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I take advantage of my selfmade all-purpose cleaner on virtually every part round the home, however it doesn’t work for each floor. Our residence has granite kitchen counter tops, and since granite generally is a little fickle relying on what you employ to scrub it, I made a decision to check out a selfmade granite cleaner.
After a number of makes an attempt, I discovered the precise system. This pure granite cleaner successfully will get my counter tops clear and streak-free with out damaging them, and fortunately, it’s nonetheless quick and easy to make! Simplicity is essential in terms of selfmade cleansing merchandise, and this one isn’t any exception.
Why Any Old Cleaner Won’t Do
There are loads of selfmade pure cleaners on the market, however granite is a choosy materials in terms of cleansing. Vinegar or lemon juice is acidic and might etch its floor. Baking soda will be too abrasive and may also scratch. Some store-bought cleaners may also strip the protecting sealant off of the attractive granite.
Even plain previous cleaning soap and water received’t do the trick. Dish cleaning soap can go away a movie if an excessive amount of is used, and plain water isn’t nice both as a result of it doesn’t disinfect and infrequently leaves streaks.
So… what’s a mama to do when she desires clear granite counters?
It’s a lot simpler than it sounds!
A DIY Granite Countertop Cleaner That Works!
So, what does work to scrub granite counters? Although lots of my normal pure cleansing substances are off the record for this DIY recipe, one easy ingredient (plus water) cleans granite to perfection.
All you actually need is a bit alcohol added to water to scrub granite. Alcohol is a disinfectant and evaporates rapidly, so the cleaner doesn’t go away streaks behind. (I normally use vodka however rubbing alcohol works nicely, too.)
Store-bought pure granite cleaners are far more costly than my selfmade model and include the identical primary system as this one. One well-liked pure granite cleansing possibility accommodates water, alcohol, a surfactant (like cleaning soap), preservatives, and pure and synthetic fragrances.
This selfmade granite cleaner works the identical, minus the much less supreme stuff. Plus, it helps you lower your expenses!
Granite Cleaner Recipe
This selfmade cleaner is easy to make, as I discussed earlier than, and it actually works. You’ll want alcohol (vodka or rubbing alcohol), castile cleaning soap, water, and important oils. That’s it!
Even although you actually solely want alcohol and water, I do like to incorporate a really small quantity of castile cleaning soap to assist reduce via grease and dirt. Just a few drops of important oils add a pleasant odor (and a few cleansing energy), and also you’re all set! I retailer my DIY granite cleaner in a glass spray bottle, particularly once I use citrus oils.
Favorite Essential Oils for Cleaning Granite
Of course, I really feel a bit further reward for my effort when my kitchen not solely seems clear however smells contemporary too. And let’s face it, in a pure kitchen with a number of youngsters cooking and from-scratch meals prep occurring, I want a bit further cleansing energy at instances.
Thankfully, there are two oils which might be particularly good for cleansing within the kitchen and secure to be used on granite.
Basil
Basil is a favourite herb to make use of within the kitchen and can be antibacterial and antiviral. This examine discovered that it efficiently inhibited E-coli, in addition to numerous strains of micro organism and fungi. The scent of basil important oil additionally helps to uplift and energize.
Grapefruit
Citrus oils are well-liked in selfmade cleaners for his or her refreshing scent. Grapefruit important oil pairs nicely with basil, and it’s used on this granite cleaner for its vary of antimicrobial advantages.
This examine checked out frequent hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic-resistant strains. Grapefruit confirmed appreciable efficacy in opposition to the antibiotic-resistant strains examined, together with MRSA and resistant strains of candida.
Note: I did point out that vinegar and lemon juice are too acidic to make use of on granite, so I needed to verify if a citrus important oil can be secure to make use of in a granite cleaner. Yes, citrus oils will be caustic in terms of plastic, which is why they should be saved in glass bottles. In this recipe, nevertheless, the grapefruit oil is diluted to about .25%. Also, in contrast to citrus juice, citrus oils don’t have an acidic pH. From what I’ve seen, there shouldn’t be any concern in terms of utilizing diluted citrus oils on granite.
Other Essential Oils for Cleaning
I all the time take pleasure in switching up oils once I make selfmade cleaners. When you’re prepared for a change, be at liberty to substitute with totally different ones. Lavender and lemon are cleaning and odor nice collectively. Another good possibility is the antimicrobial powerhouses of cinnamon, clove, and orange in a “thieves” kind mix. I additionally love tea tree oil because it’s naturally antibacterial and may also help as a disinfectant.
There are loads of oils and mixtures which might be nice for cleansing. It actually simply will depend on choice.
DIY Natural Granite Cleaner Recipe
Instructions
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Combine all substances within the spray bottle, and shake nicely to mix. Shake nicely earlier than every use.
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To use the granite cleaner, shake and spray liberally on a granite floor. Wipe the granite gently with a material, making use of a bit extra elbow grease the place wanted.
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Enjoy lovely, shiny counter tops!
Protecting Granite from Damage
Using a devoted, granite-safe cleaner is simply step one in terms of protecting your granite floor wanting pretty much as good as new. Here are another ideas for care:
- Wipe up spills instantly to keep away from staining.
- Use pot holders or coasters when setting heat or chilly gadgets on granite counter tops.
- Refresh the protecting coating on granite counter tops when wanted. We haven’t wanted to make use of a sealer on ours but, however fortunately there are some greener choices on the market.
What have you ever used for granite cleaners? Which pure choices work finest for you?