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Homeowners whose floors are covered with ceramic tiles or laminate materials often use bleach to remove mold. For natural-stone surfaces, bleach cannot be recommended for various reasons.
Can you use bleach on stone countertops?
Bleach: While bleach is a great disinfectant, it can dull the finish of your granite and in some cases even change its color. There are other, safer, ways to disinfect your stone, so avoid bleach and any products that contain it when cleaning your granite.
Can you use bleach on stone walls?
Don’t ever mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas! Do use plain white vinegar or lemon juice (which are mild and natural cleaners) to remove hard water stains. For older stains, larger areas or heavier concentrations, contact your natural stone contractor for help.
Is it OK to use bleach on grout?
We highly advise against using ammonia or bleach to clean any grout. Cleaning solutions that contain bleach or ammonia will not only work to erode your grout over time, they will cause your grout to become even dirtier by leaving a film behind, which attracts dirt.
Can you clean granite with bleach?
You should avoid using acid-based cleaners — lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach-based — on granite. The acids contained in these cleaners will degrade the sealant and can leave unsightly stains on the countertop.
How do I disinfect my countertops with bleach?
How To Clean Countertops One. Prep. Remove all countertop items and wipe counter with a wet sponge. Two. Mix. Pour 1/2 cup of Clorox Regular Bleach 1 with CLOROMAX® into 1 gallon of water. Three. Wipe. Wipe counter with bleach solution. Four. Wait. Wait 5 minutes for disinfecting. Five. Rinse. Rinse with warm water. Six. Dry.
Is baking soda safe to use on granite?
Remove stains from your countertop without damaging the natural stone by using these tips: Apply a baking soda paste: No matter what you spilled, odds are baking soda can help remove it. Then rinse and wipe the granite with a soft cloth to hopefully reveal a stain-free surface.
Can you use bleach to clean natural stone?
Bleach, ammonia, and vinegar are part of a trifecta that can weaken the protective seal of natural stone and damage the surface. Their very high or very low pH levels make them abrasive and caustic.
How do you clean an unsealed stone?
Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap. Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface with clean, clear water after washing. Do blot up spills immediately. Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets, or placemats.
Can you use vinegar on natural stone?
Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces. Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners. Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
What do professionals use to clean grout?
Q: What do professionals use to clean grout? A: whether you believe it or not, most professionals use a solution of white vinegar and water with a 1:1 ratio. This solution is often more effective than dedicated Ph-neutral grout cleaners.
Does toothpaste clean grout?
Dab some white, non-gel toothpaste onto the grout. Scrub with a toothbrush. When you’re done, rinse a cloth with liquid dish soap and water, and wipe clean.
What is the best homemade cleaner for granite?
Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
Will vinegar harm granite countertops?
Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for granite?
Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. No matter the source of the stain, start with baking soda. If you wish to clean a water stain, mix the baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
Do I need to rinse after cleaning with bleach?
Rinsing thoroughly after using the disinfecting bleach solution should prevent any residue from being left behind. If there is ever leftover residue when cleaning with bleach, it usually means you didn’t dilute your bleach enough.
Is bleach toxic when dry?
Such a reaction would result in the release of chlorine gas, an asphyxiant, which can prove fatal if it comes in contact with your eyes or lungs. Benzoni says any cleaner should be allowed to dry completely before applying a bleach solution.
What happens if you don’t dilute bleach?
Household bleach is no more effective in disinfecting at higher concentrations than at those recommended by the manufacturer, according to Laumbach. “You should dilute it to prevent irritation of skin, eyes and the respiratory tract. Higher concentrations are potentially harmful overkill.”Jun 11, 2020.
Can you use baking soda on natural stone?
Combine about 45 grams of baking soda with about a liter of water and mix well in a medium-sized bowl. Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the surface. Allow the paste to dry for about 5 hours, then use a microfiber cloth and warm water to rinse. Dry buff with a clean microfiber or chamois cloth.
What gets hard water stains off granite?
While it’s not generally wise to use abrasive cleaners on your natural stone countertops, you can safely treat stubborn hard water stains with a paste of baking soda and water. Simply apply it to the affected area and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.