Granite countertops bring sophistication, durability, and timeless elegance to any home.
Granite countertops bring sophistication, durability, and timeless elegance to any home. Whether you have granite kitchen countertops, granite bathroom countertops, or granite countertops for outdoor kitchens, keeping them clean is essential to preserving their beauty. But with so many cleaning products on the market—vinegar, baking soda, Windex, bleach, Clorox wipes, rubbing alcohol, Lysol wipes, car wax, Fabuloso, Dawn dish soap, essential oils, Pine-Sol, and more—how do you know which are safe for granite?
In this guide, we break down the best and worst cleaners for granite, explain why some common household products are damaging, and offer the best cleaning solutions for maintaining sealed and unsealed surfaces, from polished granite countertops to honed granite countertops.
Why Special Care Is Needed for Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural stone that is porous by nature. While granite countertops are heat resistant and durable, they can absorb spills, become etched by acids, or lose their sealant if exposed to the wrong chemicals.
Whether you’re working with black granite countertops, white granite countertops, or high-end blue pearl granite countertops, the goal is to clean without degrading the surface or its seal.
Safe Cleaning Products for Granite Countertops
Let’s start with products that are considered safe and effective for everyday use on granite surfaces:
✔ Dawn Dish Soap
Mild dish soap (like Dawn) mixed with warm water is one of the best daily cleaning solutions for granite. It cuts through grease without damaging the sealant or stone.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the surface and wipe with a soft microfiber cloth.
This gentle method is suitable for sealed and custom granite countertops alike.
✔ Rubbing Alcohol (70%)
Isopropyl alcohol diluted with water (1:1 ratio) can disinfect granite without causing etching or staining.
- Great for killing germs on granite bathroom countertops.
- Leaves no film or residue when properly wiped dry.
✔ Baking Soda (With Caution)
Baking soda is effective for spot-treating stains but should not be used as a daily cleaner.
- Make a paste with water for oil stains or hydrogen peroxide for organic stains.
- Apply, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 24 hours.
Dealing with unsealed or unfinished stone? See How to Clean Old, Faux, Unfinished, or Unsealed Granite Countertops
Products to Avoid on Granite Countertops
Now, let’s look at common household products that should NOT be used on granite.
✘ Vinegar
Vinegar is acidic and can eat away at granite’s surface, dulling polished finishes and weakening sealants.
✘ Windex and Glass Cleaners
Windex contains ammonia and alcohol, both of which can strip away protective sealers, leading to a dull, streaky appearance on granite slabs for countertops.
✘ Bleach
Bleach is corrosive and will damage both the stone and the seal. It can discolor dark countertops like black granite and degrade sealant on white granite countertops.
✘ Clorox and Lysol Wipes
While marketed as all-purpose cleaners, these wipes contain citrus oils and disinfectants that are too harsh for granite.
- Can lead to etching
- Not safe for daily use
- May break down sealing prematurely
✘ Car Wax
Car wax might seem like a shortcut to a shine, but it’s not designed for porous stone surfaces. It can build up over time and trap dirt in the pores.
✘ Fabuloso, Pine-Sol, and Other Scented Cleaners
These cleaners often contain fragrances, surfactants, and acids that can be too strong or abrasive for granite.
- Avoid if you want to protect the integrity of your affordable granite countertops for modern kitchens.
✘ Essential Oils
While popular in DIY cleaners, essential oils (like lemon, tea tree, or eucalyptus) are acidic and may damage granite over time.
Best Practices for Daily Granite Cleaning
- Use soft microfiber cloths to avoid scratching
- Avoid using paper towels, which can cause streaks or minor abrasion
- Blot, don’t wipe spills, especially on granite countertops near sinks or stoves
How to Clean Granite Countertops Outdoors
Outdoor granite is exposed to harsher elements and needs additional care. Learn the full process here: How to Clean Outdoor Granite Countertops
How to Seal Granite Countertops
To maintain water and stain resistance:
- Apply granite sealer every 6 to 12 months
- Test by dropping water on the surface—if it absorbs in under 5 minutes, it’s time to reseal
- Resealing enhances shine and prolongs the life of your stone
Granite vs Quartz Countertops: Cleaning Differences
Unlike granite, quartz countertops are engineered and non-porous, meaning they don’t require sealing. However, they have different cleaning needs.
Explore more:
- What Are Quartz Countertops?
- Do Quartz Countertops Need to Be Sealed?
- How to Remove Stains from Quartz Countertops?
Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops in Cleaning Context
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heat and scratch resistant | Requires sealing |
| Natural stone beauty | Can stain if unsealed |
| High resale value | Acid-sensitive |
| Compatible with many cleaners | Needs specialized maintenance |
Where to Get Granite Countertop Support or Supplies
Looking to upgrade, maintain, or replace your granite surfaces?
Search locally:
- Granite countertops near me
- Granite countertops in [city name]
- Granite countertop showroom [location]
- Top-rated granite countertop installers near me
- Wholesale granite countertops suppliers
- Granite countertop installation services
Conclusion: What Should You Use to Clean Granite Countertops?
Stick with the basics: warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Use rubbing alcohol sparingly for disinfecting, and baking soda only for stain removal. Avoid vinegar, bleach, Windex, Clorox wipes, Pine-Sol, and essential oils, as they can damage your stone or strip away its seal.
Proper maintenance ensures your granite countertops—whether in a cozy kitchen, a sleek bathroom, or an elegant outdoor space—stay beautiful and resilient for years to come.