Cleaning granite countertops is no easy task. While there are hundreds of disinfectant cleaners on the market, most of them are too harsh and abrasive for use on granite or marble countertops. These stone beauties should get the proper care they deserve, which means that you need to know just what products to avoid.
Rock Doctor suggests that you avoid the following on your granite countertops:
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Grout cleaners
- Bath tile cleaners
- Orange, lemon, or other citrus cleaners
- Glass cleaners
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Disinfectants
These cleaners or any cleaners containing these ingredients can strip the sealer from granite. Once the sealer is gone, the cleaners can seep into your granite and cause damage to the stone. Many of these ingredients can dull the stone.
Common Cleaners that Can Damage Granite Countertops
Here is a list of the worst cleaners you could use on your granite countertops:
- Windex
- Bleach
- Lysol Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner
- Clorox All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Pledge Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar Cleaner
Each of these cleaners is problematic, and here’s why:
1. Windex
Windex contains ingredients that can permanently damage the granite. While the most common damage done by Windex is dulling the shine of the countertops, it can also cause pitting. Windex can strip the sealer off of your granite countertops, leaving the granite susceptible to staining and other damage.
2. Bleach
Bleach can be extremely harsh on granite sealers. Not only can bleach degrade the sealant on your countertops, but it can also lead to staining because granite is porous.
3. Lysol Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner
Containing both ammonia and lemon, Lysol Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner isn’t a good option for cleaning granite countertops. The acid in lemons is known to break down the sealant used to protect granite countertops. In addition, ammonia can scratch the surface of your granite and even start eating away at it.
All-purpose cleaners, in general, are known for being too harsh for the sealers used on granite countertops, and Rock Doctor doesn’t recommend their use on granite countertops.
4. Clorox All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach
This all-purpose cleaner contains harsh chemicals, including bleach. Bleach, as mentioned above, can cause damage to granite countertops, so this cleaner isn’t recommended for use either. The fragrances used in this cleaner can also cause the sealant on your countertops to wear.
5. Disinfecting Wipes
All the disinfecting wipes on the market are super convenient for cleaning, but on granite countertops, they can lead to problems. The citric acid in the wipes is notoriously bad for the sealant used on granite countertops.
6. Pledge Multi-Surface Cleaner
Pledge is known for its lemon scent, and this lemon scent is what causes big problems for granite countertops. The citric acid in this cleaner can damage the sealer on your countertops, which opens the stone up for damage.
7. Windex Multi-Surface with Vinegar
Vinegar, which is a main cleaning ingredient in Windex Multi-Surface with Vinegar, can dull and etch your granite countertops. Cleaning granite countertops with vinegar is likely to do more harm than good. In addition, Windex products and all-purpose cleaners are generally not safe for granite countertops.
While there is a long list of other troublesome granite cleaners, these are some of the most popular products used to clean granite that can have a negative impact on the life of your countertops.
How Should You Clean Your Granite Countertops?
So, what is best to clean granite countertops with? Instead of using harsh chemicals and improper cleaners, opt for a trusted granite cleaning brand: Rock Doctor. Rock Doctor makes a variety of granite care products, including a cleaner and sealer.
Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Cleaner can help you keep your granite countertops clean without causing any damage to the sealer or stone. This granite cleaner is non-abrasive and leaves behind a light clean, fresh scent. Since it was made specifically for cleaning granite and other stone countertops, it is effective at removing dirt and stains from your granite countertops without stripping off the sealer. Consider using a granite cleaner on your countertops at least once a week.
In addition to granite cleaner, Rock Doctor also makes a Granite & Stone Sealer that you can use to put a protective coating on your stone countertops. This coating bonds with the stone to prevent damage from moisture and stains. As a water-based sealer, the Rock Doctor Granite & Stone Sealer won’t cause any damage to the surface of your granite countertops. Rock Doctor recommends that you use a sealer on your countertops every 12 to 18 months.
To keep your granite looking brand-new, Rock Doctor created a Granite & Quartz Polish that can be used monthly to bring back the natural shine of your granite. Using special emollients and carnauba wax, the polish can fill in tiny imperfections and cracks in your granite, which can help make your stone look like it did the day it was installed in your home.
Other Tips for Cleaning Your Granite Countertops
1. Dust with a microfiber cloth first
To prevent dust and dirt particles from scratching your countertops, use a microfiber cloth to remove debris from your countertops before applying any cleaning solution.
2. Avoid using soap
While soap isn’t going to damage the sealant or stone, it does leave a filmy residue behind on your countertops. Over time, this film builds up and requires a special cleaner to remove it. Some of these cleaners aren’t safe for use on granite and could cause problems for your countertops.
3. Don’t let spills sit on granite
Allowing spills to stay on your granite countertop for an extended period of time will wear on your sealer, and eventually, these spills can leach into your granite and cause permanent stains and other damage to the countertop. Acidic spills are even more likely to cause damage, so clean up any citrus juice or vinegar spills right away.
If you are looking for a way to safely clean your granite countertops, look no further. Get your Rock Doctor products today at Amazon, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot.
