Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The 9 Best Granite Cleaners of Polish and clean your natural stone surfaces. By Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Best Natural:. Best with Sealer:. This 2-in-1 cleaner and sealer brings out the shine in your surfaces while sealing them against water, oil, and fingerprint marks. Best Budget:. Best Daily:. This spray-on formula is pH-balanced to ensure it won't dull the finish of the natural surfaces.
Best for Shine:. This granite cleaner delivers shine without leaving stickiness, residue, or film on the surfaces you're cleaning. Best All-in-One:. This wipe-on formula covers all the bases of natural stone care by cleaning, polishing, and sealing the surface in a single step. Best Polish:. Make your countertops more resistant to finger smudges and water rings with this spray-on granite polish. Best Wipes:. Housed in an airtight canister, these ready-to-go wipes are perfect for cleaning up spills and streaks on granite surfaces.
View On Amazon. Dealing with a stain? Dry off the countertop, not only to protect the granite from water damage but also to eliminate streaks and leave the surface with an eye-catching, irresistible shine. Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. No matter the source of the stain, start with baking soda. If you wish to clean a water stain, mix the baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
For an oil-based stain, mix the baking soda with water. In either case, the mixture should generate a thick paste. Generously spoon and spread that over the stain, then cover the area with plastic wrap , taping down its edges. Leave the homemade stain remover overnight or even for a couple of days , before rinsing and wiping down the granite.
Most installations of granite are protected by a layer of sealant. The lemon and water test is a great, simple way of finding out how your granite countertop will react to different stains and cleaning solutions. Step two: Once your sealant has set, put your granite on a level surface and add a small amount of water on each side. Next add a small amount of real lemon juice beside the water, taking care not to mix them together.
For a final test, you can also add cooking oil, or stain sources such as coffee or cut fruit. Step three: Allow the test granite to sit for at least an hour. Step four: Wipe the granite clean and inspect it for stains and marks. You should view it at different angles and under different light sources to be sure you see everything.
For the most detail, use a magnifying glass to examine the surface for any tiny abrasions or dulling, known as etching. Where the water and oil, if used was placed on the granite, check for darkening of the stone. Whenever you get porous granite countertops wet, you run the risk of them becoming discolored. In the area where you put the lemon juice, you might see a change in the shine or surface texture of the granite. If your granite looks dull, it has been etched by the acid in the lemon juice.
Some types of granite etch very easily, while others hardly react to even strong acids. If you notice signs of etching, that means your granite worktop will need to be protected from acids such as lemon juice, tomatoes, and red wine. The primary purpose of sealant is to make granite less absorbent, not to stop chemical damage.
Finally, check how susceptible to staining your granite is by reviewing where you placed other test samples. Lighter granites tend to stain more easily, but if your light granite is non-porous then staining will be less of a concern.
Wipe up spills as soon as you can, and avoid placing any stain sources onto the granite. Although water can discolor granite and leave marks behind, washing your granite with water is still the best way to clean it. Water will only affect your granite if it remains on the surface long enough to soak in. Always try to use a pH neutral cleaner on granite surfaces to avoid the risk of etching.
Gentle dish soap and water is usually enough. Acidic or alkali cleaners can both damage the surface of your granite, making it look dull and dark. To clean granite counters, first wipe away any dust or spills with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Then use warm water with a small amount of dish soap to wash granite surfaces down. Wring out the cloth and wipe again with clean water to remove any soap residue, as over time it can leave a film behind, especially on dark granite.
Never use any abrasive pad on granite or other natural stone surfaces. Wire cleaners, brushes, and even sponges can scratch and scuff the surface. If your granite countertop has a sticky stain, avoid the temptation to scrub it away. Instead, soak stains with water or a pH neutral cleaner and use a soft cloth to wipe them away.
If you have a larger stain such as dried food to remove, you can carefully use a plastic scraper to dislodge the residue. If you leave water on granite countertops you risk discoloring the stone. Avoid the temptation to use strong cleaners like bleach or ammonia, or DIY cleaners such as white vinegar or lemon juice. All of these are too abrasive for use on natural stone without risking damage. Spray the spill and work it out gently with a microfiber cloth. Let it sit for five to ten minutes and then wipe clean.
If all else fails, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the spill. Use a microfiber cloth to gently rub the residue, then wipe clean using warm, soapy water.
This method is particularly effective at removing oily marks from granite. Be sure to wash the counter with fresh water and dry thoroughly once the residue has been removed. This will keep your granite in top condition. If your granite countertop is stained, in most instances it can still be fixed. The cause of the stain will determine the best way to clean it.
To remove water spots, use warm, soapy water to gently wash the stain. Rinse away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry thoroughly. If the stain is still there once the worktop is dry, try using a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water. For the most stubborn water marks, you can use fine steel wool to gently buff out the mark. The best solution for oily stains is to use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, work it in gently using a soft cloth, and leave for up to an hour.
Remove any residue with a damp cloth and dry the area well. You may need to repeat this several times to remove large or deep stains.
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