Homemade Granite Cleaner and Disinfectant

Get your kitchen and bathroom counters polished to a shine with this homemade granite cleaner recipe.

Granite countertops can last a lifetime if you make an effort to keep them in good shape. This homemade cleaner will keep your granite surfaces clean and shiny.

Homemade Granite Cleaner Spray

Combine 1 cup water with 1 cup rubbing alcohol (surgical spirits in the UK). Add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dish soap and 5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Swirl to combine. Spray granite surfaces until damp, then wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. To disinfect, respray the surface and wait 5 minutes, then wipe with a fresh cloth. Store any unused mix away from kids, pets, and flames. Shake well before each use.

How to Clean Granite Surfaces

Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth, but it is also porous. If not properly sealed, granite will soak up oil, water, wine, and other liquids that can discolor it. That’s why it’s so important to keep your granite sealant in good shape.

What NOT To Use on Granite

To keep granite shiny, avoid harsh or acidic cleaning products that contain vinegar, citric acid, lemon juice, ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using products like Windex, Clorox Spray, Clorox Wipes, and Formula 409.

Abrasive cleaning products will also damage your granite’s finish. Scrubbers like Magic Erasers, Scotch pads, and melamine sponges can all cause damage. So can scouring powders like Bar Keeper’s Friend or Ajax. Even if you haven’t seen damage yet, it’s only a matter of time before they erode the shiny finish on your granite.

Granite Care Tips

Using the right cleaner is only one part of protecting your granite counters’ finish. You also need to protect it from physical scratches and etching.

Thoroughly clean your granite counters weekly with this spray. A good weekly cleaning eliminates any abrasive crumbs or dust, so they don’t wear on the granite finish.

Seal your granite counters annually. It’s not as difficult as it sounds. For most granite sealants, you wipe them on, then wait 15-20 minutes and wipe them away. (I use this one.)

Use coasters under beverages and oil jars. They’ll catch drips from acidic drinks like soda and wine and prevent oily stains.

Wipe up spills ASAP. Even water can etch your granite’s finish if there are enough minerals in it.

Use a damp cloth to wipe your granite counters as part of your daily cleaning routine. This habit will help you notice any spills or grime before it becomes a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions concerning the use of this DIY granite cleaner spray. If you have a question not covered here, feel free to ask in the comments.

What Essential Oils Can I Use?

You can use any essential oil you like in this homemade granite cleaning spray. You can even use lemon or grapefruit essential oils since they do not contain citric acid. However, if you have pets in your home, please consult with your veterinarian about any essential oils you plan to use. Some, like tea tree oil or eucalyptus, are highly toxic for pets.

Can I Use Castile Soap?

Castile soap is oil-based, so it’s not always a suitable replacement for other soap or detergents in homemade cleaning products. That’s true in this homemade granite cleaner, too. Due to Castile soap’s oil content, it will leave a thin film that keeps your granite from being shiny. If you want to use it, be sure to rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any oily residue.

Can I Use a Different Alcohol?

The rubbing alcohol in this homemade granite cleaner eliminates many harmful bacteria and helps leave your counters streak-free. You can substitute a higher concentration of rubbing alcohol, like 90%, if that’s what you have. Stronger concentrations evaporate faster, though, and that may cause streaks. You can also substitute vodka for rubbing alcohol if you prefer. Or, you can use 1/4 cup of denatured alcohol but keep the other measurements the same.

Can I Skip the Alcohol Completely?

It’s important to note that rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol is not the kind you drink: it’s the kind used in first-aid for injuries. But if, for some reason, you don’t want to use it, you can skip it in this homemade granite cleaner recipe. You’ll still get your counters clean but not disinfected. (Alcohol is a disinfectant that kills many bacteria.) If you want to disinfect them, you’ll need to find another granite-safe disinfecting product.

Can I Use This to Clean a Granite Floor?

Yes! This homemade granite cleaner works very well on granite floors. You’ll need to multiply the ingredients if you’re using a bucket and go light on the dish soap to avoid streaks. If you have pets, please see the note above about using essential oils.

How Do I Get Rid of an Oil Stain on Granite?

Here’s how to get rid of oil stains on granite surfaces:

1. Clean the area with homemade granite cleaner and buff it dry with a cloth.

2. Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the oil stain. (Bicarbonate for UK readers.) Let this sit for 15 minutes to soak up surface oil and wipe it away with a damp cloth.

3. Make a runny paste of baking soda and water — aim for the consistency of pancake batter. Spread this on the stain and place a sheet of plastic cling film over it. Put something heavy on top of the plastic to help the paste stay in contact with the stain.

4. Let the paste sit overnight, then remove the plastic and wipe the area clean. Wash the spot with warm, soapy water and let it dry. Seal the granite once the stain is gone.

My Granite Still Looks Dull. How Do I Polish It?

Sometimes granite looks dull because there’s a greasy film or soapy haze on it. Use the homemade granite cleaner first, then wipe with a clean cloth dampened in warm water and buff dry.

If your granite still isn’t as shiny as you like, you can try buffing it with powdered white chalk and a felt square, although that can get messy or irritate allergies. If you’d rather use a chemical-based approach, try polishing compound spray and a felt buffer. (I like this one.) Be sure to seal your granite after polishing, then keep it clean with this homemade granite spray.