What do you use to clean your granite counter tops?

mommy2allyandaveri

DIS Veteran
Joined
Sep 19, 2006
Messages
3,558
I'd like to find an antibacterial spay and I'm having trouble. The only one I have found is Pledge but it is so expensive for each bottle. I like to spray down my counter tops multiple times per day so I'd like to find something with a reasonable price.
 
I looked at that today at the store and when I looked it up, it said this:

Don't use vinegar, Windex or bleach on granite. Frequent uses of these acidic substances will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Don't use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because granite can be scratched. The good news: You don't need specialty cleaners for granite.
 
I looked at that today at the store and when I looked it up, it said this:

Don't use vinegar, Windex or bleach on granite. Frequent uses of these acidic substances will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Don't use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because granite can be scratched. The good news: You don't need specialty cleaners for granite.
It also says

You can also use a 50:50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water.

That's fairly cheap.

I also found this:

If you'd like a simple cleaning solution, use rubbing alcohol , which isn't acidic and will clean and disinfect granite surfaces, leaving them grime-free and shiny. You can also use a few drops of dish detergent and water. Antibacterial dish soap isn't too costly.
 
I make my own everyday cleaner. 50/50 (ish) Alcohol and Water, with drops of dish detergent added to a spray bottle. I can use this on countertops, appliances, etc. It's great on my smooth top stove.
 
I looked at that today at the store and when I looked it up, it said this:

Don't use vinegar, Windex or bleach on granite. Frequent uses of these acidic substances will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Don't use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because granite can be scratched. The good news: You don't need specialty cleaners for granite.

Windex multi surface is safe for granite. I've used it for years. They make an antibacterial version. It's yellow. Hard to find though.

I also use Method disinfecting multi surface. Safe on granite. It does leave some streaks though. Not as clean looking as Windex.
 
I looked at that today at the store and when I looked it up, it said this:

Don't use vinegar, Windex or bleach on granite. Frequent uses of these acidic substances will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Don't use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because granite can be scratched. The good news: You don't need specialty cleaners for granite.


The guy that cut and installed my granite was the one who recommended Windex Multi surface.
 
I use the isopropyl alcohol mixed with water. Spray on, let sit about a minute, then wipe off. That's usually all I do during the week when I'm rushed, but about once or twice a week, I follow all that up with the Method Granite spray because it really gives it a nice shine (and I like the scent).

During the whole pandemic thing, though, it's been an ordeal keeping myself stocked with alcohol but I've managed. I'm sure people in the store think I'm some anti-germ nut but I keep saying "really, it's just to clean my countertops!!"
 
I need to find something that doesn't leave streaks.......so tired of them.
I have tried Windex, granite cleaner, Clorox wipes, Fantastic, vinegar and water mix
 
I looked at that today at the store and when I looked it up, it said this:

Don't use vinegar, Windex or bleach on granite. Frequent uses of these acidic substances will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Don't use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because granite can be scratched. The good news: You don't need specialty cleaners for granite.
I need to find something that doesn't leave streaks.......so tired of them.
I have tried Windex, granite cleaner, Clorox wipes, Fantastic, vinegar and water mix
I work for a homebuilder and we put granite and quartz into hundreds of houses a year. Our supplier recommends just good, old-fashioned mild dish soap and water. The key to streak-free is using the soap to remove any grease and buffing them dry with a soft cloth. If you feel you must take an extra step to disinfect, use rubbing alcohol but be sure to buff it off thoroughly.

Liquid granite sealer can also be applied but remember, it wears off over time and the more often and more aggressively you scrub the surface, the more often you will need to reapply. In some cases, the streaks you see may be the sealer wearing off - try re-sealing. If you feel you must take an extra step to disinfect, use rubbing alcohol but be sure to buff it off thoroughly.
 
I use soap and water (mild solution). Followed by a wipe with a wet microfiber cloth to get off the soap residue. My counters are 14+ years old. No issues whatsoever with the granite. You don't need "special" cleaners. What a crock.
 
Dawn dish soap has a new spray version out. We mix it with a bit of water and spray it on the counters and then wipe it off with a dish towel.
 
I use Windex Multi, Method or plain soap and water on my quartz. Still looks brand new after almost 8 years, shiny and no streaks.
 
When we first moved in I googled how to care for granite, and babied it with specialty cleaners. Then I moved on to Windex multisurface. Now I just use whatever. Lysol kitchen cleaner or Mrs. Meyers. It still looks shiny and brand new. No streaks ever. Maybe b/c it's darker with lots of color variation? We bought the house six years ago and the house was built with the granite installed 15 years ago. I'd say if it's sealed well, it's not going to be that big of an issue. It was purchased from and installed by a local stone company, not a big box store. I don't know if that matters or not, though. We plan to replace the countertops with a combo of butcher block and quartz within the next six months to update. If I didn't hate the color of our granite (after our home remodel during quarantine it no longer matches anything and is an eyesore color-wise) I'd keep it, b/c it's so easy to care for.
 
Okay, tried the soap and water and wiping with a microfiber cloth.....and still streaked :(

Dark granite with other colors swirled, but OCD in me can still see them. I hope other people don't notice.
House is 12 years old. We had it built.
 
Okay, tried the soap and water and wiping with a microfiber cloth.....and still streaked :(

Dark granite with other colors swirled, but OCD in me can still see them. I hope other people don't notice.
House is 12 years old. We had it built.

I use a regular terry dishcloth to shine mine after wiping. I've got black granite, and it does show streaks. If that doesn't work, at Target they carry (used to?) some microfiber cloths, one of which is for shiny surfaces (it's not like a terry, it's more of a flat texture). That's the best cloth ever for shining. I use it to dry anything shiny - glass, granite, mirrors. Best thing ever. (I don't use the other two, but this one alone was worth it.)

https://www.target.com/p/microfiber-dust-cloths-4pk-made-by-design-8482/-/A-75564403 The green ones.
 












Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE







New Posts



DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top