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.
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.
Daily Cleaning
To clean granite countertops on a daily basis, we recommend using Granite Gold Daily Cleaner with hot water and a rag. After scrubbing the granite, take a clean, dry rag and dry your countertop. It's that simple for everyday use!
A mild dish soap is the handiest cleaner you have that is safe for granite. Alternatively, consider a commercial cleaner that's specifically formulated for granite. Many natural cleaning products are also safe for use on this surface, but read the label for confirmation before using them.
Warm water and dish soap: The best way to clean granite countertops is to use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, such as cleaning with Dawn Powerwash, says Ahmed Jamal, cleaning expert behind CleaningAdvisor.
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.
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.
Our best overall granite countertop cleaner choice is the Weiman Daily Disinfectant Granite & Stone Cleaner, which is a strong and effective cleaner and disinfectant. While it's a powerful product that should be treated with care, it can't be beaten in terms of quality and value.
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.
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.
Make your own granite countertop cleaner: Mix 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water and add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Voila, you have your own DIY granite cleaner! Soap and water usually do the trick, but if you want a quick way to disinfect or clean the granite, this spray works great.
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.
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.
Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking: Dry and buff your granite countertop thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or soft terry cloth towel to avoid streaking. Disinfect: To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap residue, and restore shine, spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto your counters.
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.
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.
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.
Granite is a composite of magma and different kinds of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, amphiboles, and mica. The mineral mica is found in a lot of granite, and it is one of the things that gives granite a shimmery shine in certain places.
For example, hard water deposits, food debris, calcium deposits, grease and soap residue can build up on the surface over the course of years, and you probably won't notice. This build up causes the stone to deflect light rather than reflect it, which makes the countertop appear less shiny.
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.
The list of best disinfectant for granite countertops is short and alcohol-based. Isopropyl, more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is considered to be the most widely available and effective disinfectant for granite. Rubbing alcohol is a natural bactericide and can also kill fungus and viruses.
Don't pour soap directly on granite countertops. Stone is porous, and full strength soap can seep into pores causing tough to remove stains. Always dilute your soap with water before cleaning. Don't use an abrasive scrubber.
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.