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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our best overall granite countertop cleaner choice is the Weiman Daily Disinfectant Granite & Stone Cleaner, which is a strong and effective cleaner and disinfectant. While it's a powerful product that should be treated with care, it can't be beaten in terms of quality and value.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops.
Thankfully, Soft Scrub has products that are tough on stains, yet gentle on your most delicate kitchen countertops. Granite and Marble – Specially designed to remove stubborn stains without damaging high-end surfaces, Soft Scrub's Multi-Surface Gel restores granite and marble countertops to their original shine.
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.
Once you've sprayed down your countertop, wipe it clean with a dish cloth, terrycloth towel, or clean microfiber cloth. Some people use paper towels, but because paper towels come in many different types, some of which work better than others, we find it best to use something a little more consistent.
Granite is a composite of magma and different kinds of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, amphiboles, and mica. The mineral mica is found in a lot of granite, and it is one of the things that gives granite a shimmery shine in certain places.
Two Tenax Ager products are excellent on granite that has a dull appearance or when you want to bring out the rich, varied highlights in stone. Tenax Ager Color Enhancing Stone Sealer is a more affordable option, and it is formulated for most natural stone products.
Microfiber Cloth
These cloths are softer and more gentle than normal cleaning cloths, making them great for use on granite countertops.
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.
Natural Stone Surfaces
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers can scratch glossy, delicate surfaces such as granite and marble. Even though you may not see the tiny scratches, using any abrasive cleaner will make the surface dull.
Instead, make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the problem area. Let the paste sit on the granite for 15 minutes to an hour. If the paste dries up place a damp cloth over it to wet it again and wipe it away. Still, having issues with cloudy film no matter what you try?
The simplest cause of a cloudy surface on your granite countertops is that you improperly applied the sealant and did not allow it to dry completely. The proper way to apply sealant is to spread it across the granite surface, buffing it into the stone until it's completely dried.
Unfortunately, Formula 409 contains many substances that can damage the surface of your granite.
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.