March 5, 2014
What’s the Best Way to Clean Granite + Marble?
This is one of the top questions I receive from readers and today I’d like to share a couple brands that I’ve tried out with success. They all have similar results and clean well. Ultimately, it comes down to your price range, what scent you like, and what you can easily grab at the store you like to shop at or order from online. (I have tested other cleaners but these are my favorites.)
So what do I look for from a cleaner when cleaning my counter tops?
- no residue or film left behind
- cleans on the first wipe – no need for re-wiping
- pleasant or no scent
- food-safe ingredients
Here’s my side-by-side set up of the cleaners – I tested them using the same cotton cleaning cloth and next to each other on my island:
And the results – streak-free and lovely:
So is there a winner? Honestly I love all of them, my favorite scent and spray is the Better Life brand’s cleaner, but they all work amazingly well!
Here are links to all of the cleaners:
Better Life Take It For Granite
Want to know how I clean counters nightly? I keep this cute little vintage stoneware container and sponge on my counter by the soap and dish soap. I give the counters a swipe with the soapy solution and wipe clean with a dishcloth.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a version of my DIY Granite Countertop Spray Cleaner recipe from my book for you to try!
Faith Gaubault Says
I use a Norwex kitchen cloth. No chemicals and no residue. Green cleaning and no residue or waste.
Susan Pelizzaro Says
Hi, thank you for this post. We got granite countertops a few months ago and I was wondering what the “experts” thought about which product to use 🙂 I actually know the family that owns Better Life products and I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that they are such nice people! I have a question for you. Do you know what’s best for a granite sink? Mine gets so nasty but I haven’t found the right cleaner or rag for the job.
Thanks!
Susan
Becky Says
Post authorI don’t have a granite sink but I’d use a sponge (not a 2-sided scrubby sponge) and dish soap – mild, but you can get a little scrubbing action with the sponge. xo, Becky
Angela Says
I have used the method brand but the shine never seems to last ….changes to a dull finish when it dries:-(
Any suggestions?
Becky Says
Post authorI didn’t have that happen, but maybe buff it a little bit as you apply the cleaner/polish?
xo, Becky
Michelle Says
I do have a granite cleaner but I only use it once a week, the rest of the time Ivory soap and water does the trick!
Kate Says
What do people with really hard water do? I get such a white build up around my faucets and sink from the hard water. I am always looking for something to help me take care of that. The only thing I have found (other than trying to keep it dry to prevent it from happening-but let’s be realistic about that!) is scraping it with a razor blade. It’s a pain and tricky to apply just the right pressure. Thoughts?
Becky Says
Post authorSaturate a paper towel with white vinegar – let it sit on the buildup for 30 minutes and give it a little scrub and it should come right up.
xo, Becky
Kathryn Says
I use Norwex’s Descaler. We have hard water and it does the trick with only a small amount! I also use it on the ice maker where it gets white! Love it!
pmshah Says
Get some sulphamic acid powder. Make a solution in warm water, about 1 tsp in 1 liter – 1 us quart. Soak some cloth in it and wrap it around the hard water scale. Let it stand. May be put some drops every now and then. Bo scraping / scrubbing required. Cleans out to brand new state. Absolutely non corrosive and non irritating to bare skin, at least to me. One can buy half a kg , 1.1 lb for around $ 1.50 here in India. I use it all the time on cooking utensils, bathroom fittings, whistling kettle and what have you. There is nothing better.
pmshah Says
This is a small correction to typo. No scraping . scrubbing required.
Also does not harm any kind of fabric cotton or synthetics. I unscrew the shower heads and simply soak them in the solution. There is nothing better.
Kate Says
I thought you weren’t supposed to use vinegar on granite? I use vinegar on everything else to get it up, but I was thinking that wasn’t good for the granite?
Becky Says
Post authorI thought you were talking about metal fixtures/faucets – no?
Kate Says
Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t clear-on the granite by the faucets and behind it. I go around there with a razor blade. 🙂
Becky Says
Post authorNo vinegar on granite or marble – I’m not sure what the best thing to use…Is CLR safe on granite? That might be an option in your extreme case.
xo, Becky
Elizabeth C. Says
What do you recommend for getting grease stains out of lighter colored granite? My installer hasn’t been helpful and google isn’t turning anything up either. :/
Becky Says
Post authorThis (I’ve seen it work and it’s amazing!):
http://www.stonetooling.com/Aqua-Mix-Poultice-Stain-Remover-p/30.38450.htm?gclid=CK2GiM-O_rwCFcg7MgodEC8AFQ&Click=3227
xo, Becky
Jen Says
My granite is starting to etch. It’s dull in areas and appears to have water marks that I can’t get rid of. I have only used water or granite cleaner on my counters, and I always make sure I wipe them dry. Do you have any suggestions?
Becky Says
Post authorGranite needs to be sealed every year. I’d recommend going to your favorite home improvement store and purchasing a DIY granite sealant and following the directions on that. Your granite will be shiny and new again!
xo, Becky
Jen Says
Thank you! I will do this this weekend.
Julia Says
You information is always so informative Becky. I am really looking forward to your new book. What company made the stoneware you use to hold your sponge?
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Julia! It’s vintage Roseville pottery 🙂
xo, Becky
kathy Says
what cleaner do you use for laminate floors?
Melissa D Says
One thing that may help those on the fence: choose honed or leathered granite and marble. We have leathered Absolute Black granite around the perimeter of our kitchen, and honed Danby marble (white) on our center island. It shows any etching much less. And the Danby is sturdier and less porous than the usual white marble suspects (Carrara, Calacatta, etc). It’s also a great buy, since it comes from Vermont, not Italy! 🙂
I use baby wipes to grab everyday spills. Still searching for the right sanitizer. Thanks, Becky!