Granite Countertop Cleaning | Counter Cleaning Tips

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Your grandmother may tell you that she used to clean everything in her house with a bucket of soap and water and a few good rags. In fact, she would probably recommend doing the same for your granite countertops. Nowadays, it seems that there is a specialized method for cleaning just about anything — granite countertops included. Do soap and water do the trick for granite countertop cleaning? The answer is yes, but there are other methods that work not only at cleaning your granite countertops, but also help preserve the natural beauty of the granite. Some of the cleaners claim that their products can help prolong the life of the countertops. If you are unsure about what cleanser to use then stick to the soap and water method, or look into one of the products recommended below.

Granite is one of the strongest stones used for kitchen countertops. Granite stone countertops are virtually un-scratchable, but they need to be sealed and polished over time. Proper granite countertop cleaning includes using a sealant or polish about once a year. It's important to follow the instructions given by the granite countertop supplier in case your specific granite stone top requires special care. Some granite countertops, such as polished granite countertops, need different care than most unpolished tops (this usually entails using special sealing methods).

Best Ways to Clean Granite Countertops

The number one rule for granite countertop cleaning is not to use abrasive cleaners or other harsh cleaning products. While granite is known for resisting scratches, some cleaners — especially those with a high acidity — can lead to damage marks on your counters.

Use Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. It is inexpensive and really helps to clean and shine granite countertops.
Dilute abut 1/4 C. vinegar in a few cups of warm water. Pour over the counters and wipe down.
Try the soap and water method. Get paper towels or towels ready. Squeeze some mild dish soap on a soft sponge, add warm water to the sponge and squeeze out all over the counters. Wipe them down with the towels until clean. Use a paper towel or towels with only water for a final wipe down.

Granite Cleaning Products

There are many good granite countertop cleaning products available, from wipes to sprays to concentrated gels. Aqua Mix produces several good quality products, including granite counter cleaner spray. DuPont is another great brand: It sells the DuPont StoneTech Professional products, which include a line of sealants and polishes.