How to disinfect granite countertops? I know I can’t use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. What other ideas do you have for me?
Erica McFarland, Burbank. CA
I’m glad you already know that acids and hydrogen peroxide will damage your beautiful stone countertop. Most of the same rules apply to quartz as well as granite. You can’t use bleach or ammonia either or you will irreparably damage the surface.
The best https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-clean-granite/ways to clean granite and how to disinfect granite countertops are simple solutions that involve ingredients you probably already have in the pantry or under the kitchen sink. In our guide on homemade granite cleaner, we go into more detail about the cleaning process, but all you really need is distilled water and essential oil.
To make a simple disinfectant for your granite, put two cups of distilled water in a spray bottle, then add 25 drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils. This powerful DIY disinfectant spray will kill bacteria without damaging granite.
Spray it on, then let it work for a few minutes before you wipe it off. If you have any questions, check with the counter manufacturer to make sure. They may also recommend a commercial solution for you.
If you have quartz instead of granite, a dish soap and water quartz cleaning solution is often all you need to get rid of stains and everyday grime. To learn more how to seal quartz countertops, check out our in-depth article here.
For day-to-day cleaning of granite, use a pH-balanced liquid. Mild soap, warm water, and a clean cloth are enough to get the job done for both granite and quartz.
You may find that microfiber is easier to work with and more effective for cleaning quartz countertops and other stone materials. It can help you scrub off caked-on food without scratching the surface and leaves it nice and shiny.
Hopefully, if you have new countertops, they’ve already been sealed. But if you’ve just moved into an older home, look into sealing the granite with a commercial product. This will keep you from dealing with problems in the future.
It becomes much easier to keep the surface clean and free of stains. Generally speaking, it doesn’t take much time or effort to apply sealant, either.