However, vinegar should never be used on your granite countertops. Vinegar is made up of acids that can severely harm your granite. Even if it is diluted, vinegar may still leave acids on your granite countertops. This can cause your natural stone countertops to etch.
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!
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.
Removing Vinegar Stains From Granite Countertops
Spread some baking soda on the area. Wipe the baking soda away with a soft cloth. Don't scrub too hard or you can scratch the surface.
An expertly sealed granite countertop should last your home for years with proper care. Introducing an acidic substance like vinegar can ruin this protective sealant and decrease the stone's durability. This can also make your counters appear dull and cloudy or cause etching.
As good as a cleaner for windows and other glass surfaces, Windex has some elements on its compositions that can permanently damage granite when used for a long time. For that reason, you should never use Windex on 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.
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.
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.
The Best Way to Clean Granite Countertops
For increased disinfecting power, add isopropyl alcohol to the mix. Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol provides an excellent solution for killing bacteria and viruses like COVID-19 while preserving the finish and shine of your countertops.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
You can clean hard water stains from granite counters using water, soap, and baking soda. This process can take 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how bad the stains are. There are also products on the shelf should you want to take the quick route.
One way to get rid of the cloudy residue is to use a baking soda paste. Another option is to use a commercial granite polish and a buffing pad to remove the haze. However, if you fear that you may cause more damage by trying to fix the problem yourself, one final option is to call out the experts.
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.
Pine-Sol is an acidic cleaner, so don't use it on granite countertops or floors.
Unfortunately, Formula 409 contains many substances that can damage the surface of your granite.
Once you've sprayed down your countertop, wipe it clean with a dish cloth, terrycloth towel, or clean microfiber cloth. Some people use paper towels, but because paper towels come in many different types, some of which work better than others, we find it best to use something a little more consistent.
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.
Seal Your Granite
Start by cleaning the granite well with a granite cleaner. Dry the surface with a clean cloth, then spray the sealer directly onto the stone. Work in 3-foot sections and immediately buff the sealer into the stone with a clean cloth.
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.
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.
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.