How To Properly Clean Granite Countertops, According To Experts
Learn how to clean granite countertops effectively and safely with our step-by-step guide.
Getty Images / karenina
Granite countertops are a beautiful luxury to have in your kitchen or other areas of your home, but it’s crucial to clean them regularly to help maintain their quality and longevity. Unlike laminate or marble, granite countertops need to be cleaned in a specific way to prevent any damage.
Regularly maintaining your granite countertops is crucial to prevent stains, scratches, and dullness. Plus, keeping up with maintenance is the best way to preserve your investment. Below, we go over everything you need to know on how to clean granite countertops the right way.
Meet The Expert
Marla Mock is the President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company.
Jacqueline Stein is a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas.
Before Getting Started
It’s important to clean granite countertops because they are often in kitchens, and that means you’re most likely to handle raw fruit, vegetables, and meat on them—and you don’t want harmful bacteria to spread.
“Granite countertops have a stone sealant applied to them to prevent any damage, but many household cleaners—even some with natural ingredients—can strip them away and leave the countertops vulnerable to permanent stains,” explains Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company. “Abrasive cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, window cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners should never be used on granite countertops.”
Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas, agrees and suggests opting for gentle, pH-neutral cleaners instead. “These will help to ensure the stone's integrity,” she explains. “Cleaners such as dish soap and water, or products made specially for stone and granite, are best.”
When cleaning any surface, it’s important to test out the solution you’re using on a small area before applying it to the entire granite countertop. This will help prevent any damage that might be caused by the solution. “It’s also important to make sure you have proper ventilation in the room when using any cleaning products,” explains Mock.
Additionally, Stein recommends using gloves to protect your hands and skin from cleaning solutions.
Related: You Probably Need To Clean Your Microwave Filter—Here's How
What You'll Need
Soft cloths or sponges
Mild dish soap
Isopropyl alcohol (no more than 70%)
Water
Bucket
Gloves (optional)
Ventilation (if using isopropyl alcohol)
How To Clean Granite Countertops
Method 1: Warm Water and Mild Dish Soap
Mix warm water with about one tablespoon of mild dish soap in a bucket. Stein prefers Dawn, as it cuts through grease and grime easily.
Dip a soft microfiber cloth or soft sponge into the solution and wring out excess water. The rag should be barely damp, as you don’t want to oversaturate the grout or stone.
Wipe down the granite countertops, focusing on areas with spills or stains, rubbing in circular motions.
Grab a fresh cloth and dip it in clean water to wipe the countertops again. This helps to rinse and remove any soap residue.
Dry the countertops with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
Method 2: Isopropyl Alcohol and Water
Grab the isopropyl alcohol (that’s no more than 70%), a one-liter spray bottle, and a mild dish soap.
Mix four tablespoons of the alcohol and four drops of the soap into the one-liter spray bottle.
Fill the spray bottle with lukewarm water and shake gently.
Spray the mixture onto your countertops and let the solution sit for 3-5 minutes before wiping it down with a soft sponge or cloth.
How Often To Clean Granite Countertops
It’s recommended to dust your countertops daily with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove debris. “You can use one of the other methods less frequently, about once a week, to give it a good cleaning,” suggests Mock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar to clean granite countertops?
Stein does not recommend using vinegar to clean granite countertops because it is acidic and can dull the surface over time. “It's best to stick to pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for granite,” she says.
How do I remove stains from granite countertops?
First, you want to assess the type of stain and for how long it has been there—this will help you treat it. “For small or quick stains, try spraying or applying the cleaning solution of your choice and letting it sit for 1-2 minutes,” suggests Stein.”This will help you remove grime and stains easily.”
For harsher stains, she recommends making a paste with warm water and cornstarch. “Apply to the stains, let sit for up to 12 hours, then wipe with a damp soft cloth to remove, and dry,” says Stein.
Related: How Often To Clean Every Surface Of Your Your Kitchen, According To An Expert
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