An Easy Homemade Granite Cleaner

Homemade granite countertop cleaner is so easy to make, safe on natural stone, and works great! You’ll love this easy way to clean your granite countertops without using harsh chemicals or abrasives.

This post was updated on December 16, 2022

Homemade granite cleaner

A homemade granite countertop cleaner is an easy way to keep your kitchen looking great. It will also save you money on expensive store-bought cleaners.

Homemade granite cleaner is made with ingredients that are safe to use on all-natural stone countertops and is easy to make.

And for a fresh scent and extra shine, add essential oils. 

Making homemade cleaning products is a simple way to save both time and money.

Plus, you can ditch the mask because this countertop cleaner is made with all-natural ingredients. 

So I shared my DIY all-purpose spray forever ago, and though I absolutely love it and use it for everything, it is not safe for granite or other natural stones because it contains vinegar.

This recipe is for anyone with granite countertops in their home and is looking for a natural alternative. 

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.

Granite cleaner recipe

The best homemade granite cleaner uses only the necessary ingredients for a fast-acting, budget-friendly solution.

Rubbing alcohol, castile soap, and water make up the key ingredients for a granite cleaner that will leave your countertops germ-free and glistening clean.

You can even use this DIY cleaner on floors, vanities, mirrors, tables, and chairs. It really is all-purpose. 

INGREDIENTS 

• Water 
• Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol, 60%-90%)
• Castile Soap (Unscented) 
• Essential Oils (Optional)
• Glass Spray Bottle

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Use a small funnel to add the water, rubbing alcohol, and castile soap to the spray bottle. 
2. Add in the essential oils if using.
3. Secure the lid and shake well.

how to care for granite countertops

1. Shake well before each use.

2. Spray generously over the entire surface being cleaned.

3. Wipe off with a warm, damp washcloth.

4. Dry with a microfiber cloth for extra shine and to remove any streaks.

What cleaners are safe for granite?

Generally, just a little soap and water are enough to clean granite. However, to really disinfect, we opt for rubbing alcohol.

Lemon essential oil is another excellent option for cleaning and adding shine to your countertops. This oil, unlike lemon juice, does not contain any citric acid, making it safe for granite.

You will want to dilute it, however. I’d suggest 5 drops for every cup of cleaning solution.

What not to use on granite countertops

Avoid using typical glass cleaners, bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and even acidic cleaners containing lemon or lime juice, which can strip the stone’s sealant.

Overusing harsh chemicals on natural stone can cause it to become dull looking and break down the sealant. 

Using cleaners strictly for granite is paramount for the longevity of your granite countertops.

This does not apply to composite sinks which are held together using plastics and glue. In that case, you can use a composite sink cleaner.

A few key ingredients in this recipe

When making a homemade cleaner for granite, we chose ingredients that were safe, sustainable, and, most importantly, would do the job well!

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol, with concentrations between 60% and 90% alcohol, is the best for cleaning, disinfecting, and cutting grease. 

It’s generally safe for most surfaces and is even used in my multi-purpose bathroom spray.

Mixing rubbing alcohol and water together in a spray bottle works well as a natural disinfectant.

Add in a few essential oils for additional cleaning properties and a fresh scent, and it will work well for killing germs. 

Even though the environmental working group (EWG) gives isopropyl alcohol a B for safety, it does have a powerful scent and shouldn’t be breathed in for extended periods of time.

So take caution when using this spray. 

Castile Soap

I love castile soap, and it is one of those things that I use for almost everything! You will find it in my foaming hand soap, DIY shower scrub, and jewelry cleaner.

Thankfully, it is very concentrated, and a little goes a long way. Even though I often use it, I rarely ever have to buy it! Making your own cleaners will save you money! 

It is a very gentle soap that is safe on skin, surfaces, and the environment. My favorite is Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap.

Essential Oils

While they are not necessary, I love adding pure essential oils to my cleaners! Not only do they add cleansing and purifying properties, but they also provide that fresh, satisfying scent we all cherish.

Citrus oils like lemon, orange, and lime are my go-to oils for cleaning. Tea tree, lavender and rosemary also have excellent cleaning properties.

Learn more about cleaning with essential oils here or here. 

Note: As stated earlier, it is OK to use citrus oils on granite countertops because they do not contain citric acid.

Be sure to avoid lemon or lime juice, as they can harm granite and other natural stones. 

Tips and FAQs

how to shine granite countertops

Add a small amount of olive oil to a cleaning cloth and gently wipe it across the countertop area. Then, using a clean, dry microfiber cloth, gently buff the surface in a small circular motion.

how to remove hard water stains from granite

For fresh hard water stains, use a soft sponge with a little dish soap and water to scrub the stain clear. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

If you have hard water stains on non-granite surfaces, you can use this cleaner here.

how to get stains out of granite

For deep stains in granite, follow this recipe here, which involves applying a thick paste of baking soda and water directly overtop of the stain.

Let it sit overnight and wipe clean with a damp cloth, and repeat if necessary until the stain is cleared.

What is the shelf life?

This granite cleaner spray will last for one year when stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place.

Takeaway

If you’re looking for an alternative to store-bought cleaners, try making your own.

This homemade granite cleaner recipe uses ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s also safe for kids and pets.

Be sure to visit some of my other non-toxic cleaner recipes next, and feel free to leave a review or comment with any questions you have below; I love receiving questions and feedback!

A few more natural cleaners you may like!

• 2 Ingredient Range Hood Cleaner
• Beeswax Furniture Polish. 
• Grout Cleaner
• Wood Floor Cleaner
• Laminate Floor Cleaner
• Streak-free Window Cleaner