No, you should avoid using Pine-Sol on granite countertops. Harsh, all-purpose cleaners can strip away the protective sealant on your stone, which leaves it vulnerable to staining, etching, and dullness.
Pine-Sol® is not recommended for use on marble, aluminum, or unsealed, waxed, oiled or visibly worn wood. Q: Where should I NOT use Pine-Sol® Cleaners? A: We do not recommend using Pine-Sol® Original Multi-Surface Cleaner on aluminum, copper or marble surfaces.
Or you can make your own cleaner from mild dish soap. You'll need a soft cleaning cloth and a spray bottle. If you want to know how to get the stains out of granite or disinfect it, keep 12% hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol on hand.
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.
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.
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.
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 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, using Clorox wipes on quartz countertops can cause damage. While a single wipe-up in an emergency likely won't cause immediate harm, relying on them regularly can break down the polymer resin binder in the quartz, leading to dullness, a loss of shine, and discoloration over time.
The absolute best and safest homemade granite cleaner combines 112 cups of warm water, 12one-half12 cup of rubbing alcohol (to disinfect and add a streak-free shine), and 12one-half12 teaspoon of mild dish soap (like Dawn) for degreasing.
Key Takeaways
It is not recommended to use Lysol wipes on granite. The harsh chemicals and disinfectants in the wipes can break down the protective sealant on natural stone, leaving it vulnerable to etching, dull spots, and permanent stains over time.
For everyday cleaning, Consumer Reports recommends avoiding harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners like vinegar, as they can degrade the stone's protective seal. Instead, use a mild dish soap and warm water solution, or pH-neutral cleaners formulated for natural stone.
The best non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives to Pine-Sol cut through grease and leave a fresh, natural pine scent without harsh synthetic fumes. Top commercial options include Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner (available on Amazon) and Bona PowerPlus. You can also make your own safe, budget-friendly version at home.
Reasons for the Pine-Sol Recall
The primary reason for the recall is the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that's usually found in soil and water.
Whether Pine-Sol needs to be rinsed depends on how you use it. Always follow the specific instructions on the Pine-Sol FAQ page, but here are the general rules:
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.
Granite sparkles naturally due to its unique mineral composition and the way it is cut and polished. The distinctive glint comes from a specific combination of minerals, primarily mica and quartz, that catch and reflect light.
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.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for quartz countertops. It is one of the best everyday cleaners you can use, provided it is heavily diluted with warm water.
Quartz countertops are highly durable, but they can be permanently damaged by high heat, harsh chemicals, heavy impacts, and abrasive materials. Because quartz is manufactured using resin binders, it is not heat-proof and can scorch or crack under extreme temperatures.
The best everyday cleaner for quartz countertops is a simple mix of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap (like Dawn). This solution effortlessly cuts through daily grease and food residue without damaging the quartz's resin. Wipe the surface down with a microfiber cloth and always dry it immediately to prevent water spots and streaks.
To safely clean granite countertops without stripping the sealant, use a pH-neutral commercial cleaner (like [Method Daily Granite Cleaner](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Method-28-oz-Apple- Orchard-Daily-Granite-Cleaner-Spray/306788102) or Granite Gold Daily Cleaner) or a gentle DIY mixture of warm water and dish soap. Never use harsh acids (like vinegar or lemon juice) or bleach, as they will etch and dull the stone.
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.
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.