What Cleaners Can I Use on My Granite Countertops?

What cleaners can be used on your granite countertop? We’ll be going over exactly that in this post.

Some of the cleaners mentioned here, you may have seen other countertop professionals say it’s OK to use. But we’ve recommended against some of these popular cleaners because they contain acidic ingredients which will break down your granite’s protective barrier.

So let’s get straight into this.

Can you use vinegar on granite countertops?

No, you shouldn’t use vinegar on granite countertops. Granite is a porous natural stone and granite countertops have an added sealant to prevent liquids from penetrating them. But, acidic cleaners and substances such as vinegar weaken and degrade this protective sealant.

Granite is a natural stone that, although strong, is porous. This means that liquid can penetrate granite stone. Granite countertops have a sealant on them which helps to prevent liquid from penetrating them.

But, the sealant that’s added to help stop liquid penetration can be damaged if acidic cleaners and chemicals come into contact with it. Vinegar is one such substance that shouldn’t be used on granite countertops. Vinegar is too acidic and can weaken the sealant.

The weakening of the sealant from vinegar and other acidic substances means granite countertops can be more easily stained and damaged. This weakening of the sealant can also cause discolouration over time.

Granite is a hard stone, it’s found in nature and is able to take a lot of stick and still come out looking pretty. This makes it perfect as a kitchen work surface. But everything has a weakness and granite’s weakness is acid.

Clean your worktop with a pH neutral cleaner. That’s the only type of cleaner you should be using, not even water and soap. A cleaner specifically designed for granite is what’s needed.

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Can you use car wax on granite countertops?

No, you shouldn’t use car wax on granite countertops. While you can wax the surface of your granite countertops to add back its grand lustre, car wax won’t properly do the job and may be difficult to clean. Instead, use waxes that are specifically designed for granite.

Granite countertops are a heavy investment and, naturally, you’ll want to look after it and keep it looking as grand as they did when it was first installed. Many people turn to wax to help add back granite’s lustre.

While you can use wax on your granite countertops, you need to use the right types. You shouldn’t use car wax on your granite countertops. Car wax won’t do the job properly and may prove hard to clean and at worse it may damage the granite.

We recommend using a clear wax as they can be used for both light and dark colored granite. However, you can get a wax designed specifically for dark or light granite.

However, never use a dark wax on light granite as a dark wax can leave the stone darkened. 

Do I need a professional to wax my granite?

No, you can wax it yourself, this is a ‘do it yourself’ friendly process. But if you’d like to hire a professional for this, you can go that route as well.

How to Remove Yellow Stains on My Granite Countertop

How to wax a granite countertop

1. Clear the surface. Remove any objects on the worktop and wipe it down to remove debris and stains.

2. Apply the wax to the granite surface. Dab a small amount of wax on a soft cloth and rub it into the surface thoroughly. Use a circular motion when apply as this will help the application process.

3. Leave it alone. Let the wax sit on the surface and give it a chance to seap in. 15 to 20 minutes will be enough. 1 hour is ideal.

4. Finally, take off the wax. You can use a soft cloth to remove the wax, make sure to give it a thorough wipe down. You can take it a step further by adding water and a drop of washing liquid to help remove it. But give it a very thorough clean with water to make sure you’ve completely removed the washing liquid.

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Can you use window cleaner on granite countertops?

No, never use a window cleaner on granite countertops. While it can be an enticing idea to use a glass cleaner that promises to restore the glossiness of your granite countertops, glass cleaners can dull and damage them. Instead, try cleaning with specifically designed cleaner to restore shine.

One of the reasons granite countertops are popular is for their elegant gloss and shine. This makes window and glass cleaners a go-to choice for a lot of owners of granite countertops.

The idea is these cleaners will get rid of pesky fingerprints and the like and restore the shine with a streak-free finish. But, window cleaners aren’t specifically designed with granite in mind. 

Using a window cleaner on your granite countertops should be completely avoided. Window cleaners might remove fingerprints but they could also leave uneven patches and dullness and at worse damage your granite countertops.

To remove simple marks such as fingerprints that lose some of your granite’s shine, try using a pH neutral cleaner designed for granite. Oftentimes, cleaning your granite countertops with simple warm water and a damp cloth can be enough to safely clean your countertops and restore their shine. But that’s temporary because you probably won’t have fully removed the soap, use a specially designed granite cleaner.

The dulling of the stone won’t appear right away but they’ll eventually appear and can be a nightmare to remove dull marks from granite.

There are so many window cleaners out there, the most used one being Windex. How do you know if these glass cleaners are safe fro granite? Well, that’s why you’re reading this post. And I can tell you with confident that the chances of you using a granite friendly glass cleaner are basically 0.

Can you use steel wool on granite countertops?

No, you shouldn’t ever use steel wool on granite countertops. People turn to steel wool to get rid of surface stains. But, steel wool is far too abrasive for granite and can scratch it leading to costly repairs. An effective and safer alternative using a specifically designed granite cleaner.

Despite granite’s dense and hardy surface, granite countertops don’t typically agree with abrasives. Abrasives can be good for countertops to help remove the stains and even color and level the surface. Steel wool is one such abrasive.

But, you should never use it on your granite countertops. While steel wool is a fantastic and gentle abrasive as far as abrasives go, using steel wool on granite countertops can permanently scratch them leading to costly repairs. 

Unfortunately, many people will turn to a soap and water mix, window cleaners and other types of cleaners. But you need a specific cleaner designed for granite in order to clean granite. Sure, other cleaners will do the job TEMPORARILY and then leave cloudy marks on the surface.

Can you use soap on granite countertops?

No, you should not use soap on granite countertops. Despite what ‘expert’s say, soap will actually lead to cloudy patches on the surface with constant use of soap. This is due to the soap not being removed properly and it building up within the surface.

Mild soap and warm water mix are one of the most commonly recommended ways to clean granite countertops. This is unfortunate because it is wrong!

Using a gentle soap on granite countertops will effectively remove dirt, grime, spillages, and other residues quickly and easily. But will eventually lead to discoloration.

Use a pH neutral cleaner, a cleaner specifically designed for granite.

Can you use tea tree oil on granite countertops?

Yes, you can use tea tree oil on your granite countertops as long as it’s pH neutral. Tea tree oil is a naturally powerful cleaning agent that disinfects. As a natural disinfectant, tea tree oil will clean without being harmful.

Tea tree oil has been a popular method for cleaning everything from people’s skin to hair to surfaces. For good reason. Tea tree oil contains powerful medicinal properties. It’s an inexpensive disinfectant and it can safely be used on granite countertops.

Tea tree oil makes a strong natural alternative to other harsh chemicals regularly found in store-bought ready-made cleaners like Windex. Using essential oils like tea tree oil will not only disinfect your granite countertops from potentially harmful bacteria but will give a deep clean and leave a natural shine.

All while knowing you’re not breathing in or having toxic chemicals touch your skin.

HOWEVER… when buying the tea tree you plan on using on your worktop surfaces, make sure it’s pH neutral.

Can you use witch hazel on granite countertops?

Yes, you can use witch hazel on granite countertops. Witch hazel is perfectly safe and it’s an effective cleaner for granite. 

Witch hazel has been a popular natural medicine used for hundreds of years. While popular in skin treatments for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties, witch hazel also makes a gentle yet powerful cleaning agent that can be used on granite countertops.

Another great natural alternative, you can try using witch hazel on your granite countertops. Witch hazel will thoroughly clean and help return the natural shine of granite while disinfecting the surface. And many people enjoy the pleasant smell left by witch hazel, too.

Can you use Goo Gone on granite countertops?

Yes, you can use Goo Gone on granite countertops. Goo Gone is a powerful cleaner that can remove tough and stubborn stains such as permanent markers, crayons, and glue from your granite countertops.

Goo Gone is a long-standing and popular cleaning liquid that removes particularly gooey and sticky residue. Goo Gone can be safely and effectively used on a variety of surfaces including granite.

The major benefit of Goo Gone is that it can remove stains such as permanent markers, crayons, and glue among other things that other cleaning methods cannot.

HOWEVER… we recommend using a specifically designed cleaner for granite. A pH neutral cleaner for granite should be used and it’s unclear what the pH level of Goo Gone is.

Can you use Lysol wipes on granite countertops?

No, you should not use Lysol wipes on granite countertops. Lysol wipes contain both lemon and ammonia, which are both damaging to granite. The citric acid in lemon combined with ammonia will break down the surface’s protective sealant. This makes it more susceptible to stains and damage.

Lysol wipes contain both lemon and ammonia, which are both harmful to granite countertops. Acidic cleaners shouldn’t be used on granite countertops, and the lemon in Lysol wipes contains citric acid. This, along with the ammonia, will break down the sealant meant to protect your granite countertops.

If the sealant is broken down the granite is not protected. This leaves it vulnerable to liquids such as tea and coffee and wine staining it more deeply. The breaking down and removal of the sealant will also cause discolouration and patchiness on your granite countertops.

Can you use Clorox wipes on granite countertops?

No, you cannot use Clorox wipes on granite countertops. Both kinds of Clorox wipes contain ingredients that damage granite countertops. These include citric acid and bleach. Both these ingredients will break down the sealant and cause stains and discolouration.

Clorox wipes of any kind contain citric acid and bleach. The regular wipes contain citric acid and the multipurpose wipes contain bleach. Citric acid, as mentioned in the previous section, is too acidic and can damage the sealant and will cause discolouration.

Bleach is an even harsher cleaning agent and is highly destructive to granite and other natural stones. There are much safer and less expensive alternatives to cleaning granite countertops, such as mild soap and warm water.

Never ever clean your granite worktop with cleaners that have these ingridients:

• Vinegar
• Bleach
• Citric acid
• Lemon extract
• (any cleaner with a high pH level)

While the above isn’t a complete list of what you should avoid in a cleaner, it’s going to allow you to be well on your way to a prolonged granite countertop life cycle.

People fail to realise that it’s not just food and drink spills that can stain a countertop, but also cleaners. They can often do more harm than good.

Clorox wipes alternative

You can use specifically made granite cleaning wipes (Amazon).

These wipes kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Making your surfaces food and family friendly, I think this is especially important is you have childeren.

And if you have other granite materials, you can use these wipes to remove stains and kill bacteria.

Just keep in mind that these wipes should only be used for sealed granite worktops.

How to seal granite

Chances are your granite is sealed already but give it an extra seal to make sure. You should seal your granite every 3 months to help keep it in tip-top condition.

Step 1. Thoroughly clean the surface. Make sure all objects have been removed and wipe down any stains and debris with a soft cloth.

Step 2. Apply your sealer (Amazon) to the surface. The sealer will usually be a spray, make sure the entire countertop surface has been covered. Without wiping yet, let the sealer sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3. Apply sealer for the 2nd time and let it site for 20 – 30 minutes.

Step 4. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe down the surface.

Can you use Windex on granite countertops?

Windex should not be used on granite countertops. While Windex is a household favourite for cleaning hard surfaces such as granite, using it on your granite countertops is not a good idea. Windex will dull its glossy surface and break down the sealant, making it more vulnerable to stains and damage.

Windex is a go-to household favourite for cleaning glass and hard surfaces. It cleans great and leaves a streak-free shine. However, Windex can permanently damage your granite countertop surfaces.

Not only will Windex dull the glossy surface of granite countertops, but it’ll break down the sealant. This leaves it more vulnerable to damage and stains from other chemicals, compounds, and everyday spillages.

Unfortinately, I’m seeing articles talking about how Windex and soap with water are OK to use on granite. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Windex is not a pH neutral cleaner so it will damage the surface. You need to use a specifically designed granite countertop cleaner to prevent cloudy blotches from forming over time.

Can you use bleach on granite countertops?

No, you shouldn’t use bleach on granite countertops. Bleach is an incredibly strong cleaner and disinfectant, but it’s far too strong for granite and other natural stone. Bleach will change the colour of the granite and break down the sealant meant to protect the surface of granite countertops.

Bleach is one of the first things people think of when they think about removing the toughest stains. It’s a strong cleaner and a great disinfectant. However, its strength comes at a cost. Bleach is so powerful it can damage many things, including granite and other natural stone.

Don’t use bleach on your granite countertops. Bleach can change the colour of your granite countertop surface and quickly damage the sealant, leaving it vulnerable to future stains.

Can you use Mr Clean on granite countertops?

Yes, you can use Mr Clean on granite countertops. Mr Clean has been designed as a cleaner that can safely be used on granite countertops as well as other natural stones. It’s a safe and effective cleaner that’s good for breaking down tough stains and grime that soapy water and baking soda can’t.

Mr Clean is a popular go-to multipurpose household cleaner and comes in various forms including spray cleaners and the popular Magic Eraser. Thankfully, Mr Clean has been specifically designed with natural hard surfaces like granite in mind, as it says on their website.

Therefore, Mr Clean is safe and effective to use on granite. Mr Clean is particularly good for tough stains that soapy warm water and baking soda pastes, which we generally recommend, can’t remove

Best natural DIY daily cleaner for granite countertops

The best natural DIY daily cleaner for granite countertops is a mix of three inexpensive ingredients, isopropyl alcohol, mild dish soap, and warm water. The disinfecting properties of isopropyl alcohol coupled with the degreasing soap and water can be mixed in a spray bottle and used daily.

There are a few different cleaners you can use to clean your granite countertops at home in a DIY fashion. Water, mild dish soap and isopropyl alcohol are all fantastic ways to clean your granite. They’re safe, effective, and are gentle enough to be used daily.

However, combine these ingredients, and you can create the best natural DIY daily cleaner for granite countertops. Mixing water, isopropyl alcohol, and mild dish soap in the proper amounts create a powerful cleaner that’s safe to use on granite countertops every day. And we’re going to tell you how to create it. Not only that, these ingredients are inexpensive. 

To make the best natural DIY daily cleaner for granite countertops, mix one-half cup isopropyl alcohol, one-half teaspoon of mild dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into a spray bottle.

This combination of the disinfectant isopropyl alcohol coupled with the degreasing soap and the warm water makes for a powerful mix that can easily break down grease, dirt, grime, and kill bacteria anywhere on your granite countertops.

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Warm soapy water

Warm soapy water is the go-to gentle cleaner that can be used every day to clean up spills, liquids, and grease. Warm soapy water is the easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way to clean your granite countertops. All you need is warm clean water and a small amount of mild dish soap, preferably without fragrance.

Use this mix with a clean damp microfiber cloth to clean your granite countertops. We recommend this gentle method for daily routine cleaning. For tough stains, you might need something more powerful, such as the isopropyl alcohol mix we mentioned above. 

Best disinfectant cleaner for granite countertops

The best disinfectant cleaner for granite countertops is a simple mix of isopropyl alcohol and water. Mix a small amount of each at a 50-50% ratio of isopropyl alcohol to water. Use a damp clean microfiber cloth to wipe down granite countertops to effectively and safely kill bacteria and germs.

While soap and store-bought spray cleaners specifically designed for granite might tackle grease and dirt, you may still want to know your granite countertops are thoroughly disinfected.

Potentially harmful germs and bacteria can gather on top of granite countertops, especially if you handle food such as raw meat on them. The best disinfectant cleaner for granite countertops is a simple, inexpensive mix of isopropyl alcohol and clean water. 

You don’t need much. A 50% isopropyl alcohol to a 50% water mix is all you need. Mix the two together in a small bowl or a spray bottle and wipe the entire surface of your granite countertops with this mix and a damp clean microfibre cloth.

What not to do when cleaning granite countertops

When cleaning granite, you shouldn’t use cleaners that are too acidic or abrasive and you should avoid abrasive scrubbing tools, too. While granite is strong, it’s not indestructible. Cleaners with acids in them like citric acid can break down the sealant and discolour granite. And abrasive scrubbers can scratch granite.

While thankfully there’s plenty you can do for cleaning granite countertops, there’s also plenty you shouldn’t do. Granite is extremely tough and durable, but it has some weaknesses. It’s important to know granite is porous, meaning it can be penetrated by harsh or acidic chemicals.

So, particularly strong cleaners like those that contain bleach and ammonia should be avoided. If they’re used, they can break down the sealant that’s used to help strengthen granite and they can wreak havoc on the natural stone, potentially causing permanent stains, damage, and discolouration. 

Don’t use abrasive cleaners

Avoid using abrasive cleaners to clean granite countertops. Abrasive cleaners include household bathroom and kitchen cleaners designed to remove tough grease and dirt. While these are often great for ceramics and other materials commonly found in the home, they’re not suitable for granite.

The same goes for abrasive scrubbing tools designed for cleaning and removing stains, such as steel wool. Although granite is tough, these abrasive materials can permanently damage and scratch granite countertops.

Don’t use acidic cleaners

Acidic cleaners are everywhere because acidic cleaners are particularly strong and powerful. But, stronger isn’t necessarily better with granite.

Acidic cleaners, such as those that include citric acid, can break down the sealant that protects granite countertops and penetrate the stone, discolouring it. With granite, gentler is often better. As we’ve mentioned, it’s generally best to stick with a gentle cleaner such as soap and water.

What do professionals use to clean granite?

Professionals will often use the generally recommended soapy water mix for gentle and effective daily cleaning of granite. But, for the toughest stains that soapy water can’t get rid of, they will sometimes resort to using bleach. And because bleach is so powerful, they will reseal the granite afterwards.

It may come as a surprise, but professionals stick by the gentle yet effective cleaning performance of soap and water for general cleaning. It’s generally the cleaning method professionals recommend, too.

While soap and water make for a fantastic daily cleanser for regular dirt, grease, and spillages, professionals will, when necessary, deep clean granite using bleach and then reseal the surface. This is because bleach will break down the sealant.