What is the best natural way to clean granite countertops?

Author: Montana Von III  |  Last update: Sunday, December 17, 2023

While natural products like lemon and vinegar are a go-to for DIY cleaning solutions, you should leave them on the shelf when cleaning granite. Instead, one of the best ways to clean granite naturally is to reach for mild dish soap.

What is the best home remedy to clean granite countertops?

An effective solution contains equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol. Simply mix the ingredients together and spray them onto the granite surface. Let it sit for three to five minutes, rinse the area dry, and promptly dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.

What natural product cleans granite?

One of our favorite granite cleaners is a combo of dish soap and water. To use this method, grab a reusable spray bottle and fill it with a cup of warm water. Add a couple drops of a mild dish soap and shake to combine.

What household items can you use to clean granite?

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.

Is it OK to clean granite with vinegar?

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.

HOW TO CLEAN GRANITE COUNTERTOPS | EASY DIY GRANITE CLEANER

Is Dawn dish soap safe for 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.

What not to use on granite?

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.

What do you clean granite with daily?

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.

How do you make granite shine naturally?

Buff the granite with cooking oil to provide shine and stain resistance. Apply cooking oil to a clean cloth, then make circular motions across the surface of the countertop. Use gentle pressure as you buff the surface.

What is the best homemade countertop cleaner?

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.

What permanently stains granite?

Watch out for red wine rings if you leave your glass on the countertop, or a leaking carton of fresh blueberries. Some other culprits include coffee, tomato juice, grape juice, mustard, citrus products, toothpaste, and anything with chemicals.

Is baking soda safe for granite?

STAIN REMOVAL Don't panic! 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.

Can I use Windex on my granite countertops?

In addition, Windex products and all-purpose cleaners are generally not safe for granite countertops. While there is a long list of other troublesome granite cleaners, these are some of the most popular products used to clean granite that can have a negative impact on the life of your countertops.

How do you make dull granite 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.

How do I clean a cloudy granite countertop?

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.

Can you use Dawn and vinegar on granite?

Scrub the Surface

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.

What is the best cleaner for dull granite?

For regular granite cleaning, the best cleaner is nothing more sophisticated than mild dish soap diluted with water. (You can also make a homemade granite cleaner made with a base of rubbing alcohol.) Wet a sponge with water from the tap and squirt dish soap into its center. Bear in mind that granite scratches easily.

How do you make granite look new again?

Make a mixture of three parts baking soda to one part warm water, and combine until smooth. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean cloth. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the granite for a smooth, shiny surface.

What is the best cloth to Clean Granite countertops with?

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.

Can I use Clorox wipes on granite 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.

Can you put hot pans on granite?

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.

What is the best product to make granite shine?

Bar Keeper's Friend is a reliable choice for cleaning around the kitchen and home. The granite cleaner and polish kit comes with a spray formula and a microfiber cloth so you can get the best shine. It is safe for granite, quartz, silestone, and soapstone, and won't scratch delicate surfaces, even with daily use.

Can you use Murphy's oil soap on granite?

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.

How do you clean granite countertops without chemicals?

Clean your natural stone countertop with a mild kitchen cleaner.
  1. Make a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. ...
  2. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out until just damp.
  3. Wipe the countertop in small circular motions with light to medium pressure.
  4. If you encounter bits of dried-on food, apply more pressure.

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