Yes, but it depends on the specific product. Only use the specially formulated Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish on your countertops.
The best granite cleaners are pH-balanced and formulated to remove grease and grime without stripping your stone's protective seal. Top everyday options include Granite Gold Daily Cleaner, Method Daily Granite Cleaner, and Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner.
Yes, you can absolutely use Dawn dish soap on granite countertops. In fact, it is considered one of the safest and most effective everyday cleaners for natural stone because it is incredibly mild and cuts through grease.
Never use acidic, alkaline, or abrasive substances on granite countertops. These harsh cleaners—like vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, and glass cleaners—break down the stone's protective sealant, leaving it vulnerable to stains and dull spots.
The best cleaner for a granite (or granite composite) sink is a non-abrasive, pH-balanced formula. For daily maintenance, mild dish soap (like Blue Dawn) is highly effective. For deeper cleaning and tough stains, use gentle commercial cleansers like Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser or a natural DIY paste of baking soda and water.
Restoring a faded or chalky black granite (or granite composite) sink requires removing built-up hard water minerals and oils, followed by a deep cleaning, and finally conditioning the surface to bring back the deep black shine.
Vinegar slowly eats away at the protective sealant on granite countertops. Over time, repeated exposure strips this barrier, exposing the stone's porous surface. This leads to a dull, cloudy finish, increased susceptibility to stains, and potential surface pitting.
While abrasive powders may be a good choice for other cleaning projects, Derek Christian, chief cleaning officer of All Star Cleaning, says you should never clean granite countertops with them. “Do not use an abrasive powder like Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) or Ajax," Christian warns.
Those crystals are the foundation of granite's reflective quality. The most important minerals responsible for sparkle are quartz and mica. Quartz crystals are naturally glassy and reflective. Mica, especially muscovite and biotite, produces tiny reflective flakes that shimmer under light.
Acidic foods: Citrus, vinegar, and tomato-based products can etch or dull the granite surface. Limit how long these substances sit on your counters to prevent unsightly marks. Hot pans: Although granite is heat-resistant, high temperatures from pots and pans may crack or stain granite under the wrong conditions.
Key Takeaways
Yes, you can use Murphy’s Oil Soap on granite for light or occasional cleaning, but it shouldn't be your go-to everyday cleaner.
A 50/50 mix of water and 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol is a good starting point, and a bit of dish soap can be added for extra cleaning power. It's important to test any cleaning solution in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the sealant.
Do not use WD-40 on granite. Because granite is a porous natural stone, the penetrating oils and petroleum distillates in WD-40 will soak into the surface and leave permanent, dark oil stains. Furthermore, WD-40 will strip and dissolve any protective wax or sealants that have been applied to your countertop.
No, you should avoid using Windex on granite countertops. Windex contains ammonia and other harsh chemicals that can break down the protective sealant on your stone, leaving it dull and vulnerable to stains.
Yes, you can use Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Cleaner and Countertop Spray on granite countertops, provided they are properly sealed. The plant-derived, pH-neutral formula effectively cleans everyday kitchen messes without breaking down sealants like harsh ammonia or bleach.
To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently.
One of the biggest reasons people think granite is no longer popular is the rise of newer materials like quartz. As trends shift, some assume that older materials are no longer relevant. But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.
What is the most expensive granite? Overall, you will find that the most expensive types of stone are red, purple, and blue granite. Various types of blue granite, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia granite, are in the high-end of the price range. The most expensive type of granite is Van Gogh granite.
BKF to the Rescue
Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleaner that works wonders on stainless steel, glass, and porcelain, but its active ingredient (oxalic acid) and abrasive nature can ruin delicate and porous surfaces. Never use it on cast iron, non-stick cookware, marble, granite, wood, leather, or painted surfaces.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can damage granite if used improperly or too frequently. While it is excellent for lifting stubborn stains, using it incorrectly can lead to dullness, etching, and seal damage.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on granite. Because it is a mild, pH-balanced detergent, it is an excellent and safe choice for everyday cleaning.
Vinegar is acid based and can etch or damage natural stone such as marble, granite, and limestone, as well as waxed or lacquered surfaces, aluminum, cast iron, and electronic screens.
To deep clean granite countertops, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and wipe the entire surface using a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners like vinegar, which can dull the stone and eat away the sealant.