Home Cleaning Kitchen Cleaning How to Clean Granite Countertops The easiest way to clean your counters with items you probably already have. By Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 20, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article How Often to Clean Considerations Instructions Additional Tips Stain Removal FAQs Close Photo: John Keeble/Getty Images Project Overview Working Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 day Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $20-30 Durable and naturally resistant to bacterial growth, granite is a perfect choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops, shower walls, and backsplashes. Since granite is a porous material, it's typically sealed when installed in a home. Everyday use and cleaning can wear away the sealant over time, which can lead to stains, damage, and a dull finish. But, with the right cleaning supplies, granite is easy to maintain. Luckily, there's no need for specialized cleaners—you probably already have everything you need to keep your granite countertops looking shiny and new. Keep reading for steps and helpful tips on how to clean granite countertops. The Best Granite Cleaners for Gorgeous, Glossy Countertops How Often to Clean Granite Countertops In the kitchen, granite countertops and backsplashes should be cleaned after each food preparation, or at least daily to remove spills, splatters, and food residue. In the bathroom, use a squeegee or towel to dry granite countertops or shower stalls after each use to prevent water spotting and soap scum. To keep bathroom countertops in tip-top shape, they should be thoroughly cleaned weekly. Considerations Before You Get Started Before you begin, remove all appliances, dish racks, and any decorative items from your counters until they are empty. Then, wipe away any crumbs and debris. When doing a thorough cleanse, it is best to clean the entirety of your granite countertops and not just spot-clean certain areas. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Duster Microfiber cloths Spray bottle Small bowl Materials Dishwashing liquid Baking soda Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol Hydrogen peroxide Plastic food wrap Tape Vegetable oil Instructions How to Clean Granite Countertops While granite is resistant to stains from most foods and liquids, avoid harsh cleaners like ammonia, scrubbing powders, undiluted chlorine bleach, or cleaning vinegar that can damage and dull the sealant finish. Remove Surface Dust and Spills Use a damp microfiber cloth or duster to capture dust and loose soil before regular cleaning. Otherwise, you'll just be pushing around excess soil on the granite. Make sure to also wipe up food and beverage spills as soon as they happen using an absorbent, lint-free microfiber cloth. Mix a Cleaning Solution Fill a spray bottle with four cups of water and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Use a degreasing dishwashing liquid to help get the countertops extra clean. Label the spray bottle so you can easily identify the cleaning solution for future use. Wipe the Countertops Clean Lightly spritz the countertops with the water and dishwashing liquid solution. Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth and allow the counter to air dry. Tips to Keep Granite Countertops Clean Longer Avoid drastic temperature changes on granite surfaces that can cause minute cracks. Use a trivet under small appliances that expose granite to heat or cold for long periods. Use a cutting board on kitchen counters when slicing or chopping foods to help prevent scratches that dull the surface. Wipe up spills immediately and clean surfaces after food preparation. Monitor the granite sealant by sprinkling a few drops of water onto an often-used area. If the waterdrops bead together, the sealant is still in good shape. If they bleed away, it’s time for a reseal. Removing Stains from Granite Countertops If your kitchen counters feel sticky or greasy after cleaning, or you have food stains thanks to red wine and tomato sauce, here's how to clean and remove them. For grease stains: Mix one cup of cool water and one cup of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a spray bottle to use as a disinfectant. Then, lightly spritz the granite and wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth. Allow the surfaces to air dry. For food stains: Mix baking soda and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl to form a thick paste with the consistency of peanut butter. Spread the paste about one-fourth inch thick over the stain and cover it with plastic wrap. Use tape on the edges of the plastic wrap to hold it in place. Leave the paste on the stain for 24 hours. Remove the plastic wrap and wipe away the paste. Repeat as needed until the discoloration is gone. Frequently Asked Questions Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite? Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use to clean granite countertops. Not only is it safe to use on your cooking and food prep surfaces, but it is also a great degreaser and can remove stubborn grease stains. Be sure to mix it with water so the concentration isn't as strong, as you don't need to use more than a few drops. Can you use Clorox wipes on granite countertops? While they are convenient and are often labeled as "multi-surface wipes," you should avoid using Clorox wipes to clean granite countertops. According to the ingredient label, Clorox wipes (as well as Lysol wipes) contain high amounts of citric acid, which can break down the sealant on your granite countertops. Since granite is highly porous, cleaning with these wipes will cause you to have to reseal your granite countertops more often, costing you time and money. How do you make granite shine like new? To restore shine on dull countertops, add a few drops of vegetable oil to a microfiber cloth. Wipe the countertop all over with the oiled cloth and then use another clean microfiber cloth to buff the finish to a glossy shine. The shine will be temporary until a new coat of sealant is applied. How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom in 10 Steps