The list of best disinfectant for granite countertops is short and alcohol-based. Isopropyl, more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is considered to be the most widely available and effective disinfectant for granite. Rubbing alcohol is a natural bactericide and can also kill fungus and viruses.
Hot water and dish soap should be adequate for daily sanitizing. However, if a disinfectant is desired, reach for a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray it onto the granite, allow to sit for three to five minutes, and then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
A solution of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol (91% or less) can be used occasionally to restore the granite's shine. While some commercial cleaners are okay, they may break down the seal faster. It's best to use only dish soap and water.
If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone. DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges. Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided.
Bleach, vinegar, the ingredients in Lysol, and others can cause permanent damage, especially if used incorrectly. Acids, such as vinegar and even lemon juice, can break down the sealant that is used on stone countertops. Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops.
Don't dilute the alcohol with water because the alcohol's effectiveness at killing germs drops when it is diluted below 50% concentration. In fact, the most effective concentration for killing bacteria is 60% to 90%. So 70% isopropyl alcohol is the best disinfectant for granite countertops.
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.
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.
Don't use harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing tools: Stick with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth. Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house!
Spray vinegar on the entire sink surface and let it soak for 30 minutes. You can place paper towels on the sink to allow the vinegar to stay soaked on the sink surface. After 30 minutes use a brush to scrub, and then rinse off with water.
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.
Some cleaners are too abrasive or acidic for granite. Never use vinegar, glass cleaner, or bleach to clean your countertops, as these harsh substances will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. For best results, use Simple Green Granite & Stone Cleaner to ensure your granite counters have been properly cleaned.
Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria. The disinfecting power of rubbing alcohol drops at concentrations higher than 80%-85%.
Finished surfaces: Since the ethanol in it is a solvent, rubbing alcohol can liquify varnishes or finishes, doing major damage to your furniture or other surfaces in your home. Avoid rubbing alcohol on painted, shellacked, lacquered, or varnished surfaces, including treated wood.
70% isopropyl alcohol is by far better at killing bacteria and viruses than 99% isopropyl alcohol. As a disinfectant, 70% concentration of alcohol is the most effective at killing pathogens. Any higher or lower percentage will be less effective.
Cleaning Resistant Strains
Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and warm water in a bowl until there is a thick paste. Though commonly used as a wound disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on your granite tops. A solution of hydrogen peroxide removes stains without bleaching or discoloring your countertops.
Granite polishing powder: Also called stone polishing compound, powder offers a quick and easy way to put a fresh gleam on granite while removing minor scratches and stains. If using it dry, choose a buff polishing pad to work the polish over the surface of the granite in a steady, circular pattern.
Windex contains ingredients that can permanently damage the granite. While the most common damage done by Windex is dulling the shine of the countertops, it can also cause pitting.
Daily granite countertop care is as easy as cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid. If needed you can use a synthetic scrubbing pad to clean your granite counter.
It's a great product, but not for your granite!
Probably one of the easiest items to use are wipes—which are particularly popular for brands such as Clorox or Lysol. Sure, they are convenient, but you should keep them far away from your granite countertops.
Granite is naturally resistant to bacteria, but this does not mean it is impervious to germs. Regularly sealing the stone helps the surface resist liquids that can harbor bacteria. Sealing granite closes the tiny crevices and pores where bacteria can thrive.
Whether you have laminate, quartz, granite or another hard, non-porous countertop, follow the disinfection directions on OxiClean™ 3-in-1 Deep Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant to kill 99.9% of bacteria and the virus that causes COVID-19, without abrasives or chlorine bleach.