How to Clean Granite Countertops Without Damaging the Surface

Granite countertop polishing may not produce desired results when your daily cleaning routine does more harm than good. As tough as granite is, it still needs proper cleaning to protect its appearance and longevity. Many struggle with dull spots that never look clean or mysterious oil stains that refuse to lift away.

In this post, you’ll learn how to clean granite countertops with safe, simple tips that work:

• Why Harsh Chemicals Hurt Granite 
• The Right Way to Clean Granite Daily 
• Safe Homemade Cleaners You Can Use on Granite 
• What NOT to Do When Cleaning Granite 
• Can You Remove Stains, Scratches, and Oil from Granite?

Let’s bring that polished shine back - the safe way. 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals - Soap and Water is All You Need 

Why Harsh Chemicals Hurt Granite

One could reason that what works on glass or tile should also work on granite countertops - but that’s not so. Vinegar, Windex, or any ammonia-based cleaning products will harm your countertops. Granite is hard like glass and tile, but should be treated with care because it is a natural stone sealed with a protective coating. 

Without its protective coating, granite countertops will lose their shine. Acidic or harsh chemicals will eventually wear away the sealant and expose the natural stone. Once exposed, granite will soak up liquids like a sponge. Stains from oil, juice, or water spots can become permanent. Using mild, pH-balanced cleaners is the key to cleaning granite countertops effectively. 

The Right Way to Clean Granite Daily

Here’s a simple, effective, and safe way to clean granite countertops: 

Step 1: Combine a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl or spray bottle. 

Step 2: Gently wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge dampened with the mild dish soap solution. 

Step 3: Dry the counter with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid streaks. 

The right way to clean granite countertops is the easy way. Gentle products like mild dishwasher soap will preserve the look and durability of your countertops. 

Safe Homemade Cleaners You Can Use on Granite

Good news for those looking for a homemade cleaner for granite countertops. Stick with ingredients that are pH-balanced and gentle to clean granite naturally. 

Every day, Surface Spray 

• 2 cups warm water 
• A few drops of mild dish soap 
• Optional: 5-10 drops of essential oil (maybe lavender, peppermint, or lemon) 

Put the homemade solution in a spray bottle to lightly mist the surface. Let it work for 3-5 minutes before wiping down with a microfiber cloth. 

Disinfecting Granite Cleaner (without Harsh Chemicals) 

• ¼ cup rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) 
• 2 cups water 
• A few drops of dish soap

Use the solution in a spray bottle to mist the surface. Let it work for 3-5 minutes, and wipe down with a microfiber cloth.

Simple and natural, these solutions are great for maintaining beautiful countertops. 

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Granite

Now that you know how to clean a granite countertop naturally, it’s helpful to know what NOT to do. Here are the common mistakes to avoid: 

• Abrasive scrub pads or steel wool will dull the surface and wear down the sealant on your granite countertops. 
• Vinegar, bleach, and Windex, we’ve discussed above.
• Generic all-purpose sprays. Unless the label says it's safe for granite, stay away. 

Can you use vinegar on granite countertops? We’re mentioning it again because of a myth that says you can. Please do not do it. Vinegar is a popular DIY cleaner, but it's highly acidic and can damage sealants, causing granite to be prone to staining, dullness, and etching.

To protect your investment and keep your countertops polished looking, stick with gentle, stone-safe products to clean them. 

Can You Remove Stains, Scratches, and Oil from Granite?

Depending on the type and severity of your issues, stains and scratches can be removed from granite countertops. Granite is tough, but its appearance can be marred. Many stain and scratch issues can be resolved at home, while others require professional help.

How to remove oil stains from granite countertops is the most common question. Use a paste of baking soda and water directly on the stain. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight. Use the baking soda to draw out without harming the stone. Don’t use the baking soda to scrub with. 

A trickier question is how to get ink out of granite countertops. It can be done with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (instead of water) paste. This solution can be used for juice and dye stains as well. To ensure this solution works on your stone, spot-test this solution in a hidden area to avoid discoloration – just to be safe. 

How do you get scratches out of granite countertops? There’s a product for that! Look for a granite-safe polishing powder and follow the instructions given. Deeper scratches usually require professional grout restoration and sealing to restore. 

When in doubt, call the pros out. They have the experience, tools, and products to re-polish and reseal granite countertops without causing damage.

Keep Your Granite Looking Like New the Safe Way 

Granite countertops will stay beautiful for years with the right care. Maintain their polished appearance with simple, safe cleaning habits: warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth are all you need for daily cleaning. Don’t use harsh products like vinegar, bleach, or ammonia; these products will dull the shine and damage the sealant. 

Gentle methods and cleaning solutions are best for your granite’s appearance and durability. Keep this in mind when wiping down after meals or tackling a tough stain; your intentional approach will pay off. 

Need help keeping your granite looking flawless? Contact Hemingway’s Floor Cleaning Services - proudly serving the Myrtle Beach community with expert care for stone surfaces and more.