Sinks made of granite are often covered with a sealant that protects the natural stone from scratches and erosion. When cleaning a granite sink you must use a mild cleaning product that does not alter the sealant or cause stains. To remove stubborn dirt, which does not disappear with ordinary cleaning, you must use a product based on whiting powder and hydrogen peroxide, which absorbs the stain directly from the stone. Read on to learn exactly how to clean and treat tough stains on your granite sink.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: General Cleaning
Step 1. Rinse and dry the sink completely after each use
This way you prevent food and other kitchen residues from drying out and hardening on the surface; you can also protect the sink from the minerals present in the tap water that can form limescale.
Step 2. Make a homemade cleaning mixture of liquid dish soap and water
The cleaner removes dirt and streaks from the sink without scratching or damaging the surface of the granite.
Put a few drops of liquid dish soap in a bucket and fill it with water to create a cleaning solution
Step 3. Dip a sponge or soft microfiber cloth into the mixture
Abrasive cleaning materials such as wire wool or steel wool can scratch or permanently damage the surface of the granite; a microfiber fabric instead allows you to gently remove dirt without causing damage.
Step 4. Be gentle when using the sponge or soft microfiber cloth to clean the sink
Step 5. When finished, rinse the sink to remove any soap residue
If your granite sink has a matte finish, there may be some soap residue on the surface after cleaning.
Step 6. Dry the sink using a soft, dry microfiber towel or rag
Method 2 of 2: Remove Hard Stains
Step 1. Mix a solution of powdered whiting paste and hydrogen peroxide
A blend of these two ingredients is able to absorb stains and remove them from granite.
You can buy whiting powder at centers specializing in construction and renovation materials; be sure to follow the instructions on the package by mixing the product with the right amount of hydrogen peroxide
Step 2. Apply the mixture directly to the stained area of the sink
For it to be effective you need to leave a layer at least 6 mm thick.
Step 3. Cover the area with cling film and tape it to the surface
This way the mixture can absorb and completely remove the stain.
Step 4. Wait until the dough dries completely
Sometimes, it can take up to 2 days; however this period may vary according to the indications given on the whiting powder packaging.
Step 5. Once dried, remove the dried pasta with a soft sponge or towel
Step 6. Rinse the area thoroughly to remove any slurry residue
At this point the stain will have disappeared from the surface of the granite.
Continue repeating the treatment after the first attempt if the stain has not been completely removed
Advice
- To restore shine to an opaque sink, buy a specific detergent solution for granite that you can easily find on the market or a product suitable for natural stone; use it following the directions on the package.
- If you are concerned that certain cleaning methods or solutions are unsafe to use on your granite sink, contact the sink manufacturer. Usually, he is able to provide advice on safe treatments.
