How to Clean Granite Naturally the RIGHT way

There are so many different formulas to how to clean granite on the internet and many of them contain vinegar. Unfortunately, that information is not good information. Vinegar would eventually ruin your granite because acids dissolve the bonding agents in granite which would equate to very dull granite. I don't know about you but I didn't pay $$$ to dull my granite.

There are actually quite a few rules of granite cleaning which can be simplified in one statement: Use neutral pH cleaners

Okay, so what does that mean? It means that if you're going to clean your granite the cleaner should have a pH around 7. If you remember your chemistry classes, then that means should not be an acid and it should not be a base. And NO OILS!!! (essential oils are fine for scent or added cleaning power)

How To Clean Your Granite Daily:

It is recommended to use a neutral pH soap and water to clean your counters daily. If your soap has a pH of 8 or so, then you can dilute it in warm water to help weaken the solution. Another great option is Thieves All Purpose Cleaner which is a concentrated cleaner that can gently clean any surface including windows, doors, floors, dishes, bathrooms, and more! 

Glycerin soaps are usually pH balanced unless they have added acidic ingredients-- always check the label! Clearly Natural Soap (Glycerine),  Harmon Store, and South of France Soap Glycerin all have pH neutral soaps. These are BAR soaps, so you can just wet a rag with warm water (distilled is best) and rub a bit of the soap onto the rag to clean. 

Just make sure that you use another microfiber cloth which has been wetted with distilled water to remove the soap. The distilled water is best for the granite as it does not have any of the added chemicals that tap water has. It is also softer so it doesn't leave the water spots. Yay!

Once a week I clean my granite with a DIY polish and a heavy duty cleaner

Granite Polish/Heavy Duty Cleaner:

• 3 oz Parts Distilled Water (or soft water)
• 1 oz Part Alcohol 
• 1 oz Baking Soda
• Essential Oils

AND

• 1 part 100% Acetone (dark granite)

OR

• 1 part Hydrogen Peroxide (light granite)
• 3 parts Distilled water

Mix the distilled water, the alcohol and the baking soda in a 3:1:1 mixture in a jar. Shake it up.

In spray bottle, mix the distilled water and the alcohol OR hydrogen peroxide, depending on the color of your granite. Make this 3 parts water to 1 part acetone or hydrogen peroxide. 

On a clean granite surface, pour some of the baking soda/alcohol/water liquid directly onto the counter. Use a microfiber cloth to push the liquid around to deep clean the countertop. If you have any old caked on food stains, you can pour a little extra baking soda onto the site directly, wet it with the mixture and lightly scrub. 

After you have cleaned the granite, you will need to wipe it down with a wet microfiber cloth.

Now spray the acetone/hydrogen peroxide cleaner on the granite and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Wipe away the excess with a microfiber cloth.

All done! 

BEFORE:

AFTER: