Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices for kitchens thanks to their natural beauty and durability. But here’s the tricky part — granite is porous. That means harsh cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or bleach can strip the protective sealant and leave dull spots called etches.
The good news? You don’t need expensive specialty products. You can make a safe and effective homemade granite cleaner with ingredients you probably already have at home.
This guide walks you through the best DIY recipes, step-by-step instructions, and tips to keep your granite spotless without causing damage.
Key Takeaways
- Granite requires pH-neutral cleaners — avoid acids and bleach.
- A simple dish soap + water solution works for daily cleaning.
- A DIY alcohol-based spray disinfects safely without harming granite.
- Avoid vinegar or lemon-based “natural” cleaners — they etch stone.
- Always dry granite after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Why Can’t You Use Just Any Homemade Cleaner on Granite?
Unlike quartz or laminate, granite is a natural stone sealed with a protective layer. Acidic or abrasive cleaners break down this sealant, leaving the stone exposed.
A 2023 survey by the Natural Stone Institute found that over 70% of granite damage cases were linked to improper cleaning products, especially vinegar-based solutions.
That’s why granite needs gentle, pH-balanced cleaners only.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Homemade Granite Cleaner?
The safest granite-friendly ingredients are:
- Mild dish soap (pH-neutral)
- Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
- Distilled or filtered water (prevents mineral streaks)
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil for scent (like lavender or lemon oil, not juice)
How Do You Make Daily Granite Cleaner at Home?
Recipe #1: Simple Soap & Water Cleaner
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon mild dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Spray lightly over granite.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- Dry with a soft towel.
👉 Best for everyday cleaning after cooking.
How Do You Make Homemade Granite Disinfectant?
Recipe #2: Alcohol-Based Granite Spray
- 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%)
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2–3 drops mild dish soap
- (Optional) 5 drops essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Spray onto countertop.
- Let sit for 3–5 minutes.
- Wipe with microfiber cloth, then dry.
👉 Best for after raw meat prep or when you need to sanitize.
What Cleaners Should You Never Use on Granite?
| Unsafe Cleaner | Why It’s Bad |
|---|---|
| Vinegar | Acidic, dissolves sealant, etches surface |
| Lemon juice | Same acid damage as vinegar |
| Bleach | Discolors and weakens stone |
| Ammonia | Breaks down protective seal |
| Abrasive powders | Scratch the surface |
💡 Even “natural” DIY cleaners with lemon or vinegar are unsafe for granite.
How Often Should You Clean and Reseal Granite?
- Daily → Wipe with soap + water.
- Weekly → Use alcohol-based disinfectant.
- Yearly (12–18 months) → Test sealant by sprinkling water. If it absorbs, reseal with a granite sealer.
FAQs
Can I use baking soda on granite?
Yes, but only as a paste for stains. Don’t scrub directly with dry baking soda.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for granite?
In small amounts for stain removal, yes. Avoid frequent use on polished surfaces.
Do I need a commercial granite cleaner?
Not always. Homemade cleaners work fine for daily use, but store-bought products may add extra shine.
Why distilled water instead of tap water?
Tap water can leave mineral streaks on polished granite. Distilled water prevents this.
Quick Granite Cleaning Checklist
- Use mild soap + water daily.
- Disinfect weekly with alcohol-based spray.
- Avoid acids (vinegar, lemon) and bleach.
- Dry surfaces after cleaning.
- Reseal granite every 12–18 months.
Final Thoughts
Granite countertops are an investment worth protecting. The safest way to care for them is with homemade, pH-neutral cleaners that clean effectively without harming the stone. A simple dish soap solution works for daily use, while an alcohol-based spray keeps germs away.
Skip the vinegar and harsh chemicals, and your granite will stay glossy, strong, and beautiful for decades.
As the chief content writer, Hassan Al Sarker works as a professional kitchen-based content creator at Kitchen Liker.
In addition to reviewing the content published on Kitchen Liker, he ensures that it is accurate, relevant, and helpful. As a result, all the reviews and information published at Kitchen Liker are neutral and userfriendly.
Hassan Al Sarker has a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Tourism Management From the Newyork University. Before joining Kitchen Liker, he was a contributor at Kitchen Club, United States.