Can You Use Clr on Granite – Is It Safe ?

Can You Use Clr on Granite?

While CLR is a great option for cleaning buildup from porcelain, ceramic, stainless steel, and other fixtures, natural stone cannot be cleaned with it since it is too acidic.

The chemicals in CLR can penetrate granite and remove the seal, so I do not advise applying it to any natural stones. Using the right instruments, it’s not difficult to remove calcium or lime-scale buildups from granite; nonetheless, it’s crucial to use the right cleaner for your granite stone.

CLR refers to a product designed to eliminate calcium, lime, and rust. Since deposits are automatically dissolved, there is no need for scrubbing. It can be used as a general washing machine cleaning agent to remove residue and hard water deposits. 

Water picks up trace minerals from pipes and sources when it enters your home. The water becomes harder as a result of more contact and mineral absorption. Limescale stains are caused by calcium and magnesium in the water. High iron levels in the water can cause reddish or brown rust streaks. Both stains are challenging to remove because they are made of minerals and iron oxide. 

Additionally, it works well to eliminate front-loading washers’ musty odor. The cleaning instructions do change depending on whether you are cleaning a front- or top-loading washer. For the product to be used successfully and safely, it is crucial to adhere to the instructions for the washer type. Read on to know if you can use CLR on granite.

What Is Granite?

The igneous rock known as granite has light-colored granules that are large enough to be seen by the naked eye. It is created when magma beneath the surface of the Earth slowly crystallizes. Quartz and feldspar comprise most of the granite’s chemical makeup, with only trace amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. Granite typically has a red, pink, grey, or white appearance due to its mineral makeup, with black mineral grains visible throughout the rock.

 

What Is Clr?

A household cleaning solution called Calcium Lime Rust, also called CLR, is intended to remove stains, including calcium, lime, and iron oxide deposits. Its key constituents are water, lactic acid, gluconic acid, lauramine oxide, propylene glycol, n-butyl ether, and solvents that break down cobalt gel coatings and paints.

 

Uses

Due to the powerful nature of this cleaner, it is crucial to adhere to the instructions exactly as written. Although some have complained about the stench, practically everyone admits it works well. This cleanser removes the stains of three primary ugly stains around sinks and tubs is one of its main advantages over other cleaners. Compared to cleaners that exclusively remove one type of stain, this benefits CLR.

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The bathroom and kitchen are the two primary locations where CLR is utilised. Mineral deposits like calcium and lime are frequently found in high concentrations in the kitchen. This exists in the bathroom, which frequently develops rust around the sink, tub, and toilet. These issue regions are covered with the CLR solution, which is left alone for a while. Then, when the cleaning solution is removed with a sponge, the mineral buildup and rust are also removed.

How Does Clr Work?

When surfaces are moistened with CLR solution, calcium, lime, and rust particles are released from hard water deposits on the surfaces. This helps to remove any stains or markings brought on by mineral residue left behind after years of use, restoring the surface to its natural sheen. Additionally, removing any existing damage like chalking, etching, and dulling, lengthens the lifespan of your surfaces.

Frequently, individuals apply CLR on granite incorrectly, permanently etching the stone or leaving behind black stains that can never be erased. If you have excessive calcium or lime buildup on your granite countertops, specific granite stain remover products can help. For natural stones like marble, granite, shale, and other materials, a CLR stone cleaner is a specialized product.

With a putty knife or anything similar, you might need to remove the deposits on the granite’s surface due to the excessive buildup. Once the heaviest buildup has been removed, you can start using a commercial stone cleaning solution.

Using a clean, soft cloth, gently rub the product into the stone’s surface. Abrasive materials like steel wool or strong scrubbing pads should be avoided. These have the potential to scratch and harm the stone’s surface.

How to Use Clr

1. Before each application, thoroughly shake.
2. Spray the surface lightly while holding the can 6 inches away.
3. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, turning occasionally.
4. Directly spray the product onto a cloth and wipe surfaces that are difficult to reach. Heavily soiled surfaces should be cleaned with a cloth.

 

Tips for Clr Use and Other Cleaning Options

CLR cleansers on marble or other natural stone, vehicles, driveways, or refrigerators are not advised. Additionally, avoid using them on wood, carpeting, or clothing. There are numerous more surfaces you have to stay away from; such information can be found online or on product packaging. Never let CLR cleaners soak overnight, as they are highly caustic.

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You can try utilising white vinegar to eliminate the stains you see in your home as an alternative to CLR cleaners. Spray the area after combining equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then use a microfiber towel to remove it. Baking soda and vinegar can be used to create a cleaning paste for harder stains. These organic cleaners might be able to get rid of the CLR stains, but they might not be potent enough:

Items You Will Need Before You Start Cleaning

1. The CLR cleaning item
2. Domestic gloves
3. A bathroom brush
4. White vinegar, (Optional)
5. Spray bottle (optional)
6. Microfiber material (optional)
7. Baking soda (optional)

 

Things You Should Never Do with Clr

1. Avoid using CLR in an area without ventilation.

It’s never a good idea to breathe in chemical vapours, and CLR is no exception. Open windows and doors, run vents and attempt to stay out of enclosed spaces like a closed-door shower stall before using CLR.

2. Never use CLR without first spot testing it.

CLR is acidic, and it may etch and harm some surfaces. CLR shouldn’t be used on “wood, textiles, wallpaper, carpeting, natural stones, brass, copper, aluminium, galvanised metals, and painted, coated, or sealed surfaces,” Always perform a spot test first and clear spills right away to prevent accidental touch from harming surfaces.

3. Dont leave CLR for longer than two minutes.

Remember that CLR is acidic, which makes it effective but also means that it can harm surfaces if left in contact with them for an extended period. After two minutes of contact, always rinse with cool water.

4. Avoid utilising undiluted CLR.

CLR must always be diluted with water. The optimal mixture is water and CLR at a 1:1 ratio.

5. Avoid combining CLR with bleach or other household cleaners.

Chlorine gas is made poisonous when acids and bleach are combined. Additionally, combining it with other household chemicals might produce harmful vapours.

6. Avoid applying CLR with a spray bottle.

Spraying CLR produces a mist that may be dangerous for inhalation. Instead, clean the impacted area with a sponge, scrub brush, or bowl.

What Should You Not Use Clr On?

Do not use CLR Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover on surfaces made of plastic, laminates, Formica, Corian, aluminium, galvanised metals, nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, brass, natural stone or marble (including cultured marble), terrazzo, coloured grout (other than white), painted, coated, sealed, or metallic glazed surfaces.

CLR is so acidic, and it corrodes or “etch” marble countertops. The same is true of acidic foods and beverages, vinegar, bleach, ammonia, and Lysol cleaners. Etching is a chemical reaction with the marble that destroys the shiny surface leaving a dull spot.

Is It Safe to Use White Vinegar on Granite?

You should avoid using anything too acidic or basic on granite because it has a coating on it to keep it glossy and stain-resistant. Use of Windex, vinegar, or bleach regularly will damage the sealant and dull the granite. Instead, some soap and water ought to work.

Can I Use Clr Bathroom & Kitchen on Granite?

On sealed granite, CLR Bathroom & Kitchen can be used safely to remove stains and hard water deposits. The ONLY natural stone that CLR Bathroom & Kitchen will work with is granite.

What Should You Not Clean Granite With?

Avoid using Windex, acidic cleansers like vinegar, lemon, or lime, and anything that contains ammonia or bleach. The sealant will become dull and brittle over time if these compounds are used often. In general, the cleaner’s harshness will affect how quickly the sealant dissolves.

Conclusion

CLR is a top-notch cleaning solution. It’s required in your restroom and kitchen. Hurry now and make your household goods sparkle once more. Ensure you follow the guidelines and tips so that they can be very effective.