The best thing to clean granite countertops is a simple mix of warm water and a few drops of mild, pH-neutral dish soap (like Dawn) applied with a microfiber cloth. It safely cuts through grease without damaging the protective sealant. Never use acidic or harsh cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or ammonia.
Cleaning 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.
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.
Key Takeaways
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on granite. Because it is a mild, pH-balanced detergent, it is an excellent and safe choice for everyday cleaning.
Yes, you can use Murphy’s Oil Soap on granite for light or occasional cleaning, but it shouldn't be your go-to everyday cleaner.
No, you should avoid using Windex on granite countertops. Windex contains ammonia and other harsh chemicals that can break down the protective sealant on your stone, leaving it dull and vulnerable to stains.
Never use acidic, alkaline, or abrasive substances on granite countertops. These harsh cleaners—like vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, and glass cleaners—break down the stone's protective sealant, leaving it vulnerable to stains and dull spots.
To restore the shine to dull granite, thoroughly clean the surface to remove built-up residue, dry it completely, and apply a specialized granite polish or stone-conditioning cream. Buff the surface vigorously with a clean, soft microfiber cloth to achieve a bright, reflective luster.
Do not use WD-40 on granite. Because granite is a porous natural stone, the penetrating oils and petroleum distillates in WD-40 will soak into the surface and leave permanent, dark oil stains. Furthermore, WD-40 will strip and dissolve any protective wax or sealants that have been applied to your countertop.
To make your granite shine, deep-clean the surface with warm water and a stone-safe, pH-neutral soap (like mild dish soap) to lift away grease and grime. After drying with a clean microfiber cloth, apply a Granite Polish and buff in circular motions. Reseal annually to maintain the glossy barrier.
No, granite is not outdated. Natural stone is highly valued for its durability, but style relevance depends entirely on the specific variety, color, and finish you choose.
Vinegar slowly eats away at the protective sealant on granite countertops. Over time, repeated exposure strips this barrier, exposing the stone's porous surface. This leads to a dull, cloudy finish, increased susceptibility to stains, and potential surface pitting.
Clean granite daily using a simple mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, like Dawn. Avoid acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon) and harsh chemicals (like bleach), as these can strip the protective sealant and etch the natural stone over time.
For everyday cleaning, Consumer Reports recommends avoiding harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners like vinegar, as they can degrade the stone's protective seal. Instead, use a mild dish soap and warm water solution, or pH-neutral cleaners formulated for natural stone.
To properly clean, shine and disinfect all-natural stone surfaces, you need to use a product that's formulated to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria* while still being safe to use on sealed stone surfaces. A perfect example is Weiman Granite & Stone Daily Clean & Shine with Disinfectant.
Steps to Achieve a Glossy Finish on Granite Countertops
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.
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol. 2 cups of water. 6-8 drops dish soap. 3-4 drops scented oil, optional.
The best granite countertop cleaners are pH-balanced and non-abrasive. These specialty formulas remove grime without degrading the protective sealant. Highly acidic items (like vinegar or lemon juice) can scratch or dull the polish.
Technically, yes, you can put hot pots and pans directly on granite. Granite is highly heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures well beyond what typical kitchen cookware produces.
People are moving away from granite countertops primarily because design trends have shifted toward light, minimalist aesthetics. Because granite is heavily speckled and varies in pattern, it can look too "busy" compared to the consistent, solid white and neutral tones of modern alternatives.
It depends on the specific product. Traditional, antibacterial Formula 409 should not be used on granite. However, you can safely use Formula 409 Stone and Steel Cleaner, which is specially formulated to be pH-balanced and non-abrasive for natural stone.
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.
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.