Streak Free Granite Countertops

It is increasingly becoming easier to find granite countertops in homes across the United States. Only a small part of this is because of the increase in the resale value of those homes. Another reason is because of the beauty and elegance it can add to any kitchen.

Granite has a tendency to streak when it is getting cleaned, though. Unless you take a little time and effort, those beautiful granite countertops are going to be more of an embarrassment than something you want to show off. Here's some ideas on different cleaners you can use to get rid of those streaks.

• Vinegar. Is there anything that white vinegar isn't good for? Create a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the countertops by spraying it on and just use regular newspaper to wipe it off. Keep buffing away at that counter till the solution dries, and you won't see any more streaks.
• Granite cleaners. You can purchase some wonderful cleaners at any local department store or home improvement store. Follow the directions as specified on the bottle and you are going to quickly have some sparkling and streak-free countertops. One word of caution though: Be careful to actually read the product label—some cleaners are only good for certain types of granite countertops. If you use the wrong kind, you can easily damage the countertops.
• Hydrogen peroxide. If you are faced with a stain that is organic based (something along the lines of coffee, tea, fruit juices, fruit, etc.) then hydrogen peroxide is one of the best things that you can use to clean it up. Using the normal 12% hydrogen peroxide that you can get any grocery store, make a 50/50 solution with tap water in a spray bottle and use in the same manner as glass cleaner. Buff away the cleaning solution with some newspaper till everything is dry. This will remove the stain, clean the counter, and leave it streak free.
• Polish. Make sure you have the proper granite polish for your counter type. Once you have cleaned the countertop completely, allow it to dry for a streak-free appearance. After it has dried completely, simply spray on the granite polish and begin buffing the countertops using, preferably, a piece of terry cloth. Continue buffing till everything looks nice and shiny, while being careful that you don't smear the countertops. If you notice at any time that smearing is happening, wait 60 seconds and start buffing again.