Handling Granite in Commercial Cleaning

As a commercial cleaning company, you have a responsibility to not only get the job done but also to uphold the quality of the space you are cleaning. Sometimes we encounter a surface that cannot be cleaned with our go-to supplies without damaging or lowering the lifespan of the material.

Granite, unfortunately, is one of those materials. It is a gorgeous stone, but it needs to be handled with care to preserve its lifelong qualities. The biggest concern when it comes to granite is using harsh or abrasive cleaners, sponges or cloths, they will wear down the finish and damage the stone. 

The first step to granite care is to check the surface. Determine if the stone has ever had a sealer, wax, acrylic, or other enhancer and if possible, find out what company manufactured them. Do your research on these products and make a cleaning plan from the information you find. If you cannot access this information, then follow some general care and precautions when cleaning the stone and recommend the importance of sealing the stone.

Granite Flooring

If you are working with granite flooring, make sure to dust and mop the floors frequently. When mopping the floors use a stone floor cleaner or a mild neutral cleaner. Don’t forget to put your wet floor sign up, as granite floors can become extremely slippery when wet! It can be a great idea to protect the flooring by using non-slip mats before entering the area, especially on heavily trafficked walkways. This will lower the amount of dirt, dust, and gritty material that could be tracked in on individual’s shoes. Granite is easily scratched by these particles so prevention and daily removal of the tracked in materials is key for retaining the smooth and original look of the flooring. 

Granite Surfaces

A few dos and don’ts of maintaining granite countertops are as follows:

• Do encourage the use of coasters, especially on surfaces that will come into contact with alcohol, vinegar oils, citrus, coffee, and other acidic products. Also make sure any spills are blotted up immediately to prevent staining of the surface.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the surface. Bleach or ammonia products are not to be used on granite. Also, avoid using vinegar and citrus scented cleaners. The milder the cleaner, the better.
• Do use soft cloths or sponges and avoid scrubbing. Scrubbing can breakdown your sealant leaving your granite exposed to more wear and tear, so wiping off any spills immediately before it needs to be scrubbed is the safest for your counters. The same goes for granite flooring.
• Do make sure to wipe down and clean your granite daily to avoid buildup of dirt and grime. Granite is a porous material and the sealers used are susceptible to scratches from dust and gritty materials. Daily cleaning is crucial to extending the life of the surface sealant to avoid future liquid absorption.

With these tips, you can ensure your customer's granite surfaces will shine like new for years to come. And for all of your commercial and granite cleaner supply needs, look no further than Action Unlimited Resources.