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.
Clean granite with soft cotton cloths or clean rag mops along with neutral cleaners, mild liquid dishwashing detergent, and water. After washing with a soap solution, rinse the surface with water and dry with a soft cloth to eliminate water spots and streaking.
Fancy cleaners aren't necessary for cleaning granite counters on a daily basis. You really only need three things: Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a microfiber cloth. Tip: Make sure your dishwashing liquid doesn't contain citrus extracts, as they're too acidic for granite countertops.
Many people assume that because granite is sealed, it can be maintained with any all-purpose cleaner on the market. But these cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia that can damage the granite's surface. Although it's heat and scratch-resistant, granite is a sensitive material and requires specific care.
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.
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.
Warm water and dish soap: The best way to clean granite countertops is to use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, such as cleaning with Dawn Powerwash, says Ahmed Jamal, cleaning expert behind CleaningAdvisor.
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.
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.
Consider using special granite countertop cleaner: Check the cleaning aisle at your grocery or big box store for granite countertop cleaning products. 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.
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.
Formula 409 is a bathroom cleaner and disinfectant that works on removing soap scum and other debris from bathroom areas. It contains a number of ingredients that are damaging to granite, so you shouldn't use it on any granite countertops or vanity areas in a bathroom.
Don't pour soap directly on granite countertops. Stone is porous, and full strength soap can seep into pores causing tough to remove stains. Always dilute your soap with water before cleaning. Don't use an abrasive scrubber.
You should not use Lysol on your granite countertops, backsplashes or vanity tops. The cleaner contains harsh ingredients that can cause your sealer to lose its effectiveness. In specific, scents such as lemon contain citric acid, so you need to keep away from those.
Granite is Heat Resistant
Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
Can you use disinfecting wipes on granite? No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on granite countertops. This is because disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient. This is highly acidic and weakens the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to stains and discoloration.
How Often to Clean Granite. Granite countertops in a kitchen should be cleaned after every food preparation or at least daily to remove spills, food residue and to protect the finish of the sealant. Bathroom countertops should be wiped down after every use and thoroughly cleaned weekly.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
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. With the proper maintenance, granite countertops stay new-looking for a long time.
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.
Maintenance of granite countertops is minimal, but not non-existent. It's fairly resistant to staining from everyday use. But, being a naturally porous material, the tops need to be sealed with a readily available sealing product every year.
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. Avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.