How to Clean Granite Countertops Daily
If you’re wondering the best way to clean your granite countertops, there are a few suitable options.
Granite is durable countertop material. It’s heat-resistant, doesn’t scratch, and can last for well over a decade. One of the downsides is that it’s porous, which means it can absorb liquids and stain. Because of its porosity, it’s important to use gentle cleaners that won’t ruin the sealant or dull the stone.
Here’s the best way to clean granite countertops daily.
The Best Cleaners to Use on Granite Every Day
One of the best daily granite cleaners is dish soap and water. But if you like cleaners that come in a spray bottle, here are some top contenders:
- Black Diamond Granite Cleaner
- Weiman Disinfectant Granite Daily Clean and Shine
- Rejuvenate Daily Granite Cleaner and Shine
If your sealant is intact, you can use mild all-purpose cleaning sprays like the ones from Method, Mrs. Meyers, or Better Life.
How to Clean Granite Countertops Daily with Dishsoap
If you want to prolong the life of your sealant and keep your granite in the best condition, wipe down your counters with soap and water every day.
Step 1: Use Dish Soap and Water to Wash the Countertop
Wet a sponge or soft cloth, add a couple of drops of dish soap and then lather it up. Next, wipe down the countertops using even pressure.
Step 2: Rinse Your Sponge
Rinse your sponge in the sink and wipe down the countertops using only water to remove excess soap.
Step 3: Dry with a Towel
Use a fresh towel to dry the counters and prevent water spots from forming.
How to Disinfect Granite Counters
You can disinfect granite by making your own DIY disinfecting cleaner or purchasing a granite-specific disinfectant from Amazon or any major home improvement store.
Here’s how to make a homemade granite disinfectant spray:
- Fill an empty spray bottle with two cups of water
- Add 4 TBS of rubbing alcohol
- Add one drop of dish soap
- Shake to combine
Spray the counters with the solution, allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
The Top Cleaners You Should Never Use on Granite
To avoid wearing the sealant and dulling your countertops, never clean your granite with vinegar, ammonia, bleach, and other acidic or basic cleaners. The cleaner you use needs to be PH-neutral.
How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops
Since granite is porous, it will absorb liquids if the sealant gets worn down. The absorbed liquid can turn into dark stains. Granite can also etch, which is a chemical reaction that results in light spots on the stone.
While there’s nothing you can do to fix etching, you can remove some stains. Here are the best methods.
- Fresh oil stains – If you spilled oil onto your countertop, dab it with a paper towel. Then, place cornstarch over the stain and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Next, remove the cornstarch, rinse, and dry the counter.
- Older oil stains – Oil stains that have set in can be tough to remove. The best method for getting rid of them is adding a couple of drops of acetone or ammonia to dish soap and wiping the stain with the mixture.
- Food and Drink – The best way to remove food and drink stains is to bleach them out of the countertop. There are two methods you can try. First, mix ⅓ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water and use it to wipe away the stain. Rinse with water and dry afterward. (Never mix bleach with other cleaners, it can create a lethal gas.)
The second option is to add a couple of drops of ammonia with 12% hydrogen peroxide and use it to blot the stained area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
How do you clean granite countertops with natural products?
The best way to clean granite with natural products is with water and your favorite all-natural dish soap.
Can you use a Magic Eraser on granite?
Don’t use a Magic Eraser on granite. Magic Erasers can wear away at the seal on your counter and dull the granite.
Does Method Granite Cleaner disinfect?
The Daily Granite Cleaner from Method is not a disinfectant.
Can I use Pine-Sol on Granite?
Pine-Sol is an acidic cleaner, so don’t use it on granite countertops or floors.
Can I use Fabuloso on Granite?
Since Fabuloso is a PH-neutral cleaner, it should be fine for cleaning granite as long as it’s diluted per the instructions.
Can I use Dawn Power Wash on Granite?
Dawn Power Wash is safe for sealed granite surfaces and as effective as dish soap and water.
Final Thoughts
While granite has many strengths, its biggest con is its porousness. To protect it, seal it on a regular basis and avoid acidic or alkaline cleaning products. These harsh cleaners can wear away the sealant leaving your granite exposed to food and liquids.
A simple mix of dish soap and water is all you need to keep your granite clean. But, if you prefer a spray cleaner, try a plant-derived all-purpose cleaner or a stone-specific product.