Make Surfaces Sparkle with Homemade Granite Countertop Cleaner

If you’re searching for a beautiful countertop material, granite is a great option. In addition to its good looks, granite is extremely durable, stands up to heat, and resists stains after it’s properly sealed. But even sealed granite needs a bit of regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on pricey commercial granite cleaners. You can easily make your own homemade granite countertop cleaner that’s just as effective as the commercial stuff, but much less expensive!

How to Make Homemade Granite Countertop Cleaner

Making DIY granite countertop cleaner is quite simple. In fact, you probably already have everything you need at home!

Ingredients

• ½ cup of rubbing alcohol or vodka
• 3 to 6 drops of dish soap
• Approximately 2 cups of water
• 5 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour the alcohol into a clean spray bottle.
2. Next, add the dish soap and essential oil.
3. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with cold tap water.
4. Shake the bottle vigorously to mix everything together.
5. You’re ready to clean!

How to Use Your Homemade Granite Countertop Cleaner

Now that you’ve got your cleaner ready to go, spray it onto your countertops, let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds, then wipe the area clean with a soft, dry cloth. Any cloth will do, but many people prefer microfiber cloths for their rapid absorption.

Feel free to use this solution on most other surfaces in your home as well. It’s gentle enough for stone, marble, tile, and appliances.

An Additional Step for Extra Sparkle

While the DIY cleaner above is great for cleaning and sanitizing, you might want to take one additional step if you really want your countertops to be dazzling. Simply mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water in a clean spray bottle. Spray the solution on your countertops and let is sit for about 5 minutes. Then dry the surface with a clean, microfiber cloth. This will take away any dullness and leave a fabulous shine behind.

What Not to Use on Granite Countertops

A word of caution: make sure you never use any of the following products on your granite countertops.

• Bleach
• De-greasers
• Glass cleaners
• Vinegar or vinegar-based products
• Citrus or citrus-based products
• Commercial kitchen cleaners
• Commercial bathroom cleaners
• Cleaning powders
• Tile cleaners

 

All of these products contain acids, chemicals, and/or abrasive ingredients, which will scratch and dull your granite countertops.

Tips to Keep Your Countertops in Tip-Top Shape

In addition to regular cleaning, here are some ways to keep your granite countertops looking their best.

• Clean up spills quickly: Use warm water and mild dish soap to spot clean spills as soon as they happen.
• Be mindful of bottles: Bottled products such as cooking oils, nail polish, creams, and lotions can damage your granite countertop’s surface if left to sit for an extended period of time—even if the lids are kept on.
• Use coasters: Although granite is generally resistant to scratches and etching, it won’t hurt to give your precious countertop an extra layer of protection by placing cups, mugs, and glasses on coasters.
• Use heat protection: Granite is very heat-resistant, but it’s still a good idea to avoid placing hot pots, pans, or dishes directly on its surface. Place a potholder under hot objects before setting them down on granite surfaces.
• Cut carefully: Granite countertops resist scrapes and scratches, but don’t take any chances by cutting directly on the countertop surfaces. Always use a cutting board.

 

Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your granite countertops. Using our homemade granite countertop cleaner and following the tips above will keep your granite countertops looking bright and shiny for decades.

If you want to see our collection of gorgeous about kitchen and bathroom countertops, then contact Special Additions. Our design staff will work with you to ensure you get the kitchen and bathroom you’ve been dreaming of. Call us for a free quote today!