Granite Cleaner Reviews: Supreme Surface Cleaner for Granite Countertops

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Tom Munro

The following review was sent to us from Kathy Samples from Geneva, Il.

Hi Tom,

Just wanted to say Kudos to you and your wife for creating an excellent cleaning product for granite.  Kirk and I ordered some of your granite cleaner and believe it or not, I actually enjoy cleaning my counters now (not an easy task in a family of 6!!)…and it smells nice too. So, even when the rest of my house isn’t clean, it at least smells it! lol
Anyway, just wanted to share that with you, as I’m sure you both put much time, effort and $$ into it. Work well done, my friend. I will most definitely share with others.

Take good care.
~Kathy

The following review was sent to us from Laurie J. Giaco from Strongsville, OH.

“I received your free bottle of granite countertop cleaner and I absolutely think it is the BEST.  I have about 5 different granite countertop cleaners under my cabinets to use and this is my one and ONLY favorite.  I love the smell and I love how thin it comes out in the spray bottle.  It is more of a mist than a stream.  You use less and it works absolutely wonderfully.  I am glad I can now purchase more.  I just stumbled upon your website and ordered.  I think giving away the free bottles to try was the best thing you could have done am I’m sure once people try it they will definitely like it!”

 

Thank you!

The following review was sent to us by Cheri Fowler from Kimberly, Idaho. We received her review about two weeks after she purchased Supreme Surface Granite Countertop Cleaner.

Hi Tom,

Well, you have a very happy new customer!  I tried the Supreme Surface Granite cleaner & conditioner and loved it!  I have been using another cleaning product our granite installer suggested for the past four years.  It was starting to leave a gritty type of build up, that I felt when I would wipe my hand across my granite counters.  Your Granite cleaner right away has given the shine and beauty back to my granite.  The scent of the cleaner is wonderful as well.  I am looking forward to receiving the other samples of your stone shower cleaner and the scum and mineral remover when they come out in the forth quarter sometime.  Is it possible to email me when they are ready for sale?

Once again, I appreciate your cleaning product and your help!  I am really looking forward to using your cleaning product to get the soap scum out of my travertine shower.  Question, If I were to reseal my shower, what is your favorite sealer for travertine.

Thanks again Tom,

Cheri

 

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Remove Granite Stains With A Poultice

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Tom Munro
Photo of an organic granite stain.

The most common stains in granite are organic stains. Learn how to properly remove them.

One common method used to remove granite stains is by creating a poultice. A poultice should be used as a last resort for stains that cannot be removed by a regular granite cleaner. Since granite is somewhat porous even when sealed, it can stain if spills are not cleaned up in a timely manner. Always try to clean a spill as soon as possible, because the longer the spill is on the granite, marble, or other natural stone surface, the harder it is to pull the stain. Be sure to blot up spills instead of wiping them, as this could spread the liquid over a larger area causing the stain to spread. After any excess liquid has been removed, use a pH balanced granite cleaner that will also condition granite, marble, limestone, and quartz countertops. If a stain is still visible, a poultice may be necessary. Before making a poultice, it is important to determine what has caused the stain because different stains require different chemicals. Since the stain has settled into the granite or marble countertop due to the porous surface, it can be re- absorbed out of the surface in the same way. The poultice absorbs the stain much like a sponge. Generally speaking, a poultice is a chemical-powder mixture with the consistency of peanut butter. It could be made with paper towel, talc, whiting chalk, and certain clays. Depending on the type of stain, you would mix the powder with a chemical such as acetone, ammonia, or mineral spirits. This mixture is placed on top of the stain about 1/4-inch thick and covered with plastic. Tape the plastic to the surface to seal the edges. If you are using paper towel, you would soak it in the chemical and cover the paper towel with plastic and tape the edges. Saran wrap or a sandwich baggy could be used. Poke several small holes in the plastic so that the poultice can thoroughly dry. Through the drying process, the chemical in the poultice pulls the stain out of the top levels of granite. Letting the poultice dry completely is very important, because if it is not left on the stain long enough, it will not work at capacity. Drying could take between 24 and 48 hours. After the poultice has dried, rinse the area with water and go over it with a good granite cleaner. This process can be repeated three to five times if necessary. Remember, though, that harsh and abrasive chemicals should only be used as a last resort because they could potentially damage granite countertops over time. The best way to maintain your investment is by preventing stains and conditioning the natural stone surface with a high quality granite cleaner!

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How to Remove Organic Stains from Granite Countertops

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Tom Munro
Photo of an organic granite stain.

The most common stains in granite are organic stains. Learn how to properly remove them.

Although rare, occasionally people need to know how to remove stains from granite countertops. Typically this problem occurs when granite is not sealed or cared for properly and preventative measures are not taken. In an ideal world, spills on granite countertops would be wiped away immediately, but if a child spills Kool-Aid or juice on the counter and a parent doesn’t notice for several hours, it’s possible for the granite to stain. Depending on the sealer and how it was applied, sealed granite can still somewhat be porous, meaning liquids can seep into the surface and infiltrate the top layers of stone. Since harsh chemicals are not usually recommended to clean granite, marble, or other natural stones, they should only be used as a last resort when no other cleaning agent will remove the stain. The first thing you need to do when you notice the stain on granite is determine what it was caused by.  There are several stain removal methods for different types of stains, so it is important that you identify the staining agent. Don’t ever use more chemicals than you need because harsh and abrasive chemicals can etch and dull the surface of marble or granite countertops over time.

Organic Stains

One of the most prevalent types of stain are classified as organic stains.  Although rare, some of the most common stains on granite are organic stains. These stains are caused by substances such as coffee, tea, red wine, fruits, other foods, bark, and bird droppings.  The longer the organic stain sits on your stone, the harder it is to remove so it is best to act quickly when you notice it.  The Marble Institute of America recommends a mixture containing twelve percent hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.

  • First, soak a white cloth or paper towel in the hydrogen peroxide mix.
  • Cover the stain with the soaked cloth and tap out the bubble  by pressing firmly to ensure the entire stain has been covered and has full contact with the surface of the stone.
  • Cover the cloth with a piece of plastic wrap and tape the edges to the counter with masking tape.
  • Let the cloth sit on top of the stain for 24-48 hours depending on how long the stain has been on the counter.
  • After the cloth has saturated the stain for the appropriate amount of time, remove the plastic wrap and leave the cloth until it dries completely.
  • If the stain is still visible, you may repeat the process three to four times.

If this process has neglected to remove the stain, you may need to contact a professional.  Remember, granite countertops are low maintenance and the best way to care for granite is to “Properly” care for your granite. Always practice preventative maintenance and regular cleansing with a high quality granite cleaner!

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100% Naturally Derived Stone Cleaners: Safer and Not Harmful To Your Health

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Tom Munro

Looking for an 100% naturally derived granite cleaner that is safe to use in food prep areas and around the family? According to the Global Healing Center, organic cleaning products are, “toxin-free cleaners that do not present the harmful chemicals of common commercial cleaning products.” Whether your cleaning granite, marble or clean quartz countertops, there are three main reasons it is best to use Supreme Surface Cleaners for natural stone. Organic and 100% naturally derived cleaners for marble and granite improve the global environment, as well as the local environment, but most importantly eco-friendly granite cleaners are safer to use and are not harmful to your health. Harsh chemicals are detrimental to your heath when inhaled or absorbed by your skin. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has proven that hazardous abrasive chemicals have caused many cases of childhood asthma and allergies. When it comes to cleaning marble and granite counters, it is especially important to use pH neutral granite cleaners because they are mild, and do not contain acids or abrasive chemicals that will etch and dull the surface of marble and granite countertops. Not only are Supreme Surface Cleaners safer for your health and well- being, Supreme Surface cleaning products promote the health and longevity of your natural stone and quartz countertops. So the next time your shopping for the best granite cleaner consider the environment and purchase a 100% naturally derived cleaning product designed for natural stone.
The Supreme Surface brand granite cleaner is 100% naturally derived, safe and not harmful to your health. It not only cleanses the surface, but also conditions the stone, improving the reflection of the polished surface, leaving a streak free shine every time!

Visit www.supremesurfacecleaner.com today and get stone cleaners shipped to your door.

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Using The Best Stone Cleaner For Cleaning Granite

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Tom Munro

Many people ask the question “What’s the best stone cleaner?” This is often followed by, “How should I clean granite countertops?” The easiest answer is to use a cleaner formulated specifically for cleaning granite and other natural stones, including quartz countertops. This ensures that it does not contain any hazardous or abrasive chemicals that will dull and etch your granite countertops over time. When cleaning stone, you always want to use a pH neutral cleaner. pH balanced cleaners are neither acidic, (which will etch and dull the countertops,) or harsh, (cleaners like bleach and ammonia will also etch and dull the countertops.) If a cleaner is pH balanced, it has met the bare minimum requirement of being an acceptable cleaner for natural stone and quartz countertops. Certain dish soaps and glass cleaners are pH balanced, however, soaps will leave a filmy residue and do not condition or protect granite countertops. Glass cleaner will definitely leave your granite, quartz, or marble countertops shiny, but it also does not condition or protect the stone against stains. Use a cleaner that doesnʼt harm your polished surface, you undoubtedly want a stone cleaner that will promote healthy granite for the long haul. Using a 100% naturally derived, pH balanced cleaner that cleans, conditions and protects the stone each time it is used will leave your granite countertop looking better as it ages.

And remember, a well-informed consumer is the best consumer!

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Properly Caring For Stone, Granite and Quartz Countertops

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Tom Munro
Photo of a properly cared for granite countertop

When being properly cared for, granite countertops will look like new for as long as you own them.

The internet is filled with hundreds of different methods on how to clean granite countertops, quartz and natural stone surfaces. There are many opinions on subjects ranging from what the best granite cleaners are, to how often natural stones need to be sealed. Admittedly, there is a small grey area in regard to these topics, but there are also objective facts that can create a consumerʼs guideline to maintaining granite, quartz and other natural stone surfaces. Below are some of the most important characteristics one should look for in the best granite cleaners and how to clean granite countertops:

  • Nothing acidic. When properly caring for granite, quartz and natural stones, nothing acidic should be used. This includes any cleaning product with vinegar, lemon, or orange. Whether your caring for marble, granite, quartz, travertine, or limestone, acids will eventually etch the surface and cause it to dull.  Acidic cleaners also eat away at your grout over time, so it is even more damaging to use on a tile backsplash or tile floor. As a general rule of thumb, you never want to purchase cleaners for natural stone that has harsh or abrasive chemicals. Firstly, these chemicals are not necessary to properly clean your granite or quartz counters. Even if the label says they are safe to use around food-prep areas, children, and pets, why not avoid them if possible? You can achieve the same results with a 100% organic granite cleaner that will also condition your granite. Secondly, abrasive cleaning methods will only etch and dull the surface of natural stones. While this damage can be masked, it can not be undone. Protect your granite countertops and don’t use acidic cleaners.
  • pH balanced cleaners or pH neutral cleaners. When properly caring for granite, quartz and natural stones, pH neutral or pH balanced cleaners should be used. Most people are unaware of how pH levels effects their cleaning products. Generally speaking, pH measures the range of how acidic or neutral something is. The scale goes from zero to fourteen, with seven being neutral or balanced. Water, for example, is a seven. If a product has a pH lower than seven, it is considered acidic. Acidic substances are usually bitter or sour, and include lemon juice, coffee, and soda. Most bathroom and kitchen cleaners have a pH of zero to six, meaning they are acidic. As explained previously, acids will etch and dull polished natural stone counters, floors, and backsplashes. At the other end of the spectrum in the eight to fourteen range, are household cleaners with hazardous and abrasive chemicals. This group includes oven cleaners, bleach, and ammonia. The important thing to note about these cleaning products is that they are alkaline, meaning they are extremely harsh and break down substances, (including the sealer of your granite countertops.) This type of cleaner is overkill, and will damage your polished natural stones over time. Bringing this type of hazardous chemical into your home is unsafe and unnecessary. Protect your investment and properly clean your granite countertops, use cleaners that are pH neutral or pH balanced.
  • Conditioning/Shining components. When properly caring for your granite countertops, The best granite cleaners should have the ability to not only cleanse the surface of debris, but also to condition, polish and protect the stones surface for a smoother, more reflective finish. There is a group of cleaners including mild dish soaps, and glass cleaners that do not harm granite, but do nothing to protect against stains, enhance the color of the stone surface or your improve the polish on granite or quartz countertops. Mild dish soaps are usually not acidic and are usually pH neutral. However, when not rinsed properly, they are extremely likely to build up and leave a film that will dull the polished surface of a granite counter or quartz counters. This residue blurs the depth and clarity of otherwise beautiful kitchen counter tops. While dish soaps will clean granite, they are not specifically formulated to clean and condition granite, meaning they do nothing extra to help the stoneʼs resistance against stains, feel or appearance. The extra effort it takes to use dish soap gives mediocre results. The best granite cleaners should be easy for every day use, allowing the homeowner to simply spray and wipe away. (With the Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner, you will be content in knowing you are not only cleaning the stone surface, you clean, polish and protect against stains, conditioning the stone for optimal results.) This is one of the reasons we feel that the Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner is the best granite cleaner. Glass cleaners, on the other hand, will definitely allow your granite to shine, but again, because they are not formulated specifically to cleanse granite, marble, or quartz, they do nothing to enhance the stones appearance. This would be similar to wearing high heels in a marathon. High heels adequately cover the soles of your feet, but they do not enhance or promote your best time. There is a specific shoe for running, just as there is a specific cleaner for granite and natural stone.

Other factors many consumers find important in household cleaners are being 100% naturally derived, bio-degradable, non-toxic, and having a great scent. These components are not a must, but your investment deserves the whole package. Until now, no granite or stone cleaner has met all of these criteria. Going green is important now more than ever, and hazardous, harmful chemicals no longer have to be used in order to achieve the results they provide.

And remember, a well-informed consumer is the best consumer!

 

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Best Granite Cleaner: A Guide To Being Well Informed

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Tom Munro
Best Granite Cleaners

Using the best granite cleaners will keep your granite countertops looking new.

If you type “best granite cleaner” in any internet search engine, an overwhelming number of results will pop up. Iʼve spent hours looking through different forums and reading the suggestions users posted for how to clean granite counter tops. In all of the methods, there was only one consistency: not one person recommended the same thing. No specific granite cleaner was repeated more than a couple of times, whether it was a home-made cleaning solution or something store-bought, and out of the hundreds of posts, no two people seemed to agree on exactly how to clean their marble, granite or composite sink. The fact that there is no consistency in cleaning methods is a huge red flag that long-time granite owners as well as potential granite buyers are confused in properly maintaining their investment. There are several ingredients that you would never see in the best granite cleaners. You never want anything acidic. This seems to be one of the more popular ingredients people were mentioning in the forums. Any product that has orange, vinegar, or leman juice are all acidic and could potentially etch or dull your granite countertops. The Marble Institute of America cautions stone owners that, “products that contain acid will etch or dull the surface of many stones,” including marble, granite, travertine and limestone surfaces. Vinegar especially will eat away grout over time, so if you are using a vinegar/water mixture to clean stone tile backsplashes or stone floors, this is damaging your grout, even though you wonʼt notice instantly. Things like vinegar, alcohol, ammonia, bathroom cleaners, and scouring powders all have very abrasive chemicals that will etch or dull your granite. Again, you probably wonʼt notice the bad results immediately, but with long term use of these products you will eventually see adverse effects and dull your polished surface. There is also another set of products people were recommending that may not harm your stone, but they do nothing to properly maintain the granite. This group would contain glass cleaners, certain mild dish soaps, and organic cleaners. While most of these products are pH neutral, which is necessary for a granite cleaner, simply being a pH balanced cleaning product is not all a consumer should be looking for. Glass cleaners will definitely make your granite surface shine, but do not condition or clean the stones. Dish soap or kitchen oils will build up and leave a residue. Since they are not formulated for granite cleaning, their phosphates and solvents will eventually dull the shine of your stone. The Marble Institute of America says that while a mild dish soap may be an adequate cleaner, if too much is used or if it is not rinsed properly, “it may leave a film and cause streaks.” Most people donʼt have the time it takes and are not consistent enough to use a dish soap to clean stone. Not only is it time-consuming with mediocre results, dish soaps are not formulated to clean natural stones and always require a rinse or they will build up and start to dull the surface. Why not use something you simply spray and wipe away without a rinse? In order to protect your stone and keep it looking great, it would be wise to invest in a stone cleaner made especially to clean, condition and shine your stone counters and back splashes, rather than purchasing a product that merely cleans at best. Learn more about cleaning granite properly.

And remember, a well-informed consumer is the best consumer!

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Best Way To Keep Your Granite Composite Sink Looking Good

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Tom Munro
Cleaning A Black Granite Composite Sink

How To Keep Your Granite Composite Sink Looking Great

If your looking for the best way to keep your granite composite sink looking good, free of hard water marks and soap scum build-up, join the crowd. Black granite sinks are a bit unforgiving and using Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner will help keep your black granite sink looking great.

I think black granite composite sinks are beautiful when new and durable too. But like many things, they require routine maintenance. The build-up of hard water and soap scum on granite composite sinks will leave an unsightly gray haze or white film on the sink. The manufacturer of the these sinks will tell you the best way to avoid this is to rinse and wipe the sink clean after every use. I don’t think everybody is going to do this (including myself) and that’s where I see the problem. Using the Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner on your granite composite sink is a good way to help maintain your sink and keep it looking better longer. Every time you use Supreme Surface Cleaner for granite countertops, use it for cleaning granite sinks at the same time. This will not only help protect your countertop surface, it will help protect your black granite composite sink from turning gray and looking dull.

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