Clean and Disinfect Your Granite Countertops the Natural Way

Whether you’re looking to replace all the chemical cleaners in your home with natural alternatives, or you’re just looking to keep your granite countertops in great shape, using a natural granite cleaner is a great idea. Here’s a little information on how–and why–you should clean and disinfect your granite countertops ‘the natural way.’

 

If you’re making an effort to be more green in your home cleaning, you probably already know why ditching traditional store-bought cleaners is a good idea. They’re full of chemicals that are not only bad for you and your family, but they can be terrible for your home, too.

Granite and other natural stone countertops may seem tough and indestructible, but actually, they can be seriously damaged by a few squirts or sprays from many commercial household cleaners. Because granite is extremely porous, it must be sealed to prevent the stone from becoming stained or discolored.

Many of the ingredients used in regular household cleaners can damage the sealant or wear it away completely, leaving the stone vulnerable to etching and stains. Bleach is one of these ingredients and so is ammonia. In fact, any cleaner with any type of acidic ingredient should be avoided when cleaning your granite or you risk stripping off the sealant and etching the stone’s surface. Avoid commercial window cleaners for the same reason–the ingredients that strip the oil and dirt from your windows will strip the shine from your granite.

If you use vinegar for much of your cleaning, you’re not alone. It’s a popular choice because it is mild and inexpensive. However, it is also acidic so it will damage the surface of your granite. Also, mild cleaners with abrasive particles in them should be avoided. Despite granite’s toughness, abrasive cleaners can strip away the sealant and leave it vulnerable to stains and other surface damage.

 

Most people want to keep their granite looking brand new, but this does not require constant cleaning. In fact, if you use a cleaner on your granite every day, you’ll wear off the sealant much faster and have to replace it sooner. On average, you can expect to reseal your countertops once a year, unless you use a special three-year sealant.

Keeping your countertops clean is the best way to prevent them from getting damaged. So definitely wipe your countertops down daily with a dry cloth, making sure you blot up any liquid as soon as you see them. Some liquids can penetrate sealant if they’re left on long enough. So take care to clean them up ASAP to prevent damage. Invest in several microfiber cloths and keep a clean nearby at all times so you can take care of spills and other debris as you find them.

Cleaning your countertops with a mild cleaner around twice a week should be sufficient to keep them looking fantastic. You could buy cleaners designed to be used on granite, or you could whip up your own bottle of spray cleaner. Using things you probably already have lying around the house.

 

Mix 1 part isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with 3 parts water (distilled works great) in an empty spray bottle. Add in 3-4 drops of dish soap, or, you can use liquid castile soap if you want. You can also choose to add 10-15 drops of essential oils such as basil, tea tree, or lavender essential oil. Mix gently, then spray onto the surface of your countertops and wipe down with a clean microfiber cloth.

This bottle of cleaner will last you a good while. You can also feel free to use it for other household cleaning chores. It works great on stainless steel. Keep it away from your wooden tables and floors since the alcohol can strip wood varnish away and damage the wood beneath it.