Pine-Sol is an acidic cleaner, so don't use it on granite countertops or floors.
Dilute ¼ cup of Pine-Sol® in a gallon of warm water. Wipe down granite with a sponge or mop soaked in the solution. Scrub stubborn stains with full strength Pine-Sol®. Use a cleaning brush or plastic scrub pad rather than a harsh scouring pad, which can scratch unsealed granite.
Pine-Sol cleans all kinds of counter tops and surfaces while disinfecting. Dilute ¼ cup of Pine-Sol® in one gallon of warm water. Dip a sponge in the mixture to wipe grease and grime away. Or for everyday mess control, keep the Pine-Sol® mixture in a spray bottle for quick cleaning spritzes.
A: We do not recommend using Original Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner on aluminum, copper or marble surfaces. We also do not recommend using Pine-Sol® Cleaners on cars, on dishes or as a pet shampoo.
It's suspected that the cleaners might contain the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and, according to the Pine-Sol recall website, “eople with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment.
No rinsing required, except on rubber or asphalt tile. For extra tough jobs, use full strength and rinse immediately. For painted surfaces, test a small area first. Not recommended for use on unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn flooring.
Here's how to disinfect granite countertops safely. Mix one part water and one part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray it on the countertop and let the disinfectant sit for five minutes. Rinse with a damp cloth and buff the granite with a dry microfiber cloth to restore the shine.
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.
Instead, one of the best ways to clean granite naturally is to reach for mild dish soap. Thomas advises cleaning granite countertops daily with a damp rag and a mild dishwashing liquid and drying surfaces with a microfiber towel. Drying is a crucial step because it helps eliminate pesky water spots.
Don't dilute the alcohol with water because the alcohol's effectiveness at killing germs drops when it is diluted below 50% concentration. In fact, the most effective concentration for killing bacteria is 60% to 90%. So 70% isopropyl alcohol is the best disinfectant for granite countertops.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
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.
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.
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.
Hot water and dish soap should be adequate for daily sanitizing. However, if a stronger disinfectant is desired, mix together a 50:50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray onto the granite, allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Therefore, if you're looking to do a deep clean, you can use undiluted Pine-Sol to utilize its full strength. Only do this if the formula doesn't react harshly with what you're planning to clean and if the area where you're working is well ventilated.
The recall covers 37 million bottles of eight different types of Pine-Sol, which may contain a bacterial called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).