Easy Homemade Granite Cleaner
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If you love your granite countertops but want to avoid harsh chemicals, this homemade granite cleaner is the perfect solution. With a few everyday ingredients, you can whip up a cleaner that will leave your surfaces sparkling without any toxic residues. It’s affordable and easy to make, plus safe for your home and the environment.
Recently, we did a little kitchen makeover and redid our countertops, replacing the old dingy laminate with beautiful white quartz.
I’ve been using my usual homemade all-purpose cleaner, but it wasn’t doing the quartz justice. The residual streaks were incredibly off-putting.
I don’t want to use regular store-bought cleaners because they are typically toxic, and we go through so much cleaner around here that buying it would cost me a small fortune every month.
If you are new to natural cleaners (like this homemade glass cleaner or furniture polish), I want to let you in on some secrets.
They are inexpensive to make, take only a minute to whip up, give super effective results, and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now.
Making your own granite cleaner (which is great for quartz, too!) is not only an easy way to care for your kitchen or bathroom surfaces but also a more eco-friendly and budget-friendly choice. With minimal effort, you can keep your countertops shining and safe without relying on harsh chemicals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Non-toxic: By using simple and natural ingredients like rubbing alcohol and mild dish soap, you’re avoiding any harmful chemicals that can be found in many commercial cleaners.
Customizable scent: Adding a few drops of essential oils lets you tailor the fragrance to your liking—lavender for a calming atmosphere or lemon essential oil for a fresh, clean scent.
Affordable: This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have around the house, making it a cost-effective way to keep your countertops looking pristine.
Quick and easy: You can make a batch in just a few minutes and get back to cleaning.
Streak-free: A natural granite cleaner that leaves your kitchen counters clean and sparkly without any streaks. Yay!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy for the full disclosure.
Ingredients
Water – Many people like to use distilled water to prevent any bacteria growth. I use reverse osmosis water, and we go through this stuff so fast that it hasn’t been a problem.
Rubbing alcohol – Also called isopropyl alcohol (preferably 70% or 90%), this disinfects and helps achieve a streak-free shine.
Mild dish soap – I like to use castile soap, as it is non-abrasive and free of harsh chemicals.
Essential oils (optional) – Lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil work well. I love adding lemon oil (or different citrus oils) since it helps remove gunk. It can effectively loosen the sticky residue from stickers off of glass!
Tools You Need
- A spray bottle to mix and store your cleaner.
- Measuring cup and spoon.
- Funnel – optional, but helpful for pouring ingredients into a small bottle.
- A soft cloth or clean microfiber cloth for wiping down surfaces.
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How to Make Homemade Granite Cleaner
Step 1: Prepare the bottle by cleaning it with soap and water if needed. Add the water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap to the spray bottle. If you’re adding essential oils, this is the time to do it—add about 10-15 drops of essential oil (depending on how strong you want the scent).
Step 2: Once the ingredients are in the bottle, put the lid on and shake it well to combine.
Step 3: Use! Simply spray the cleaner onto your granite or quartz countertops and wipe with a soft dry cloth or microfiber towel. There’s no need to rinse!
Tips
- It is always a good idea to test your homemade granite cleaner on a small portion of your countertops to make sure it is suitable.
- With alcohol-based cleaner, it is always a good idea to spray in a well-ventilated area.
- This is appropriate for everyday use.
- For stubborn spots: If you need a stronger cleaner for tough spots, increase the rubbing alcohol to 1/2 cup and add a little more dish soap and lemon oil.
- For a more therapeutic touch, try using oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or orange.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite countertops are durable, but they still require proper care to maintain their beauty and integrity. Using the wrong cleaning methods or products can damage the surface, leaving it dull or even scratched. Here are a few things you should avoid when cleaning granite:
Harsh Cleaners or Chemicals
Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or ammonia. These can strip away the granite’s sealant and leave the stone vulnerable to staining. They may also dull the surface over time.
Abrasive Scrubbers
Scrubbing with rough sponges, heavy-duty scrub brushes, or steel wool can scratch the granite and dull its finish. Stick to soft cloths, microfiber towels, or non-abrasive sponges to clean the surface gently.
Bleach
Bleach is too harsh for granite surfaces and can weaken the stone’s structure. It may also discolor the granite, especially if it’s light-colored.
Excessive Water
Granite is porous, and while it’s sealed, too much water can still seep in, especially around edges and seams. Make sure to dry the surface promptly after cleaning to prevent moisture buildup.
Waxes or Oil-based Products
Using wax or oil-based cleaners can leave a greasy film on the surface, attracting dirt and grime. These types of products should be avoided as they make cleaning harder and can degrade the granite’s finish.
FAQ
Yes, this cleaner is safe for most non-porous surfaces including quartz, but you should avoid using it on natural stone surfaces other than granite (like marble or limestone), as rubbing alcohol can be too harsh on those materials.
No, the rubbing alcohol in this recipe helps the cleaner dry quickly without streaks, giving you a shiny, spotless finish.
Yes, this cleaner is gentle enough for daily use. Just avoid using too much dish soap, as it can leave a residue over time if used excessively.
Absolutely! This recipe can be scaled up if you need more cleaner. Just be sure to store it in a cool place and shake well before each use.
Rubbing alcohol is essential for its fast-drying and streak-free properties. However, you can substitute it for hydrogen peroxide if necessary.
Find More Natural Cleaning Recipes:
- Natural Homemade Stain Remover
- Homemade Laundry Detergent
- Natural DIY Foaming Hand Soap
- Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Homemade Granite Cleaner
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Equipment
- Spray bottle
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1.5 cups water preferably distilled
- 1/2 tablespoon dish soap or Castile soap
- 10 drops lemon essential oil optional
Instructions
- Prepare the bottle by cleaning it with soap and water if needed.
- Add the water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap to the spray bottle. If you’re adding essential oils, this is the time to do it—add about 10-15 drops of essential oil (depending on how strong you want the scent).
- Once the ingredients are in the bottle, put the lid on and shake it well to combine.
- Use! Simply spray the cleaner onto your granite or quartz countertops and wipe with a soft dry cloth or microfiber towel. There’s no need to rinse!
Notes
- It is always a good idea to test your homemade cleaner on a small portion of your countertops to make sure it is suitable.
- With alcohol-based cleaner, it is always a good idea to spray in a well-ventilated area.
- This is appropriate for everyday use.
- For stubborn spots: If you need a stronger cleaner for tough spots, increase the rubbing alcohol to 1/2 cup and add a little more dish soap and lemon oil.
- For a more therapeutic touch, try using oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or orange.