How to Make DIY Granite Cleaner, According to a Stone Mason (Works Like Magic!)

Granite countertops are beautiful, but they can be a pain to maintain — especially if you or your family is prone to spilling things in the kitchen. Luckily you can make an easy, affordable DIY granite cleaner full of ingredients you actually recognize (unlike most store-bought ones!) — here’s everything you need to know.

If your granite is pre-treated, you’ll really only need to use water and an optional drop of mild dish soap to clean it. If it’s not pre-treated, an easy cleaner can save you time and money. With just a few simple ingredients you likely already have at home, it’s so easy — and cost-effective — to go DIY. 

“Making your own granite cleaner is simple, affordable, and avoids the harsh chemicals that can sometimes damage natural stone,” says Paul Dore, managing director at stone masonry company County Stone. He adds that the wrong product can either dull or break the protective seal on your granite. 

“A homemade cleaner gives you peace of mind that you’re only using safe and gentle ingredients for your granite. That being said, you do need to be careful — not all granite is treated the same, so it’s important to speak to your fabricator or installer to avoid any damage to your worktops.” Once you’ve got the all-clear, here’s how to make your own cleaner.

Optional: You can add a few drops of an essential oil for added scent, but Dore says more acidic essential oils like lemon, orange, and grapefruit can damage and etch granite. Instead, opt for lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oils.

1. Add all of the ingredients to your spray bottle. Gently shake to combine your granite cleaner solution.

2. Spray the cleaner lightly across the surface of the granite to cover the spots that need to be cleaned.

3. Wipe with a dry, clean microfiber cloth.

4. Optional: Run a clean, damp cloth over the granite.

The sooner you can clean your granite, the better — especially if it’s a spill of something like wine, coffee, or citrus juice, which can stain. Dore suggests using a soft cloth every time you clean instead of anything abrasive or scrubbing pads. 

Absolutely do not use vinegar on granite, Dore says. Vinegar is acidic, and the acid will eat away at the granite’s sealant, leading to granite that looks dull and stains easily.

Rubbing alcohol is safe in small amounts, like in the DIY granite cleaner above. If your granite supplier has told you not to use rubbing alcohol, though, follow those instructions and replace it with water.

Your DIY granite cleaner will last for about a month, so make it in small batches.