Unfortunately, Formula 409 contains many substances that can damage the surface of your granite. So, even if your granite is installed in a bathroom, avoid using traditional bathroom cleansers like this when the time comes to clean your stone.
For regular granite cleaning, the best cleaner is nothing more sophisticated than mild dish soap diluted with water. (You can also make a homemade granite cleaner made with a base of rubbing alcohol.) Wet a sponge with water from the tap and squirt dish soap into its center. Bear in mind that granite scratches easily.
Formula 409 Stone and steel cleaner spray cleans and shines marble, granite and stainless steel throughout your home. This stone and steel Spray Cleaner brings out the beauty and luster in stone and steel. Use it to clean and give a streak free shine to stainless steel, marble, granite and other natural stone.
Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
Sanitize the countertop with just a few quick spritzes. Formula 409® Multi-Surface Cleaner kills 99.9%* of common household germs — such as E. coli, Staphylococcus (Staph) and Salmonella, as well as viruses that can cause colds and flu† — in 30 seconds. Just spray until thoroughly wet and let stand 30 seconds.
Use it to clean and give a streak free shine to stainless steel, marble, granite and other natural stone. With no harmful ammonia, this pH balanced, non waxy, non abrasive formula will keep surfaces looking great for years to come.
Do use a mild detergent soap. Regular Dawn or other dish soaps work well. Do use a soft cloth. No special tools needed here: a soft cloth will help remove all grime and dirt without damaging countertops.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.
On food counters, the instructions say it can kill germs but you have to let it stand for 10 minutes before wiping it off. Then it says to rinse afterwards. However, on nonfood surfaces, to disinfect, it just has to set for 30 seconds before wiping off and no rinsing required.
Clean up Spills Right Away – Before They Can Dry
For stubborn or dried spills, use a nonabrasive cleaning pad such as a Scotch-Brite®* scrub pad coupled with Formula 409®Glass & Surface Cleaner or a comparable cleaning product.
Granite is a stone that's strong enough to support the weight of small appliances and cutting boards. However, it's prone to damage from sharp objects like knives. Avoid using your granite surface as a cutting board. This can cause chips, scratches, dings, and other damage.
Abrasive cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, window cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners should never be used on your granite countertops. These harsh chemicals can remove the protective sealant and expose your countertops to deterioration and stains. Even products that claim to be natural should be avoided.
Concentrated dish soap that's tough on stains and grease while staying gentle on stainless steel, granite, and glassware, like Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray.
As good as a cleaner for windows and other glass surfaces, Windex has some elements on its compositions that can permanently damage granite when used for a long time. For that reason, you should never use Windex on granite.
Here's how to disinfect granite countertops safely. Mix one part water and one part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray it on the countertop and let the disinfectant sit for five minutes. Rinse with a damp cloth and buff the granite with a dry microfiber cloth to restore the shine.
Simple Green Granite & Stone Polish is safe for use on granite, marble, travertine, limestone, porcelain, ceramic, quartz, Corian®*, Silestone®*, and other natural and engineered stone surfaces.
If you're looking to get your granite clean and shiny in a pinch, Rapinchuk's favorite daily cleaning formula is combining 1.5 cups water, 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, and 0.25 teaspoons castile or dish soap. “Pour in a spray bottle, spray on counters, and wipe clean,” she advises, with no rinsing necessary.
Once you've sprayed down your countertop, wipe it clean with a dish cloth, terrycloth towel, or clean microfiber cloth. Some people use paper towels, but because paper towels come in many different types, some of which work better than others, we find it best to use something a little more consistent.
Pine-Sol is an acidic cleaner, so don't use it on granite countertops or floors.
It's not necessary to use special cleaners—warm water and soap work just fine—but this is an option if you wish to utilize it. Make your own granite countertop cleaner: Mix 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water and add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Voila, you have your own DIY granite cleaner!
Thankfully, Soft Scrub has products that are tough on stains, yet gentle on your most delicate kitchen countertops. Granite and Marble – Specially designed to remove stubborn stains without damaging high-end surfaces, Soft Scrub's Multi-Surface Gel restores granite and marble countertops to their original shine.
1) Glass Cleaners
You can do permanent damage to your granite counter by using window cleaners. Even sealed natural stone countertops are pretty porous and can only handle mild cleaning products. Wipe down your marble or granite counters with a mixture of soap and water.