Granite Counter Tops

[sau418]

I need a budget friendly granite cleaner, we have a huge kitchen with dark granite countertops I am spending a small fortune on keeping them clean. With two little kids there are ton of finger prints that I clean multiple times a day.

Thanks!!

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Water with a good micro fiber cloth is all I need.

 

[CowboyCO]

You should never use a chemical cleaner on granite. It is porous and the chemicals can leach into the surface. Just wipe it with warm soapy water. It works for dishes and it's cheap!

 

[Psychodisney]

After cleaning as above, make sure to dry it off. That way you won't have spots.

 

[traveljunkie2]

Be careful what kind of soap you use. I've read that certain dish soaps are not good for granite. It has something to do with the PH levels, and I can't remember which brand it is. I use 409 Natural Stone Cleaner. I've found it at Fred Meyer/Kroeger. It doesn't cost more than $5/bottle.

 

[r&kmommy]

What about Vinegar?

 

[traveljunkie2]

Vinegar is acidic and will etch the granite, from what I've read.

 

[HLAuburn]

What about Vinegar?

You do not want to use vinegar or any other acidic cleaner on granite.

I agree that mild soap/water and good for everyday wipe downs. Also, Target carried a Method brand granite cleaner spray I like a lot, but if you're using it a couple times a day, the cost might add up quickly, so maybe just to use occasionally between soap/water cleans.

 

[mnrose]

I use nothing but soap and water on mine, buff with a clean cloth. Mine are darker granite, and they look beautiful years after the fact.

Also, despite prior posts, I use vinegar on mine near the sink as they get hard water spots there, and after doing this periodically for 4+ years, there is no etching, and absolutely no difference between the shine on this area than there is anywhere else on my counters. I don't buy that vinegar (a relatively mild acid) will etch granite (a very hard rock).

ETA:

Before using vinegar, make sure the counter you have is truly GRANITE. If it's marble or other limestone based stone, vinegar most definitely WILL etch this stone and should NEVER be used. Heck, I used to have marble countertops, and even orange juice drops which inadvertently landed on the surface would mar it. I loathed marble in the kitchen or baths for this reason. Too many acidic things being used.

As I say, though, no harm on my true "Rockville White" (black in color) granite.

 

[Soulsearching]

"Water with a good micro fiber cloth then dry with another micro fiber cloth" was what I was told by the company that I bought my granite from.

Every now and then I use 409 Natural Stone Cleaner which I found at Lowes for $2.49.

 

[MickeyManiac]

I use Sprayway window cleaner from Costco (3/$8.00). I think this can be found at Walmart too. This is what the installer used to clean them after installation. It shines them up nicely.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I was using the Method brand. I really liked the scent. But I wipe my counters down after every meal is prepped, so that ends up being 3 times a day. It just got too expensive. I found Windex with vinegar and it says it's safe to use on sealed granite. I've been using that for a month now. It's only $1.99 a bottle. I may try the soap and micro fiber cloth idea though.

 

[stainless]

I would not use a window cleaner on granite because this breaks down the granite seal put on at the factory.
best to look for a granite cleaner or granite polish. i use granite gold myself

 

[Anthony1971]

I would not use a window cleaner on granite because this breaks down the granite seal put on at the factory.
best to look for a granite cleaner or granite polish. i use granite gold myself

You need seal them every year anything and everything breaks down the seal coat

 

[Nik's Mom]

Ok, we have only lived in this house for 2 years. How do I seal the granite? I want to make sure the granite looks good for years to come.

 

[sau418]

I have been using Method Granite cleaner on average 2 times per day on the island as that is used nonstop all day from food prep to snacks to everything. I knew Vinegar and acids are bad so I was looking for something cost efficient but natural. The remainder of the kitchen I use primarily water and a great micro cloth with the occassional granite cleaner. This is "real" granite, it is Uba Tuba black. I have an email in to our builder to see if it was sealed (knew little about needing to reseal yearly until I started doing more research) because I have read a few sites that indicate some of the darker granites are so hard they are not sealed and I want to know from our builder what the status of ours is. We built and moved into our house one year ago this week so I am thinking if we need to reseal yearly then we are about due.

 

[Cindyrellablue]

"Water with a good micro fiber cloth then dry with another micro fiber cloth" was what I was told by the company that I bought my granite from.

Every now and then I use 409 Natural Stone Cleaner which I found at Lowes for $2.49.

I was told this too...and I also use the 409 Natural Stone Cleaner when I feel it needs a little extra clean.

 

[KKB]

We have been looking into granite...
Just curious why anyone would use anything other than appropriate PH level soap & water? Saves money & better than chemicals...

 

[Nik's Mom]

So how can I tell which dish soap is safe? I don't trust the labels anymore since my windex gentle cleaner says it's safe on granite.

 

[MKCP5]

Our granite provider told us that there is no "seal" that has to be maintained. It's a fallacy. If you are looking a little dull, rub it down with mineral oil and make sure you use a good cloth to rub it in and wipe it off