We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Cleaning Products The Best Granite Cleaners for Gorgeous, Glossy Countertops Keep your kitchen counters clean with these effective sprays. By Caroline Mullen Caroline Mullen Caroline Mullen is a home and lifestyle writer and editor with over five years of experience, most recently at Food52 and Home52 as the associate editor. Her work has been featured in a number of publications, including Apartment Therapy, Domino, INSIDER, and Food52. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 09, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop Questions You Might Ask Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Joy Kim Cleaning granite countertops is actually a bit different than wiping down glass, metal, or ceramic surfaces in your house. Since it’s a natural stone, granite shouldn’t be cleaned with a regular all-purpose spray, as it’s semi-porous and can erode over time with any acidic cleaning product. Granite should instead be cleaned with a dedicated cleaner, which is often pH neutral, won’t leave a cloudy haze, and will actually help to polish and seal the countertop, prolonging its life and protecting it from scratches and stains. With this in mind, we rounded up the very best granite cleaners specifically formulated for the natural stone. We also spoke to Becky Rapinchuk, founder of the Clean Mama blog and cleaning routine, and Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications, outreach, and membership at the American Cleaning Institute, about what to look for when choosing a granite countertop cleaner for your home. Our Top Picks Best Overall Granite Countertop Cleaner: SALE Granite Gold Granite Gold Clean and Shine Spray at Amazon $13 $10 Jump to Review Best Disinfecting Granite Countertop Cleaner: Weiman Granite & Stone Daily Cleaner and Polish at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Plant-Based Granite Countertop Cleaner: Therapy Clean Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish at Amazon $23 Jump to Review Best Granite Countertop Polish: SALE Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish at Amazon $22 $16 Jump to Review Best Granite Countertop Sealer: Trinova Granite Sealer and Protector at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Granite Countertop Cleaner Wipes: Weiman Granite Wipes at Amazon $8 Jump to Review Best Granite Countertop Cleaning Kit: E-Cloth Granite and Stone Cleaning Kit, at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Overall Granite Countertop Cleaner Granite Gold Granite Gold Clean and Shine Spray PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Home Depot What Stands Out It’s a safe choice for wiping the counters down before cooking and prepping. What Could Be Improved It can't be used on floors or unsealed surfaces. True to its name, this granite cleaner is truly liquid gold. The powerful spray serves as both a cleaner and polish, meaning that it not only tackles grime but also enhances the surface's natural shine. It's designed for use on any sealed stone area, and its pleasant yet subtle citrus fragrance is ideal for both kitchen and bathroom surfaces. With a simple spray and wipe, this solution cleans spills with ease. If you're tackling a vertical area, you can pull out the tab of the nozzle for a thicker, foamier spray. Since the formula is pH-balanced with no ammonia or phosphates, it’s a safe choice for wiping the counters down before cooking and prepping. Just keep in mind that the spray shouldn't be used on floors, as it may cause slipperiness. Type: Spray | Size: 24 ounce | Surfaces: Granite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate, quartz, tile, and all other natural stone | Scent: Citrus Best Disinfecting Granite Countertop Cleaner Weiman Granite & Stone Daily Cleaner and Polish PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon $5 at Walmart $7 at Target What Stands Out This affordable daily cleaner can also be used as a disinfectant. What Could Be Improved You'll need to clean any treated surface with soap and water first if you plan on prepping food directly on it. If you’re looking for the industry-standard granite cleaner, this is the one—it does a killer job wiping granite clean on a daily basis. This is a heavy-duty option, though, so it should be kept out of reach of children. You should also be sure to clean the surface with soap and water before prepping meals directly on it after you've sprayed this. In addition to its effective cleaning abilities, this powerful spray can also be used as a disinfectant, as long as you let the product sit for five to 10 minutes to fully kill any lingering germs. We recommend using a microfiber cloth to buff it out onto the countertop for the most sparkling finish. This product is also known for its ability to bring out the natural color and veining in stone, so if your counters are in need of a bit of oomph, this is a solid choice. Type: Spray | Size: 24 ounce | Surfaces: Non-porous sealed granite, sealed marble, sealed limestone, sealed slate, glazed tile | Scent: Citrus Real Simple / Joy Kim Best Plant-Based Granite Countertop Cleaner Therapy Clean Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish PHOTO: Target $23 at Amazon View on Therapyclean.com $7 at Target What Stands Out It's safe for use on other stones, as well as laminate, tile, and concrete. What Could Be Improved It's comparably more expensive than other eco-friendly cleaners. While there are plenty of granite cleaning products on the market, Therapy Clean’s version comes out on top because not only is it an effective cleaner and polish, but it’s also made with plant-based ingredients. In fact, it’s USDA Certified Biobased, meaning that it contains a USDA-verified amount of renewable biological ingredients. This product is also safe for use on other natural stones, as well as laminate, tile, and concrete, so this spray can tackle more than just countertops. It even comes with a reusable microfiber cleaning cloth, which can be tossed in the washing machine and used for various cleaning tasks around the house. We suggest buffing the product in circular motions with the microfiber cloth for the shiniest finish. The gentle lemon essential oil scent leaves the kitchen smelling fresh, too. Type: Spray | Size: 16 ounces | Surfaces: Granite, marble, soapstone, quartz, slate, limestone, corian, laminate, tile, concrete | Scent: Lemon Real Simple / Joy Kim Best Granite Countertop Polish Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish PHOTO: Bar Keepers Friend $16 at Amazon What Stands Out You can use it daily. What Could Be Improved It might not remove really set-in stains. If you’ve ever taken the original Bar Keepers Friend to a crusted-over sink or a burnt stainless steel pan, you know this brand means business. While not abrasive like the original formula (which you should not use on granite), this specially formulated granite and stone cleaner has excellent stain-removal power to buff spilled turmeric or pomegranate juice from lightly colored natural stone. However, if you’re looking for a cleaning product that has a pleasant fragrance, this unscented one might not be for you. Despite its lack of smell, we appreciate that this product can be used daily, becoming an integral part of your cleaning routine. Type: Spray | Size: 25.4 ounces | Surfaces: Granite, quartz, silestone, soapstone | Scent: None Best Granite Countertop Sealer Trinova Granite Sealer and Protector PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon $20 at Walmart $18 at Lowe's What Stands Out It's easy to use with no strong smell. What Could Be Improved It dries fast, so you have to work quickly. If you’ve wiped your granite free from dirt, grease, and stains, but want to use an even more powerful sealer, then this is the product for you. Keep in mind that counters should be totally clean before using this product and it dries quickly, so we recommend working in small sections and using a microfiber cloth for spraying and buffing out. If you’re not sure if your granite countertops need a resealing, the brand recommends doing “the water test,” which involves putting a few drops of water on the granite in several sections, waiting 30 minutes, and checking to see if any of the water has been absorbed. If it has, it’s likely time to reseal your counters. To be safe, aim to reseal your granite once a month. Type: Spray | Size: 18 ounces | Surfaces: Quartz, marble, granite, quartzite, soapstone | Scent: None Best Granite Countertop Cleaner Wipes Weiman Granite Wipes PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon What Stands Out Pre-wet wipes are much quicker to use than standard spray bottles. What Could Be Improved The single-use product does generate more waste. If you’re too busy to give your granite the care you’d like, but you still want to maintain a smooth and shiny counter, pre-wet wipes are a fantastic solution. The pack includes 30 wet wipes that can disinfect any hard non-porous surface, from bathrooms counters and kitchen sinks to other areas. These wipes clean and polish simultaneously, allowing you to remove dirt and stains while restoring your counters to their original luster. This could have particularly notable effects on marble granite, enhancing their natural veins and designs. The spray also boasts a subtle Spring Garden scent that will leave your countertops both looking and smelling fresh. Type: Wipes | Size: 30 count | Surfaces: Non-porous sealed granite, sealed marble, sealed limestone, sealed slate, glazed tile | Scent: Spring garden Best Granite Countertop Cleaning Kit E-Cloth Granite and Stone Cleaning Kit, PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon What Stands Out The reusable cloths require only water to be effective. What Could Be Improved They must be machine-washed between uses. If you're seeking a chemical-free way to keep your counters clean, this two-cloth kit provides all the essentials. The best part is: All you need is water. Step one involves using the textured cleaning cloth, which promises to capture debris and bacteria from the surface. To complete the process, use the polishing cloth to absorb moisture and eliminate pesky fingerprints and other smudges. Unlike disposable paper towels that you throw away after a single use, this microfiber cloth can be used for up to 100 cleans. Simply toss it in the washing machine for a fresh start. Plus, since water is the only added ingredient, you won't have to worry about strong odors post-clean. Type: Wipes | Size: 2 cloths | Surfaces: Granite, marble, enamel, stone surfaces | Scent: None Final Verdict Our best overall granite countertop cleaner choice is the Granite Gold Clean and Shine Spray, which is an effective cleaner and polish. While it’s a powerful product that should be treated with care, it can’t be beaten in terms of quality and value. For a plant-based product, we recommend the Therapy Clean Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish which is made with renewable biological ingredients and comes with a reusable microfiber cloth. How to Shop for Granite Countertop Cleaners Like a Pro Cleaning vs. Disinfecting Cleaning is actually quite different from disinfecting, which can be confusing when products claim to do both. According to the CDC, cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and reduces the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting, on the other hand, actually kills germs on surfaces. If you’re looking for a product that cleans and disinfects, we’d suggest the Weiman Daily Disinfectant Granite & Stone Cleaner. Just be sure to follow the directions exactly, and leave the product sitting wet on your counters for five to 10 minutes before wiping off to ensure germs are fully killed. Some multipurpose cleaners are OK to use on granite, as long as the product label says so. If it doesn't, a granite-specific cleaner is best to avoid damage to your countertops and keep them looking shiny and new. Polishing and Sealing Natural stone needs to be polished from time to time to retain its original shine and sparkle, which is often followed by a resealer that helps prevent stains and dirt from settling in the natural stone in the first place. Some products, like the Therapy Clean Granite & Stone Cleaner and Polish Kit, can clean and polish simultaneously. In order to protect your counters from potential stains, we’d recommend sealing them (once a month is ideal) with a product specifically intended to create a barrier between porous stone and anything that might get on it, like the Trinova Granite Sealer & Protectant. Questions You Might Ask Can you use a multipurpose cleaner on granite countertops? It really all depends on what the label says, so check that out before moving forward with it. According to Rapinchuk, multipurpose cleaners made with vinegar, citric acid, or any other acidic ingredients can erode granite countertops over time, resulting in a dull, unprotected surface. Are there household granite cleaners that work as effectively as store-bought ones? If you’re looking to get your granite clean and shiny in a pinch, Rapinchuk’s favorite daily cleaning formula combines 1.5 cups water, 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, and 1/4 teaspoon of Castile or dish soap. “Pour in a spray bottle, spray on counters, and wipe clean,” she says. There is no rinsing necessary. Can you use granite cleaner on other types of countertops? Yep! Every granite cleaner on our list is also formulated for other types of sealed natural stone as well, like quartz, marble, Corian, travertine, terrazzo, slate, and limestone. Since they’re made without acidic ingredients, they’re safe for use on laminate, ceramic, and fiberglass, too. Does granite cleaner expire? Cleaning products do expire, according to Sansoni. “Even if they contain preservatives, that doesn't mean they last forever" he says. "As they begin to break down, it might affect how well the enzymes work or change the pH, resulting in a less effective product." How do you know if your granite needs to be resealed? Pour a small amount of water onto your countertop and wait. If the water beads, it's alright. If it absorbs into the granite, it's time to reseal. Not being able to wipe messes up as easily may also be an indicator that the finish has worn. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Caroline Mullen, a home writer and editor with over five years of experience writing and testing home products. She has lost track of just how many spray cleaners she’s tried over the years, but it’s left her with a deep knowledge of the space. She spent quite a bit of time researching the best granite countertop cleaners, comparing ingredient lists, usages, and more. For expert advice, she interviewed Becky Rapinchuk, founder of the Clean Mama blog and cleaning routine, and Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications, outreach, and membership at the American Cleaning Institute. Jamie Fischer, commerce writer for Real Simple, also contributed to this piece.