How to Care for Your Granite Counters
Granite countertops are undeniably beautiful additions to any kitchen or bathroom, but they do require some extra attention to keep them looking pristine. This is particularly important when using homemade DIY granite cleaners. It’s essential to be cautious because cleaners and methods that work well on other surfaces can be detrimental to granite. Steer clear of acidic cleaners on granite surfaces. Ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, bleach, and citric acid can be harmful to granite. Instead, opt for gentle yet effective cleaners like alcohol, natural dish soap, and lemon essential oil. These alternatives will effectively eliminate dirt and grime, thoroughly clean, and enhance the shine of your kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Advantages of This Homemade Granite Cleaner
- Natural ingredients
- Simple to prepare – only 4 ingredients are needed, and I can make a batch in roughly one minute.
- Cost-effective – it costs just a few cents per use.
- Powerful cleaning and disinfecting properties.
- Fresh scent that leaves your space smelling delightful!
- Non-acidic and safe for various natural stones, including granite, marble, limestone, quartz, and slate.
- Non-abrasive, ensuring it won’t scratch granite or other natural stone surfaces.
- Leaves surfaces gleaming and sparkling clean.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Granite Cleaner
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Alcohol – Alcohol serves as a natural disinfectant. You can use rubbing alcohol, vodka, or Everclear for this recipe. There’s no need to splurge on high-end vodka; budget-friendly options work just as well for cleaning, and they have minimal scent. You can find rubbing alcohol available for purchase online.
Water – To prolong the shelf life of your granite cleaner, opt for distilled or filtered water that has been boiled and cooled.
Sal Suds – Just a drop or two of a natural dish soap like Sal Suds is sufficient. You can purchase Sal Suds online.
Lemon Essential Oil – Lemon essential oil is a potent natural cleaner with antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties—it also acts as an effective degreaser.
Spray Bottle – Utilize a spray bottle with a capacity of 10 oz or larger, made from glass or essential-oil-safe plastic (such as PET or HDPE). Here’s where to find my favorite spray bottles: plastic spray bottle and glass spray bottle.
Label – Click here for your free printable label.
Instructions for Making Your DIY Granite Cleaner
Step 1: Pour 1 Cup of Water into the Spray Bottle
Tip: To extend the shelf life of your granite cleaner, use distilled or filtered water that has been boiled and cooled.
Tip: Ensure your spray bottle is safe for essential oils. Recommended materials include glass, stainless steel, or specific types of plastic (PET #1 or HDPE #2).
Tip: Use a funnel to make pouring the water into the bottle mess-free.
Step 2: Add 2 Tablespoons of Vodka
Tip: Opt for the economical option; it works just as well as more expensive brands for cleaning.
Tip: You can also substitute Everclear or rubbing alcohol.
Step 3: Include 1-2 Drops of Sal Suds or Natural Dish Soap
Step 4: Add 10 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil and Shake to Mix
Step 5 (Optional): Label Your Bottle for Easy Identification
- Print out this free printable label (click here to get your free printable label).
- Cut out the label.
- I recommend using packing tape to adhere the label to the bottle. It’s affordable, adheres well, and protects the label from moisture and grime.
Here’s the Homemade Granite Cleaner Recipe Again
1 cup distilled water
2 tablespoons vodka, Everclear, OR rubbing alcohol
1-2 drops Sal Suds or other natural dish soap
10 drops lemon essential oil
How to Use Your Cleaner
Step 1: Shake the cleaner well before each use.
Step 2: Spray the cleaner onto a sponge or soft microfiber cloth.
Step 3: Clean the surface using small, circular motions.
Step 4: Buff the surface dry until all cleaner residue is gone and the stone surface gleams.
Tip: While I’ve referred to this as a “DIY granite cleaner,” it’s effective on a variety of surfaces. Use it on sealed granite, marble, quartz, slate, and other natural stone surfaces, from kitchen and bathroom counters to fireplace surrounds, shower tiles, furniture, windowsills, tabletops, and more.
Tip: Always wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains from penetrating the stone.
Tip: Avoid using vinegar or any other acidic cleaners on granite and other natural stone counters.
Tip: Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch natural stone surfaces.
Tips for Maintaining Your Granite Countertops
- Ensure you apply a granite sealer to protect your countertop.
- Promptly clean up any spills to prevent them from seeping into and damaging your counter.
- Use a gentle, non-acidic cleaner like the one provided in this recipe.
- Avoid using standard cleaners that may strip the protective seal, leaving the granite vulnerable.
- Do not leave wet items on your counter, as moisture can seep into the stone and cause stains.
- Always use a cutting board, as cutting directly on granite can lead to scratches.
- Be cautious not to place anything on the granite that could scratch it, as this can lead to dull etches on the surface.
Where to Find Your Supplies
This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.
Alcohol – Options include rubbing alcohol, vodka, or Everclear. High-end vodka is unnecessary; budget-friendly brands work just as effectively. You can find rubbing alcohol available online.
Water – Distilled water can be found in the water aisle of your local grocery store, Walmart, or Target.
Sal Suds – Available for purchase online.
Spray Bottle – Here are the spray bottles I use: plastic spray bottle and glass spray bottle.
Label – Click here for your free printable label.
Explore More Essential Oil Posts You May Enjoy:
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Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your health care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer: Please know that this website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.