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.
Scrub the Surface
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.
Glass cleaners, bleach, ammonia and acids such as lemon or vinegar can strip the countertop sealant. This will leave granite more receptive to stains. The best way to clean granite counters is to choose a countertop cleaner formulated for granite. Or you can make your own cleaner from mild dish soap.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Always Use a Soft Cloth or Sponge
However, you always want to use hot water for any of those quick clean-ups. You might want to stay away from the regular dish soap. It will not harm your countertops, but it can leave a buildup of soap scum over time. In turn, dish soap will dull the appearance of your granite.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, Formula 409 contains many substances that can damage the surface of your granite.
We're sorry to say this, but if your granite kitchen countertops feel gritty, it's because you have low-grade slabs. When the average cost of granite countertop installation is $3,000, the last thing a homeowner wants to hear is that their newly installed countertop material is inferior.
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.
Buff the granite with cooking oil to provide shine and stain resistance. Apply cooking oil to a clean cloth, then make circular motions across the surface of the countertop. Use gentle pressure as you buff the surface.