Yes, but only specific Pledge products made for hard surfaces. Do not use traditional wood furniture polish (like Lemon Pledge) on food prep areas, as it leaves a waxy, non-food-safe buildup and can damage natural stone sealers.
The best overall cleaner for kitchen counters is warm water and gentle dish soap, which is safe and effective for almost all materials, including quartz, granite, and laminate. For heavy-duty cleaning and disinfecting, the ideal option depends on your specific countertop material to prevent damage.
Granite Counter Maintenance
I would not recommend harsh chemicals on it. Instead, clean your counters with a neutral, mild, vegetable oil-based cleaner such as our "Murphy's Oil Soap®." Synthetic scrubbing pads can be used on granite surfaces.
The best and safest way to clean granite countertops is a simple mix of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, such as Dawn. This removes daily grime without stripping the protective sealant or dulling the stone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, you should not use vinegar on granite countertops. Because vinegar is acidic, it can strip away the protective sealant of the stone over time, leaving it vulnerable to stains, dullness, and etching.
Buff with a Soft Cloth: After cleaning, dry the surface with a soft cloth and buff in circular motions to enhance the shine. Use a Granite Polish: A granite-safe polish can restore the glossy finish. Apply sparingly and buff well to avoid streaks.
Key Takeaways
For Water Based Finishes
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
To make your house smell amazing while mopping, use a simple DIY mix of hot water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 5–10 drops of essential oils (like eucalyptus and lavender, or lemon and peppermint). If you prefer pre-made options, heavily scented commercial products like Clorox Scentiva Floor Cleaners work beautifully.
The "perfect" countertop cleaner depends entirely on your material, but Hope's Perfect Countertop is a top-rated, streak-free choice for laminate, quartz, and solid surfaces. For stone like granite, specialized care is needed to maintain its seal and shine.
Professional cleaners achieve that sought-after clean-home smell by addressing odors at their source and using natural, non-toxic products to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. From neutralizing odors with baking soda to infusing spaces with essential oils, their techniques prioritize both effectiveness and safety.
Before beginning to clean your commercial counters for restaurants, you'll need to gather the following supplies:
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.
With the promise of food and protection, your porch or patio is irresistible to these little critters. While chemical-laden insecticides can effectively eliminate spider infestations, vinegar offers a non-toxic alternative. How does it work? Spiders dislike vinegar's pungent odor, and they avoid areas treated with it.
Yes, you can absolutely mix Dawn dish soap and vinegar. This combination is a highly effective, inexpensive DIY cleaning solution for tackling soap scum, grease, and hard water stains.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
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.
The enduring appeal of granite countertops continues to lead the way in home design as we move into 2026. Beloved for their strength, elegance, and individuality, these surfaces are as functional as they are beautiful.
Yes, you can use Pledge on granite, but it depends on which specific product you use. It is important to match the right cleaner to your counters to keep them protected and looking their best.
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.
To disinfect granite countertops daily, use a 1:1 mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water or a Weiman Granite Daily Disinfectant. Spray the surface, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to kill germs, and wipe dry. Avoid bleach, vinegar, or acidic cleaners, which will damage the stone's protective seal.
Are there any surfaces where I should not use them? Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Probiotic Cleaners are perfect for countertops, finished wood and tile floors, walls, porcelain, sinks and faucet, sealed stone and granite. Note that we don't recommend using our products on sealed marble, as the cleaner may remove the sealant.