The acids contained in these cleaners will degrade the sealant and can leave unsightly stains on the countertop. That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite's seal.
Clorox Wipes/Clorox Multi-Purpose Cleaner
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.
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.
Bleach: While bleach is a great disinfectant, it can dull the finish of your granite and in some cases even change its color. There are other, safer, ways to disinfect your stone, so avoid bleach and any products that contain it when cleaning your granite.
Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
Weiman Granite & Stone Disinfecting Wipes wipe up tough messes while leaving a streak-free shine. Clean, shine and disinfect countertops, floors, showers, sinks and more in kitchens, bathrooms, and other household areas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
They can cause damage
If you're using Clorox wipes to disinfect surfaces around the house, here are some things to consider. By incorrectly wiping your kitchen countertops with Clorox wipes, you're actually spreading germs around, not eliminating them.
Clorox wipes are bleach-free, so they won't cause damage to your countertops. However, they're still not suitable for daily use. Use a gentle cleanser for everyday cleaning and pull out the Clorox wipes when you need to disinfect.
We're sorry to say this, but if your granite kitchen countertops feel gritty, it's because you have low-grade slabs. When the average cost of granite countertop installation is $3,000, the last thing a homeowner wants to hear is that their newly installed countertop material is inferior.
Clorox is a common cleaning brand, which is well-loved for its ability to clean just about any place in your home. Well, almost anywhere. Clorox should absolutely not be used on natural stone features as it contains many ingredients that can cause damage, including the aforementioned bleach and citric acid.
Be careful when you are buying wipes too; stay away from citrus ones as they might be too abrasive for the surface. Stick to just plain baby wipes for the best results. For materials to wipe down your counters with, you should also stay away from abrasive materials like a scouring or scrubbing pad.
Disinfect: To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap residue, and restore shine, spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto your counters. Allow it to sit for three to five minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
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.
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.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite 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.
Bleach, vinegar, the ingredients in Lysol, and others can cause permanent damage, especially if used incorrectly. Acids, such as vinegar and even lemon juice, can break down the sealant that is used on stone countertops. Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops.
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.
Granite is one of the strongest materials on Earth, so is it really necessary to seal granite countertops? Absolutely! Granite that has not been properly sealed can store germs and moisture – things you don't want on your food preparation surfaces.