The best granite countertop cleaners are pH-balanced and specifically formulated for natural stone to avoid degrading the sealant. Top choices include Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner, Method Daily Granite Cleaner, and Weiman Granite Cleaner & Polish. For everyday maintenance, warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap works perfectly.
The safest and most effective way to clean granite countertops is with a pH-neutral stone cleaner like Weiman Granite Cleaner & Polish or Method Daily Granite Cleaner Spray. For daily maintenance, a simple mix of mild dish soap and warm water works perfectly. Always avoid harsh, acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon, bleach, and ammonia, as these can strip the stone's protective sealant.
Those crystals are the foundation of granite's reflective quality. The most important minerals responsible for sparkle are quartz and mica. Quartz crystals are naturally glassy and reflective. Mica, especially muscovite and biotite, produces tiny reflective flakes that shimmer under light.
The best cleanser for granite countertops is a gentle dish soap such as Dawn or Ivory. Be sure to check the label on your dish soap for any harmful ingredients, especially citrus or essential oils.
What you should not do:
No, you should not use Windex on granite. Windex contains ammonia, which is harsh and highly acidic for natural stone. Using it frequently will strip away the protective sealant on your granite, leaving the porous stone vulnerable to stains, and permanently dulling its shine.
Granite is Heat Resistant
The primary concern with heat and granite is cracking. Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant.
Granite Counter Maintenance
I would not recommend harsh chemicals on it. Instead, clean your counters with a neutral, mild, vegetable oil-based cleaner such as our "Murphy's Oil Soap®." Synthetic scrubbing pads can be used on granite surfaces.
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.
Key Takeaways
One of the biggest reasons people think granite is no longer popular is the rise of newer materials like quartz. As trends shift, some assume that older materials are no longer relevant. But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.
To quickly tell the quartz and granite apart, look at their pattern and feel. Granite has natural, unique, and often unpredictable variations with visible crystalline flecks. Quartz is an engineered stone, so it features a much more uniform and consistent pattern throughout.
What is the most expensive granite? Overall, you will find that the most expensive types of stone are red, purple, and blue granite. Various types of blue granite, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia granite, are in the high-end of the price range. The most expensive type of granite is Van Gogh granite.
Buff with a Soft Cloth: After cleaning, dry the surface with a soft cloth and buff in circular motions to enhance the shine. Use a Granite Polish: A granite-safe polish can restore the glossy finish. Apply sparingly and buff well to avoid streaks.
Pledge Multi-Surface Cleaner
Pledge has a lemon scent and lemon is corrosive to granite countertops. Citric acid in lemon is damaging to the sealer used on granite and can do further damage to the stone beyond the sealer.
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.
Are there any surfaces where I should not use them? Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Probiotic Cleaners are perfect for countertops, finished wood and tile floors, walls, porcelain, sinks and faucet, sealed stone and granite. Note that we don't recommend using our products on sealed marble, as the cleaner may remove the sealant.
If you want to know how to get the stains out of granite or disinfect it, keep 12% hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol on hand.
Luckily, everything you'll need to clean your hard surfaces can already be found in your home: Concentrated dish soap that's tough on stains and grease but gentle on stainless steel, granite, and glassware, like Dawn® Platinum Plus Powerwash Dish Spray. Soft cloth or sponge. Water.
For oil-based stains, mix baking soda with water. For water-based stains, mix with hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit overnight before wiping away. Wipe down the countertop with clean water, then dry with a fresh microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
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.
If your granite surfaces have lost their lustre, follow these simple steps to bring back their natural shine.
What we're seeing now is a shift to more dramatic looks with natural stones like quartzite, marble and granite. Striking colors and bold veining are the vibe for 2026. Blues, greens and golds are still dominant and gorgeous natural stones that have these striking expressions and other colors are definitely in demand.
Similarly, never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads on granite because these can scratch the surface, leaving you with difficult and costly repairs. According to the majority of online cleaning tips, the best way to clean granite countertops is with mild dish soap and water.