You’ve got the kitchen surface of your dreams – a luxurious granite countertop. But you’re also concerned about the environment. Looking for a green cleaning method to clean your countertop isn’t easy, but you’re committed.
This article is for you.
Granite countertops are relatively low maintenance, and you can create several environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions at home, no elbow grease required. We’ll walk you through a few of our favorite homemade cleaning products for granite countertops in this article.
Before we begin, a word of caution. Do not use ANY cleaners that contain harsh acids like vinegar or lemon juice on your granite countertops. Granite, although durable, will etch, dull, or stain if you use an acidic compound on them. Granite is a porous stone, and cleaners like ammonia and bleach may seep into it, later oozing out into your food. Don’t use anything on your granite countertop that you wouldn’t want to eat – including most conventional cleaners.
When Should I Clean My Granite Countertops?
If you spill juice, vinegar, or another acid on your countertops, wipe it up immediately. Acids will stain and damage granite irrevocably. For regular care and maintenance, wipe your granite countertops down daily with a homemade cleaning solution that is pH-neutral and nontoxic.
The first cleaning solution we list comes from the Queen of Green, known for her nontoxic household cleaners that are eco-friendly and effective.
Cleaning Solution Number One
Ingredients:
- 50 ml vodka
- 200 ml water
- 3-5 drops of vegetable glycerin, liquid castile soap, or eco-friendly dishwashing soap
Directions:
1) Mix the ingredients together in a small spray bottle. Shake thoroughly.
2) Spray granite countertop surface with this solution lightly and then wipe clean immediately.
Option number two comes to us from MamaCheaps, a blogger who helps moms everywhere save a few pennies on pretty much everything. Although very similar to the Queen of Green’s suggestion, MamaCheaps offers a way to improve the odor left behind.
Cleaning Solution Number Two
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- 3 drops eco-friendly dish detergent
- 1 cup water
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil
Directions:
1) Mix the ingredients thoroughly and add to a small spray bottle.
2) Spray your granite countertops with the cleaning solution and wipe off immediately.
The Maid Brigade reminds us that complex cleaners aren’t always necessary. Simply mixing a few drops of a green dish detergent with warm water and using this as a spray cleaner is enough to get most messes off of your granite countertops. They do caution however, that you should wipe the counters dry. Although granite is less porous than many stones, it still absorbs moisture and leaving water to sit on granite can result in lasting stains.
The levelheadedness offered by the Maid Brigade is why we turned to them for these last cleaning solution recipes. When you have a granite countertop that has stains, don’t give up hope – you can get them out with a little work and a lot of luck.
Cleaning Solution Number Three: For water-based stains
Ingredients:
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide
Directions:
1) Mix the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste.
2) Apply the mixture to your granite countertop’s stain.
3) Let the paste sit for several hours. For severe stains, allow the mixture to set overnight.
4) Rinse the mixture off and immediately dry your countertop to prevent further staining.
Cleaning Solution Number Four: For oil-based stains
Ingredients:
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part water
Directions:
1) Combine the baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
2) Apply the paste liberally to the stain on your granite countertop.
3) Allow the paste to dry for several hours. If your countertop is severely stained, allow the mixture to work overnight.
4) Immediately rinse the mixture off of your countertop and dry it immediately to prevent further staining.
Granite countertops are relatively low maintenance, but following proper care steps can extend their lifespan and keep them looking shiny and new for years. Luckily for the eco-conscious, some of the most reliable granite cleaners are green, homemade solutions. Take advantage of the recipes in this article, and keep your granite countertops in perfect condition – without sacrificing your ethics.
Many of the cleaners listed above can be used on surfaces apart from granite, as a multi-surface neutral cleaning agent. Try them on countertops, cabinets, tile, ceramic, and other surfaces to get the most bang for your buck. In addition, check out some of the most popular green cleaners that are readily available both online and in stores.
Popular and commercially available green granite countertop cleaners include:
- Method Daily Granite Polish
- Zep Marble, Granite, & Quartz Cleaner
- Granite Cold Specialty Cleaner
- Eco-Me Granite & Surface Cleaner
- Enhance Eco Cleaner Granite and Stainless Steel Cleaner
- Better Life Take It For Granite Cleaner