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.
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.
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.
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.
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. 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.
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.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops.
It's not necessary to use special cleaners—warm water and soap work just fine—but this is an option if you wish to utilize it. 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!
Formula 409 is a bathroom cleaner and disinfectant that works on removing soap scum and other debris from bathroom areas. It contains a number of ingredients that are damaging to granite, so you shouldn't use it on any granite countertops or vanity areas in a bathroom.
Flush the area with a mix of water and mild dish soap; rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. Avoid harsh cleaners: Granites may contain trace levels of acid-sensitive minerals, so don't use cleaning products containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids.
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.
We suggest using Simple Green on granite countertops for a few reasons. This powerful degreaser safely removes grease, grime, and stains from most countertop materials. It's also easy to find at your local hardware or home goods store. Plus, its concentrated, non-toxic formula is non-acidic with a pH of about 9.
If liquid dish soap has left an unsightly stain or ring on your granite countertops, it's a sign your granite needs to be resealed. Soap rings can be very stubborn because they occur when the porous stone absorbs the water and soap residue.
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.
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.
No, you don't need a special granite-only cleaner! But after doing our own research, we think we've discovered a consensus among stone experts on how to care for granite. Make sure your granite countertop is sealed, avoid using chemicals, and use a gentle cloth for daily wipe-downs.
For an all-natural cleaner that will get rid of dirt and oils effectively, reach for the distilled white vinegar in your pantry. Mix the vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Diluted white vinegar breaks down stains like soap scum and hard water stains from your countertops, and removes oils.
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.
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.
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 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.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. No matter the source of the stain, start with baking soda.