The Best Way To Clean Granite Countertops Is With A Natural Homemade Solution

Granite countertops are available in a range of beautiful stone colors and numerous finishes to turn your kitchen into a rock-solid work of art. While granite counters are quite expensive (the average countertop will set you back around $3,300), they're built to last and can look like new for three decades or more — with proper maintenance. Cleaning regularly is key, as is sealing the countertops once a year (or max every 18 months). What you clean with is also important. Many popular cleaning ingredients can actually damage granite. Vinegar, for example, should never be used as it's highly acidic and can corrode the surface, making it look dull and faded. Granite also reacts negatively with alkaline cleaners, like bleach.

Instead, use a readymade specialty solution or mix your own DIY cleaner using ingredients you probably already have. It's quick and cheap to do, using one part rubbing alcohol to four parts warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap and mix the contents in a spray bottle, then use a microfiber cloth to wipe it on countertops. Not only will alcohol clean debris, it will actually disinfect the surface, killing harmful bacteria such as E. coli. If you dislike the smell, mix in a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. But preparing the right (safe) cleaner isn't enough – you'll also need to follow proper best practices.

In addition to using the right cleaner to keep granite countertops looking like new, it's just as important to follow cleaning best practices. Frequency is key when it comes to maintaining granite, and spills should be wiped up as soon as they happen. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up water or spray your DIY cleaner on bigger messes to avoid water streaks or, worse, permanent stains and discoloration.

Even with minimal use, the surface should be wiped daily with the alcohol-water solution, and a deeper clean is recommended on a weekly basis. Remove everything from the countertops, including small appliances, and spray the entire surface with the homemade cleaner. Wipe every nook and cranny, paying close attention to edges, which tend to collect small debris, like dust and crumbs. Then, once a month, coat the counter with a topical polish that's specially formulated for granite surfaces. This will keep the stone looking shiny and clean while repelling water stains and protecting it from fingerprints and dirt. Finally, take a few simple preventive measures to keep your countertops safe from everyday wear and tear. Namely, always employ coasters, trivets, and cutting boards while using the surface.