How To Clean and Disinfect Granite Countertops

In my house, the kitchen is where we all meet, talk and hang out, etc... So its always a little messy and we are always trying to keep it neat and organized.

We are more aware of the environment impact we create with our daily routines and ways to do things. The products we use and how could we use more natural products or easier methods to fit in our routine.

Lets talk granite countertops:

Granite can stand up to stains and every-day wear and tear (when properly sealed)

"Granite counters are heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop. Dark colored granite countertopsare harder than light colored granites"

Liquids with color like cranberry juice or red wine, cooking oil and fat can all discolor the countertop. Pizza grease its worse enemy, when it soaks through the bottom of the pizza box and onto the countertop.

Generally speaking, you should seal most kitchen granite countertops annually. Keep in mind that different pieces of granite have different porosities. Some countertop areas may need to be sealed more often than others.

What’s the best way to clean granite countertops? some people swear by windex, but noooo never use use windex. Or only use a special granite-only cleaner! No, you don’t need a special granite-only cleaner! There are some natural ways to keep those countertops shiny and streak-free.

See these easy tips found:

Use warm water, a mild or gentle dish soap, and a nubby washcloth or microfiber cloth for daily wipe-downs.

What About Disinfecting? A well-sealed granite countertop is relatively impervious to bacteria. Hot water and dish soap should be adequate for daily sanitizing. However, if a stronger disinfectant is desired, mix together a 50:50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Spray onto the granite, allow to sit for three to five minutes, and then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.

Here are some commercial cleaners products you could try

If you want to try these other recipes:

Recipe # 1

Ingredients Warm water

Mild or gentle dish soap

Dish cloth

Clean microfiber cloth or terrycloth towelI

sopropyl alcohol (optional)

Spray bottle (optional)

Instructions Wet your dish cloth with warm, soapy water: Fill the sink with warm water and a mild dish soap, then thoroughly wet a clean dish cloth.Wipe down the granite countertops: You don’t need us to tell you how to do this part. Just wipe away any spills or crumbs on your countertop! Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking: Dry and buff your granite countertop thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or soft terry cloth towel to avoid streaking. Make a water and isopropyl alcohol solution: To periodically disinfect your granite countertops, remove soap residue, and restore shine, mix together a 50:50 solution of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Shine and disinfect: Spray the solution onto the granite, allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.Enjoy!:

Your nice, shiny, clean granite countertops are ready to go.

Recipe # 2

Ingredients

½ cup vodka (or rubbing alcohol)

1 and ½ cups water.½ tsp castile soap.

7 drops basil essential oil.

20 drops grapefruit essential oil. (OR roughly 20-30 drops of essential oil of your choice)

16 ounce spray bottle.