How To Use CLR On A Granite Countertop

Granite is a beautiful natural stone that has a variety of uses and is very popular in homes. Granite floors and countertops are among some of the most popular uses for the material. However, any stone exposed to significant moisture levels over the course a day will wind up showing a buildup of calcium and limescale on the surface. Before reaching for your CLR cleanser, you should first investigate what cleansers are safe for granite.

Granite is a beautiful, natural stone that is mostly installed in houses to showcase the beauty and depth of the finish of the stone. However, like all-natural stone, granite will eventually accrue buildup on its surface from contact with hard water if used in an area that sees a lot of condensation and moisture.

Hard water buildup generally takes the form of white spots on the surface of the stone that doesn't wipe away with soap and water. The buildup can also cause a white translucent sheen over the surface of the stone. Although these mineral deposits are not harmful or in any way dangerous or damaging to the stone, they are certainly an eyesore. Most people prefer to do what they can to eliminate them.

Although it's not difficult to remove calcium or limescale buildups from granite using the proper tools, it's important to be sure that you're using the appropriate cleanser for your granite stone. While CLR is an excellent choice for removing buildup on porcelain tile, ceramic tile, stainless steel and other fixtures, it is far too acidic for use on natural stone.

Often, people make the mistake of applying CLR on granite and permanently etching the stone or creating dark marks that can never be removed. There are specific granite stain remover products for people who are experiencing excessive calcium or lime buildup on their granite countertops. There is a CLR stone cleaner that is a dedicated product especially for natural stone like marble, granite, shale and other materials.

The heavy buildup may require scraping the deposits off of the surface of the granite with a putty knife or something similar. Once you've cleared off the thickest deposits, you can begin to apply a commercial stone cleaning product. Rub the product into the surface of the stone using a clean, soft cloth. Avoid anything abrasive like steel wool or heavy-duty scrubbing pads. These can scrape and damage the surface of the stone.

Aside from CLR granite cleaner, there are other products designed to remove water stains and mineral deposits from the surface of the granite. Poultice products are available for deep, heavy stains. These products are easy to use and safe for all varieties of natural stone.

These granite stain remover products can be applied and suck up any extraneous damage from deep in the stone. They are a thick paste that is applied, covered with plastic and left to sit for about 24 hours. The poultice is then scraped off to reveal the clean surface, which you will need to rinse with warm water and dry promptly.

A good way to avoid needing to deal with heavy mineral deposits in granite and other natural stone is to practice daily maintenance, keeping things clean and dry before buildup can occur. Wipe up spills and splashes immediately, ensuring that areas exposed regularly to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, have sufficient and regular ventilation.

For daily cleaning and management, use a cloth and gentle soap and water to keep the area clean and free of buildup. Make sure you dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth in between uses.