Granite FAQs – Favored Stone Guides

If you're a DIY-head and you have a lot of things around you that are granite, like countertops, sinks, floors, or vases, you might be wondering if you can use baking soda on them. Or have a point in time wondered if you can use baking soda on your granite? Well, the short answer is yes! You can certainly use baking soda on granite to clean it, remove grease stains, and make it shine. All you need to do is mix one part baking soda with two parts water and then use a soft cloth to rub the mixture onto the granite gently. That is the short answer! Here's what I will cover in the rest of the article; What's in baking soda,Granite surfaces,The benefits of using baking soda on granite surfaces,The potential downsides,How to safely use baking soda on granite surfaces. Let's get into it! What's In Baking Soda? To be able to understand the benefits of using baking soda on granite, you need to know what's in baking soda. Baking soda is made up of sodium bicarbonate crystals. These crystals are amphoteric, meaning that they can react with both acids and bases. The pH of baking soda is around eight, which means it's slightly alkaline. When you mix baking soda with water, it creates a mildly abrasive solution that can be used to clean surfaces like granite. This is one of the reasons why baking soda is such an awesome remedy for natural stone surfaces like granite countertops, sinks, and floors. Granite Surfaces Granite surfaces, whether they are countertops, sinks, or floors, are porous. This means that they can absorb liquids and stains. So when planning to clean them, you need to look for solutions or products that will not only clean the surface but also won't damage or ruin it. Granite as a natural stone requires products that are pH neutral or slightly acidic in order to clean and polish the surface without damaging it. Meaning you do not want to go near anything that is too acidic or too alkaline because it can cause etching (dull spots) or even break down the sealant on your granite surfaces. As we have learned earlier, baking soda has a pH of eight, which is slightly alkaline and, if properly diluted with water, can be used as a cleaning solution for granite surfaces. The Benefits Of Using Baking Soda On Granite There are a lot of benefits of using baking soda on your granite surfaces. Here are a few of the most notable ones; 1. Baking Soda Is A Natural Cleaner Baking soda is a natural cleaner that can be used to clean granite surfaces without damaging them. Baking soda contains powerful cleaning properties that can remove dirt, grime, and stains from surfaces like granite countertops and sinks. Baking soda can be used to clean anything from tea stains, coffee stains, and grease stains safely without etching or discoloring your precious granite surface. If your granite countertops have a sticky residue on them, do not worry at all! You can use baking soda and water solution to remove the residue without damaging your countertops. 2. Baking Soda Is A Natural Odor Remover Another thing that makes using baking soda such an awesome remedy is the fact that it's a natural odor remover. If you have any unpleasant smells coming from your granite surfaces, simply sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. The baking soda will absorb the odors, leaving your granite surfaces smelling fresh and clean. Baking soda will work on odors resulting from spills, cooking, smoking, pets, and even mold and mildew. 3. Baking Soda Is Non-Toxic The best part about baking soda is that it's non-toxic. This means that it's safe to use around kids and pets. You do not have to worry about your little ones or furry friends coming into contact with toxic chemicals when you're cleaning your granite surfaces with baking soda. So if you're looking for a safe and effective way to clean your granite surfaces, look no further than baking soda! The Potential Downsides While there are a lot of benefits to using baking soda on your granite surfaces, there are also some potential downsides that you should be aware of. 1. Baking Soda Is Caustic Meaning when mixed with something like vinegar, baking soda can stain or etch your granite surfaces. Not only that, some people find it irritating when baking soda is also mixed with the wrong stuff. So it is always a good idea to properly mix your baking soda with water before using it on your granite surfaces. If you're unsure about the ratio, it's always better to err on the side of caution and use less baking soda rather than more. 2. Baking Soda Is Abrasive Baking soda is also abrasive, which means that if you use too much of it or scrub too hard, you could end up putting some ugly scratches on your granite surfaces. So when using baking soda to clean your granite, be sure to use it sparingly and scrub gently. 3. It Can Get Messy Baking soda can also get pretty messy, especially if you're not careful. When using baking soda to clean your granite surfaces, be sure to work in small areas and wipe up any spills immediately. I have had a lot of people in the past who told me it was such a drag removing all of the baking soda residues after cleaning with it. How To Safely Use Baking Soda On Granite Surfaces Now that we've gone over some of the benefits of potential downsides of using baking soda on your granite surfaces let's talk about how you can use it safely. The most important thing to remember is to always dilute your baking soda with water before using it on your granite surfaces. Never use baking soda alone or mix it with something too alkaline or acidic, as this could potentially damage your granite. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda on your granite surfaces no matter what kind of stain you're trying to remove: Step One: First, make a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with water.You want to use a ratio of one part baking soda to two parts water. Step Two: Once you have your paste, apply it to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes to hours, depending on the type of stain, grime, or dirt you have going on.For tough stains, you may need to let the paste sit overnight.For sticky spills, like honey or syrup, you'll want to let the paste sit for at least an hour before proceeding to the next step. Step Three: After the paste has had time to work its magic, it's time to start scrubbing.Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge and gently scrub the area in a circular motion until the stain is gone.You can also use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste. Step Four: Once you're satisfied with the results, rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a soft towel. And that's it! You've successfully used baking soda to clean your granite surfaces without damaging them. Final Thoughts To wrap up, baking soda is a great home remedy for cleaning your granite surfaces. While there are better granite surface cleaners on the market, baking soda is a safe and effective way to clean your granite without damaging it. Just remember to always dilute the baking soda with water before using it on your granite surfaces and to be gentle when scrubbing. If you follow these simple tips, you'll have no problem keeping your granite looking like new for years to come.