It’s hard to know how to clean granite. In the wide world of cleaning products, so many of them serve multiple uses—but even some truly versatile products are not good for cleaning granite. (You can’t use Bar Keepers Friend or the poorly-named “all-purpose” cleaner on it, for instance.)
So what can you use that won’t damage the stone you spent a small fortune installing in your kitchen?
Why is granite so hard to clean?
Granite is porous, so it absorbs liquids (though not as badly as marble does, but that is a topic for another time), so it can not only get stained by spills, but if you use the wrong chemicals on it, they can sink in and cause lasting damage. Now, most granite you’d find in a kitchen is sealed, which is good, but that sealant can be worn away over time and by acidic or basic chemicals like vinegar or bleach, too.
It’s also susceptible to scratches, so you have to use something soft to clean it. As hard and sturdy as granite is, it can’t withstand steel wool or other abrasive materials. Marla Mock, president of Neighborly company Molly Maid, says it’s best to use microfiber cloths, washcloths, or other non-scratch sponges.
What is the best way to clean granite?
So, how do you clean something that doesn’t tolerate vinegar, all-purpose cleaner, or bleach? Mock recommends plain old soap and water: “Wet a cloth and apply a bit of soap to the countertop or your cloth and wipe the entire surface once.” That should do the trick, but you can use a razor blade and apply gentle, even pressure to scrape off any seriously stuck gunk.
If you have stains, Mock says you can make a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with water or hydrogen peroxide. Keep in mind that water will be better for oil-based stains and hydrogen peroxide will be better for water-based ones. Rub your paste into the stained area and scrub with a soft cloth. If that doesn’t remove the stain, reapply more paste, cover the surface in in plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight before scrubbing again.
Avoid stains forming in the first place by wiping up any spills the moment they happen. The porous nature of granite dictates that the longer something sits on it, the deeper the stain will set in. No matter what, dry the countertop completely every time it gets wet.