Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners, which can strip the sealer and etch the stone. Stain Removal: For stains on granite or marble countertops, clean with a paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains).
If not using a cleaner designed for stone countertops, your best option is to use a mix of liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. This combination is gentle enough to keep your stone in excellent condition while still eliminating germs. Just be careful you don't use too high of a concentration.
Using a sponge, warm water, and mild soap specifically meant for limestone materials will also effectively clean the surface of your countertop. Just be sure to rinse the countertop of any soap, as the residue will attract more dirt over time, and may even create a film that makes the counter appear duller.
For everyday cleaning, a simple wipe down using warm water and mild pH-balanced household cleaners and a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge is perfect.
Never use vinegar or other acidic ingredients like lemon juice on bathroom countertops made of granite, marble, or other types of natural stone. These surfaces should only be cleaned with mild liquid dishwashing detergent mixed with water or cleaners specifically designed for the material.
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.
The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones. The wipes are also a cleaner you should stay away from, as they contain citric acid that can cause your sealant to wear down.
Simply mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and four cups of water in a spray bottle. After food preparation, give the countertops a quick spritz and wipe with a soft, microfiber cloth.
Disinfecting wipes are convenient and they are effective but you should avoid using them on granite or any other natural stone surface.
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.
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.
Do Not Use On Granite or Marble. If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
Warm soapy water, ammonia-based cleaners or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most dirt and residue from all types of finishes. Avoid window cleaners, however, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface.
If it isn't sealed, natural stone is porous – which means grease and grime can penetrate the surface if not cleaned properly. To avoid damaging your countertops, wipe the countertop daily with a damp microfiber cloth. You may need to use a cleaner to remove stains and grime.
Prevention is one of the best ways to care for your natural stone countertops. Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent staining, scorching, and etching. If spills occur, clean them up immediately by blotting, not wiping to avoid spreading the mess. And, never stand, kneel, or sit on your countertops.
Keep It Simple to Clean Natural Stone
“I always recommend starting slow, and if you need something a little more aggressive, going up from there,” Alicandro says. You can use any type of mild soap detergent, such as dish or hand soap, and mix it with a little water.
If you have a quartz countertop, you should be able to use Dawn Dish Soap without any issues. However, if you notice any discoloration or staining, you might need to switch to another brand of dish soap.
The simplest answer is no, it is best to avoid bleach when cleaning any type of natural stone.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
Then grab your cloth of choice—most kitchen towels are fine, as are microfiber cloths. Add some dish soap, and dampen the cloth with warm water. Wipe down the counter, and reapply dish soap if the suds run out before you finish the whole counter. Afterward, thoroughly rinse out your cloth until the soap is gone.
To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine. Even if you know how to clean countertops correctly, your granite will need to be resealed periodically.
Maintenance & Cleaning:
Clean your countertop with a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean cloth for best results. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently.
The safest daily cleaner for your quartz is dish soap. But you can use any mild PH-neutral cleaner without issue. To keep your counters in good condition, put potholders down before placing hot pans on the counter, clean the counters daily, and address spills as fast as possible.