DIY Granite Countertop Cleaner

When we moved to our new San Francisco apartment this summer we graduated from laminate countertops to granite. Because most conventional store bought and DIY all purpose cleaners contain acidic ingredients (vinegar, lemon, etc) that can be harmful to use on stone countertops, I knew I needed a new granite countertop cleaner.

If not properly sealed and cared for, granite and other stone countertops can absorb kitchen liquids like wine, oil, or even water. Using products that are too acidic (citrus or vinegar) can cause etching in the stone or damage the seal (and re-sealing granite countertops is not cheap). Here is the granite countertop cleaning recipe that I use:

INGREDIENTS FOR GRANITE COUNTERTOP CLEANER

• 1/4c Rubbing Alcohol
• 1c Water
• 1/8 tsp dish soap
• 5 (or more) drops of your favorite essential oil (I used eucalyptus)

Combine in a spray bottle and you’re ready to clean! An easy, cheap, natural granite countertop cleaner.

Cautionary note: I would not recommend using alcohol as an ingredient when cleaning more porous stone surfaces like marble, onyx, or travertine. For those, 1tbsp of dish soap to 2 cups water is a better, more gentle alternative.