Keep your countertops looking their best by learning the best way to clean granite.
- STEP 1: Squirt dish soap or granite cleaner onto a soft sponge.
- STEP 2: Wring out excess water.
- STEP 3: Wipe the counters.
- STEP 4: Dry granite countertops completely.
- STEP 5. Apply baking soda or granite stain remover to spots.
How to professionally clean granite?
How to Clean Granite Countertops and Make Them Shine
- Clean Off the Counters. Begin by removing everything off of the counter. ...
- Scrub the Surface. Since g ranite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic ...
- Remove Stubborn Stains. ...
- Disinfect the Surface. ...
- Add Shine. ...
How to make Easy Homemade natural granite cleaner?
Natural Granite Cleaner Recipe
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol
- 2 cups of water
- 6-8 drops Dawn dish soap
- 3-4 drops essential oil of your choice
What do you use to clean your granite countertops daily?
How to Clean Granite Countertops. For everyday cleaning, use mild dish soap and water on your granite countertops. A hot, soapy microfiber cloth will remove dried on food particles without scratching or harming the surface in any way. Always rinse with clean water. To disinfect, use a commercial product specifically for granite or other natural ...
How to clean granite countertops, the healthy way?
How to Properly Clean Granite Countertops
- Use a gentle cleaning solution and dry the surface thoroughly. Jennifer Parnell, the co-founder of Humble Suds, says that a gentle cleaner will prevent the erosion of the granite countertop's ...
- Target stubborn spots. For heavy-duty messes, you have a few options, notes Parnell. ...
- Avoid acidic cleaners. ...
What cleaners are safe for granite?
13 best natural granite cleaners.Dr. Bronner's All-Purpose Cleaner.method All Purpose Cleaner.Seventh Generation Granite & Stone Cleaner.method All-Purpose Compostable Cleaning Wipes.Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Cleaner.Caldrea Countertop Spray.method Daily Granite Cleaner.Grove Co.More items...•
Is soap and water good for granite?
Don't pour soap directly on granite countertops. Stone is porous, and full strength soap can seep into pores causing tough to remove stains. Always dilute your soap with water before cleaning.
Can you use cleaning wipes on granite?
The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones. The wipes are also a cleaner you should stay away from, as they contain citric acid that can cause your sealant to wear down.
How do you clean granite at home?
0:201:23How to Clean Granite | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't worry you can get rid of it with a stain remover made just for granite first mix two partsMoreDon't worry you can get rid of it with a stain remover made just for granite first mix two parts powder with one part water until they form a paste. Then gently apply it to the stain.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite?
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 while staying gentle on stainless steel, granite, and glassware, like Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray. Soft cloth and sponge. Water.
What is the best homemade cleaner for granite?
Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
What is the best cleaner for granite countertops?
BEST OVERALL: Granite Gold Daily Cleaner.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Counter Cleaner.BEST NATURAL: Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate.BEST DAILY: Method Daily Granite Cleaner.BEST ALL-IN-ONE: Weiman Granite Cleaner and Polish.BEST SEALER: TriNova Granite Sealer & Protector.More items...•
Is it OK to use Windex on granite countertops?
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.
Can you clean granite with Pine Sol?
Dilute ¼ cup of Pine-Sol® in a gallon of warm water. Wipe down granite with a sponge or mop soaked in the solution. Scrub stubborn stains with full strength Pine-Sol®. Use a cleaning brush or plastic scrub pad rather than a harsh scouring pad, which can scratch unsealed granite.
Does vinegar ruin granite?
Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house! Also, avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the stone.
How do you make granite shine like new?
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 do you clean granite countertops with daily?
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.
How to make your own granite cleaner?
Just mix one part rubbing alcohol to three parts distilled water and add 2-3 drops of your favorite natural dishwashing liquid.
How to keep granite shiny?
Pour your cleaner in a spray bottle, spray a little on your granite surface, then wipe it away with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. This will help keep your granite shiny and lustrous. This mixture can also be used to clean appliances, but keep it away from wooden surfaces as the alcohol can strip away varnishes and damage the wood’s finish.
What can take its toll on shiny granite?
by Scott Jenkins. Granite surfaces such as countertops and sinks add value to any facility and they look amazing, too. Unfortunately, frequent use can take its toll on shiny granite. Food, drinks, and other spills can leave them looking dingy and dirty.
Can you use vinegar on granite?
Don’t Use Vinegar. You may realize that bleach is too harsh for granite, but don’t be tricked into using vinegar to do the job, either. Anything acidic (like vinegar) can strip away the sealant and penetrate the stone, causing etching and stains.
Can you put sealant on granite?
Remember that sealant you put on your granite surfaces to protect the stone? Scrubbing your surfaces can strip that sealant off, leaving the stone vulnerable to stains. Just wipe gently and be sure to clean up spilled food or drinks as soon as you notice them, so they won’t have a chance to leave their mark on your granite.
What is the best cloth to clean granite?
A small microfiber cloth works best for small tables or countertops. You may want to use a larger microfiber cloth for bigger surface areas. If you have a large area of granite flooring that you need to clean, consider using a mop. Whether you use a mop or a microfiber, make sure that it is clean first.
How to clean granite with isopropyl alcohol?
After your granite surface has been cleaned, fill an empty spray bottle halfway with isopropyl alcohol and fill the other half with water. Shake it a little bit in your hand to make sure that the alcohol and water mix evenly.
How to get rid of excess soap and water?
Once it’s soaked, lift it out of the solution and wring it into your bucket or sink to remove the excess water and soap. You want your cloth, rag, or mop to be damp, but not soaked. If it’s dripping with water, wring it out further by twisting it in your hand. ...
How to know if granite needs to be resealed?
To see if your granite needs to be resealed, pour a small amount of water onto its surface. If the water beads up into small balls, your granite is properly sealed. If it doesn't, your granite is unsealed, and you should avoid cleaning it– the water will seep into the porous rock and potentially damage it.
Does vinegar remove mold from granite?
Some people use vinegar as a cleaning solution in their home. It is inexpensive and tends to be effective against mold. However, vinegar is acidic and will erode the sealant on your granite. Vinegar, even in small amounts, will also remove the shine from your granite.
Can you use dish soap on granite?
Read the label to see if there is any extract or citrus in the dish soap. If there is, you can’t use it because the acid will wear away the granite. ...
Is granite a good material for countertops?
Granite is a popular material for countertops and flooring alike. It has a unique appearance and texture, and it tends to be highly durable. However, it's very important to make sure you're cleaning your granite correctly– you could cause permanent damage if you don't.
Make Sure the Countertop is Sealed
If your granite countertop isn’t sealed, or the sealant is wearing off, that should be your priority. Granite is a naturally porous stone. The sealant stops food particles and liquids from seeping into the stone itself. For ultimate longevity, have your countertops sealed every two to four years.
Tips for How to Clean Granite Counters
After your granite countertops are properly sealed, you’re good to clean them. Clean them every day for the best results.
What Will Stain Your Kitchen Countertops?
Granite is fairly stain-resistant. The extent to which your granite resists stains depends on the color and porosity. It also depends on whether you used an impregnating or topical sealer. To avoid stains on your kitchen counter, take some precautions. This will keep your granite looking sharp for years to come.
Removing Stains from Granite
Cleaning your granite countertops every day is enough to keep things looking great. But sometimes, you may find that a spill created a stain.
Use a gentle cleaning solution and dry the surface thoroughly
Jennifer Parnell, the co-founder of Humble Suds, says that a gentle cleaner will prevent the erosion of the granite countertop's sealant and won't cause any physical damage to the stone.
Target stubborn spots
For heavy-duty messes, you have a few options, notes Parnell. "For sticky residue, place a damp (with hot water) microfiber cloth on the spot and let it sit for a few minutes," she says.
Avoid acidic cleaners
"Granite is a delicate stone, though it is not as sensitive as marble," Parnell explains. Still, when you clean your granite surfaces, you should avoid using anything acidic. "This includes lemon juice, products with citric acid, vinegar, or corrosive cleaning agents, such as bleach or ammonia," she says.
How to clean granite countertops?
To clean granite countertops, mix warm water with a bit of dishwashing liquid to create a cleaning solution. For ease of application, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and four cups of water in a spray bottle.
How to clean granite countertops and backsplashes?
To clean countertops and backsplashes near stovetops, mix a cleaning solution of one cup of cool water and one cup of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the granite and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Allow to air dry.
What is granite used for?
Prized for its beauty, the stone is used for kitchen and bathroom vanity countertops as well as backsplashes, desktops, fireplace mantels, and even floor tiles.
How to get red wine stains out of a sandpaper?
In a small bowl, mix enough baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste the consistency of peanut butter. Spread the mixture about one-fourth inch thick over the stain and cover with plastic wrap.
What can damage granite?
Harsh cleaners like foaming bathroom cleaners, ammonia, scrubbing powders, and chlorine bleach can damage the finish of granite. Even the acidic nature of distilled white vinegar and lemon juice can dull the finish of granite over time.
Is granite good for a bath?
The fact that granite is naturally resistant to bacterial growth makes it perfect for both kitchens and baths. While granite is extremely durable, it is a porous natural stone. But with proper installation, some preventive maintenance, and proper cleaning, granite can maintain its good looks and last for decades.
Can you use vegetable oil on granite?
Do not use oil on granite floors. The finish may become slippery and cause falls. Apply just a few drops of vegetable oil to a microfiber cloth. Wipe it on the countertop and then use another microfiber cloth to buff the finish to a glossy shine.
How to test if granite needs to be re-sealed?
There is an easy test to see if your granite needs to be re-sealed. Pour a small amount of water on a small section of the granite. After 10 minutes, if the water has sunk into the surface, you should seal immediately. On the flip side, if the water beads on the surface, your current seal is still effective. In general, you should only need ...
What is the best way to remove a stain from a carpet?
In most cases, applying a poultice, a homemade stain remover, to the spot will get the job done. Although the ingredients for a poultice will differ based on what type of stain you are dealing with, most are a mixture that incorporates baking soda with other household products.
Can you use Windex to clean granite?
Never use any cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Despite being labeled as multi-purpose cleaners, you should not use acidic cleaners such as Windex to clean granite either.
Can you use steel wool to clean granite?
Also make sure to use a microfiber cloth (or other soft cloth). Never use any abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool. It is a good habit to clean your granite countertops daily to keep them in the best shape possible.
Is granite good for backsplash?
The material is also a great choice for various other home surfaces, like backsplashes. Cleaning granite is a very important part of keeping it in great shape. Although granite surfaces are resistant to stains, you will still need to make an effort to care for the stone. By following the steps outlined in this guide, ...
Is granite easy to clean?
Compared to many other materials, granite is one of the easiest to clean and care for. As long as you keep up with this cleaning, your granite countertops and other surfaces can stay in terrific shape for years to come.
How to disinfect granite countertops?
If you want to disinfect your granite, simply mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray the countertop and allow the solution to sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe down with a was h cloth. This should also restore your granite's brilliant shine.
How to remove stains from granite?
Maid Brigade suggests creating a paste with baking soda and water for oil-based stains or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for water-based stains.
Why do you need a sealer on granite countertops?
Since granite is porous, a sealer is there to protect the granite from potentially harmful materials that can affect the appearance and lifespan of the granite. Regardless of the type of granite or seal, what doesn't vary is what you should not be cleaning your granite countertops with.
Can coffee cups be used to clean granite?
But perhaps a stray coffee cup may have left a light brown ring on your precious granite, or you have an oil stain just won't come out. Once you know how to care for granite and some no-nos to avoid , cleaning is simple. Learn the dos and don'ts of cleaning granit e.
Can you deep clean granite?
Granite counters look fantastic, are rather resilient when it comes to wear and tear or heat and, when properly sealed, easy to clean. But perhaps a stray coffee cup may have left a light brown ring on your precious granite, or you have an oil stain just won't come out.
Does Clorox disinfecting wipes degrade granite?
The acids contained in these cleaners will degrade the sealant and can leave unsightly stains on the countertop. That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite's seal.
How to clean granite countertops with homemade cleaner?
Check out these tips to get the most out of your homemade granite cleaner! Granite countertops: Wipe down the surface with a clean microfiber cloth (avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, which can scratch). Then generously spray the homemade cleaner onto the entire countertop and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
How to clean granite with dish soap?
STEP 1. Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
Why do people gush over granite?
Homeowners gush over granite for kitchen counters, bathroom vanity tops, and other surfaces for its ability to handle heat, resist everyday scratches, and—of course—look great. But granite’s porous surface can accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria that can sully its appearance and deteriorate the layer of clear sealant that protects it ...
What is the best oil to use on granite?
Basil, lavender, and cinnamon scents are all excellent options. While acidic liquids like lemon juice can corrode sealant and make the underlying granite vulnerable to chips, citrus-scented essential oil is pH-neutral and completely safe to use on this porous stone. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Can you use rubbing alcohol on a coffee maker?
Small appliances: Rubbing alcohol is well-tolerated by stainless steel and plastic-coated appliances, so the diluted form in this homemade granite cleaner is safe for use on toasters, coffee makers and other essentials that easily accumulate grime.
