathroom cleaners tend to focus on sinks and toilets which tend to be porcelain, which is acid resistant. It’s when they are marketed as general bathroom cleaners that we run into issues with the removal of protective seals from grout and granite counters. Once these seals are removed, these surfaces begin to stain. Note I did not say they can stain; I said they start to stain. The reason is that the very act of cleaning begins to solubilize dirt from the tile or counter surface and push this dirt-laden water across and into these now open pores, which capture the dirt. Once the water evaporates, the dirt is left behind – in the open pore – slowly filling it until the dirty color creates a dingy appearance. Many people turn to vinegar for these applications because it is perceived to be a natural alternative to many commercial cleaning products.
The process to remove a seal with acid is so effective, restoration companies that need to remove the seal to coat or recoat a surface can remove the seal in a single application. The point is the use of vinegar or acids to remove a seal is VERY EFFECTIVE, which is a problem when we are cleaning.
In many cases, we are driven to clean because we see a dingy to stained surface. This can create a self-fulfilling process if using vinegar as we are making the root cause condition worse with each application.
Common uses of vinegar in household cleaning include removing limescale from kettles and showerheads, deodorizing surfaces, and cleaning glass to a streak-free shine. This is where vinegar can shine... unless you are doing this on an acid-sensitive surface such as marble, limestone, concrete, or terrazzo as the vinegar will dissolve these surfaces themselves resulting in a slow dulling of the shine.
Vinegar is also employed in cleaning kitchen surfaces, where its acidity helps cut through grease and grime. Like everything, vinegar has places where it can shine but is not a panacea product. Got to clean porcelain or Corian surfaces this can work.
Vinegar’s Effects on Different Surfaces
Vinegar’s acidic properties can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the surface being cleaned. On some surfaces, vinegar’s ability to break down minerals and dissolve grime is beneficial. For example, it can effectively remove hard water stains from glass and tiles (neither of which are acid-sensitive, however the grout around the tiles could see negative impact on its seal), leaving them clear and shiny. Similarly, vinegar is excellent at cutting through grease on kitchen countertops and stovetops, making these areas easier to maintain.
However, vinegar’s acidity can be detrimental to acid-sensitive materials. Surfaces such as marble, travertine, limestone, concrete, and terrazzo, which contain calcium carbonate, can be dissolved by acids like vinegar. The acid reacts with the calcium carbonate, dissolving it and leading to etching and dullness. This can leave behind unsightly spill marks, spots, rings, and a general loss of the natural shine and luster of these surfaces. The damage can be so significant that professional restoration is often required to repair the affected areas.
Vinegar can also negatively impact grout and sealants. While it might clean the tile surfaces effectively, the acid can degrade silicone-based sealants used on grout, making it more susceptible to staining and damage. Repeated use of vinegar can strip away these protective layers, leading to a porous surface that absorbs dirt and grime more easily.
Understanding these effects is crucial for homeowners who want to maintain the beauty and longevity of their surfaces. While vinegar is a powerful cleaner, it’s essential to use it wisely and avoid applying it to materials that are vulnerable to acid damage.
Granite vs. Vinegar – Myths and Facts
There are several myths surrounding the use of vinegar on granite, leading to confusion about its safety and effectiveness. One common myth is that acids like vinegar can dull granite. This belief stems from the fact that acids can damage many natural stone surfaces, such as marble and limestone.
However, granite is generally impervious to acids. This resistance is one of the reasons why granite is often preferred over marble for countertops. Granite’s composition makes it highly durable and able to withstand acidic substances without becoming etched or dull. So, while vinegar can cause significant damage to marble and similar stones, it does not have the same effect on granite itself. However, it is the seal used to prevent the naturally occurring pores in granite from being stained, that is acid-sensitive and if removed can lead to staining or gradually seeing the surface become “dingy.”
The Real Concern – Granite Sealants
The real issue with using vinegar on granite lies not in the granite itself but in the penetrating seals used to seal the naturally occurring pores in the stone. Granite countertops are typically sealed to prevent staining and to enhance their appearance. These sealants fill the pores in the granite, creating a protective barrier against spills and other potential sources of damage. Failing to seal, or remove the penetrating seal, and the surface can suffer from 2 types of staining.
The first is the result of a local colorful spill. Think red wine or tomato juice seeping into the surface in the spill area, turning a white granite a light red. This is the local spill stain. The second is the gradual dingy appearance associated with the very act of cleaning where we solubilize oil and dirt with our cleaner and then wipe it across the now open pores into which the dirty cleaner water is wiped. Once the water evaporates it leaves the dirt behind to build up with each cleaning until we can see the dirt color impacting the natural brightness of the granite making it look “Dingy."
Vinegar’s acidity can strip away these sealants, diminishing their effectiveness. When the sealant is compromised, the granite becomes more susceptible to staining from everyday spills. Over time, using vinegar to clean granite can lead to areas where the sealant has been stripped away, leaving the stone exposed and more likely to absorb stains.
Using vinegar on granite can result in a breakdown of the sealant, causing the surface to lose its protective layer. Contrary to popular belief, the seal can be removed in one cleaning. We know because MARBLELIFE uses acidic cleaners to remove seals when seeking to color stain or coat a surface and can do so with a single application. This makes it easier for substances to penetrate the granite, leading to stains that can be difficult and expensive to remove. While dirt and oil are easy to wipe off a surface, once in a pore below the average surface of the counter, wiping action cannot touch it. No agitation can reach it. We are forced to use much slower adsorption processes which may take several applications plus the right dissolving chemical to target and dissolve what we are seeking to get out of the pore. Think chocolate. It is gooey and liquid when hot, but once it solidifies, it is solid and unmoving. The best approach to maintaining granite’s beauty and functionality is to use cleaners specifically designed for granite on a sealed granite surface to keep dirt and oil on the surface.
Proper Granite Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your granite surfaces starts with using the right cleaning products. Surfactant-based cleaners, like MARBLELIFE® GRANITE & QUARTZ CLEANER, are specifically designed to safely clean granite without damaging its sealant. These cleaners work by breaking down and lifting away oils, grease, and other residues without leaving streaks or residues that can dull the surface.
If you are not sure your granite has been sealed, seal it. Applying a seal is very simple. MARBLELIFE STONE SEALER needs only to be poured or wiped on, allowed to absorb for a few minutes, and then wiped off the excess. We want the seal in the pores, not on the counter surface.
If you have been told you do not need to seal your counter because your slab has been resinated, this is not entirely accurate. Resination is a process where a polyester resin is drawn through the stone to enhance its flexibility and reduce its brittleness so that the slab may be more easily transported across oceans without the slabs cracking. This process only fills pores that traverse the entire stone front to back. Pores that do not traverse the slab remain unaffected. For this reason, the granite industry cannot claim resination will seal the stone. This is often misstated by well-intentioned fabricators when, in fact, all granite counters need to apply the seal to avoid staining.
Using microfiber cloths for cleaning and maintenance is another essential practice. Microfiber cloths are gentle on granite surfaces and effective at picking up dust and debris. Their structure gives them more surface area than a standard cloth, which makes adsorbing oils easier, allowing these to be lifted from the surface efficiently.
Sealing Granite
Sealing your granite surfaces is crucial for maintaining their durability and appearance. Granite is a porous material, which means it can absorb liquids and become stained if not properly sealed. Applying a sealant every two years helps to create a barrier that protects the granite from spills, stains, and other potential damage.
The sealing process involves cleaning the granite thoroughly and then applying a high-quality granite sealer. This sealer penetrates the pores of the granite, providing long-lasting protection. Regular sealing not only helps to prevent stains but also makes everyday cleaning easier, as the surface becomes more resistant to absorbing dirt and grime.
Avoiding Common Cleaning Mistakes
There are several myths about cleaning granite that can lead to improper care. One common myth is that using warm water or mild dish soap is sufficient for cleaning granite surfaces. While soap and water can clean the surface, they often leave behind soap streaks and residues that can dull the finish over time. They do so by building up over time. Your granite is shiny, but it’s beneath a layer of dull soap film.
Another myth is that simply cleaning with water is enough. However, water contains dissolved minerals and contaminants that can build up and cause streaks or deposits on the granite surface. Using purified water or a specialized cleaner is a better option to avoid this issue. In either case, water can do little to remove oils as we all know oil and water do not mix well. For this reason, surfactants were developed that are built with a water-loving side and an oil-loving side. These materials line up around the oil with the oil-loving side in the oil and wanting the water-loving side to be in water. This allows us to mix oil and water together when water naturally would not want to do so.
Additionally, clean-and-shine products are often marketed as beneficial for granite, but these products contain oils or waxes. These substances can create a temporary shine but attract dust and dirt, which can make the granite surface harder to keep clean in the long run. The waxes deposited in the surface build up over time, as the cleaner is not designed to remove them but rather to deposit them. Worst of all, if a clean surface is defined to be free of all foreign material, dirt, or oil, a cleaner designed to deposit oils or wax has failed its purpose for existence as a cleaner. These products are not cleaners but rather depositors. Ultimately these products will require a professional cleaning before a proper cleaner will work, as the wax now blocks the actual surface.
It’s important to use high-quality, well-engineered cleaning products specifically formulated for granite surfaces. Surrender the notion that all cleaners are equal or that experimenting has no risks. As soon as you use a clean-and-polish cleaner, the surface is wax-contaminated, will look smeary, and will trap dirt and oil.
Professional Granite Restoration Services
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when your granite surfaces require professional care. If you notice that your granite has become dull, has persistent stains, or shows streaks that regular cleaning can’t remove, it might be time to seek professional help. These signs indicate that the granite sealant may have worn off or that the surface has accumulated buildup that requires more intensive cleaning.
Benefits of MARBLELIFE’s Professional Services
MARBLELIFE’s professional services offer specialized techniques to address these issues and restore your granite to its original beauty. Our experts are trained to remove stains, streaks, and dull spots using advanced methods that go beyond what standard cleaning can achieve. By choosing professional services, you ensure that your granite surfaces receive the care they need to look their best.
One of the key benefits of MARBLELIFE’s services is the long-term savings. Regular professional maintenance can prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements by addressing problems early and maintaining the granite’s protective seal. Additionally, our experts can provide personalized advice on how to care for your granite, helping you to avoid common pitfalls and extend the life of your surfaces.
In conclusion, proper granite care and maintenance involve using the right cleaning products, regularly sealing the surfaces, and knowing when to seek professional help. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your granite remains beautiful and durable for years to come. If you need assistance or have any questions about granite care, contact MARBLELIFE for a FREE CONSULTATION and explore our range of specialized products designed to protect and enhance your granite surfaces.
Get Free Consultation from MARBLELIFE
While granite is exceptionally durable and generally impervious to acids like vinegar, the sealants used to protect it are not. Using vinegar can strip away these sealants, making your granite surfaces more susceptible to stains. To maintain the beauty and durability of your granite, use surfactant-based cleaners, regularly seal the surfaces, and avoid common cleaning mistakes.
For professional advice and services, contact MARBLELIFE at 888-463-2780 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our experts can help you preserve your granite’s pristine condition and provide specialized products tailored to your needs.
