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Granite countertops are tricky to upkeep as you are unable to use any acidic or harsh cleaners to remove the grime and the dust from the surface. In this article, we'll provide a granite cleaner recipe that is sure to remove traces of dirt, oils, and even fingerprints from your granite countertops! Here's what you'll need to make your own homemade granite cleaners:
What You'll Need
With natural stone, you can't use any acidic liquids or abrasive materials so the usual solutions like lemon juice and vinegar are out of the question when making your homemade granite cleaner. Stick to basic materials like dish soap and baking soda instead.
- Rubbing alcohol - at least 70% concentration
- Dish soap - or Castile soap for a natural granite cleaner
- Baking soda
- Essential oil - optional; we recommend citrus oils like lemon, orange, or grapefruit essential oils which are non-acidic but provide a fresh scent
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
Making Your Homemade Granite Cleaner
Create your homemade granite cleaner: Mix together 1 cup of 70% rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon of dish soap or castile soap, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2-3 cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil, if preferred. Give the bottle a gentle shake to incorporate the ingredients, and mix until all the baking soda is dissolved.
Rubbing alcohol is an effective disinfectant that will sanitize and clean your granite countertops without damaging natural stone surfaces or the varnish used to protect them. Castile or dish soap removes stains, oils, and soap scum without using any harmful chemicals or leaving any residue. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive while lifting stains and grime.
This homemade granite cleaner is safe to use, and will give your granite countertops an elegant, shiny appearance that mimics the cleaning quality of specialty granite countertop cleaners but without the harmful chemicals.
Using Your Homemade Granite Cleaner
Step 1: Give Your DIY Granite Cleaner a Good Shake
It is a good idea to keep your homemade cleaner on hand by mixing the solution in advance, and storing it in a cabinet along with your other cleaning solutions. Make sure your spray bottle has an airtight lid to prevent the rubbing alcohol from evaporating quickly.
Over time, the baking soda in your DIY granite cleaner may settle at the bottom, while the essential oil may separate and float to the top. Giving your cleaner a good shake before using it will help distribute the ingredients, soaps, and essential oils thoroughly, incorporating them together.
Step 2: Spritz the Cleaner and Let it Sit
Use your natural, homemade granite cleaner, and give your granite counters a generous spritzing, focusing on the stained areas and spots with oils and grime. Let the cleaner sit, and don't worry about the essential oils - they won't damage your granite countertop as long as they are thoroughly mixed with the rest of your granite cleaning spray.
Let the granite countertop cleaner sit on the surface for around 5-10 minutes for the cleaning solution to seep into the dirt, softening and lifting stains off the material. If the cleaning solution seems to dry up before 5 minutes, layer on another spritz of your granite countertop cleaner to dampen the surface.
Step 3: Wipe Your Granite Countertops Dry
Use your clean microfiber cloth to wipe granite surfaces dry. This will buff your stone surface, leaving a shiny, protected finish. Keep wiping your granite countertops until you remove all traces of your homemade granite spray, and with it, the dirt that it has lifted from the surface. This homemade natural granite cleaner can be used on marble and other stone surfaces as well.
A Clean Finish
Having different materials in your home can make cleaning confusing and difficult. When you can't make heads or tails on how to go about your cleaning chores, look to Luce Home for cleaning services that will leave you with a spotless, pristine home. Our professionals are trained to clean your home, regardless of its wooden, natural stone, or steel material!
Check out our full list of house cleaning services today, and find one that fits your home needs!
