Last Updated on December 15, 2023 by Kiersten James
This easy DIY granite cleaner is all-natural with no toxic chemicals, is streak-free, and inexpensive with only three ingredients.
Granite has been a top choice for kitchen countertops since the early 2000s, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does this natural stone add a touch of elegance with its radiant sheen, but it’s also known for its antibacterial properties and resistance to stains.
Even with it’s benefits, granite gives me love-hate vibes on a daily basis. I love it for the endless durability in my work-horse of a kitchen but the streaks and water stains could make me scream during some overwhelmed mom moments.
Making The Switch From Commercial to Non-Toxic Alternatives
Over the years, I had found a commercial granite cleaner that I liked and wouldn’t leave streaks, but it had to be purchased on special order unless I wanted to pay $45 at Home Depot. The smell also highly disagreed with me during bouts of morning sickness and hormonal queasies.
The search for a better way ended when I gradually swapped my entire house to as close to “chemical-free” as we could get when I was working toward putting my autoimmune disease into remission.
This is the DIY granite cleaner formula I’ve been using for the last year or so and I’ve been really happy with it up until this point.
Never Use Vinegar in a DIY Granite Cleaner
A word of warning: vinegar is a very popular ingredient for all DIY natural cleaners. In this case, please don’t include it in any cleaner that will come into contact with granite.
Vinegar contains harsh acid that will permanently ruin your granite countertop. Even if heavily diluted, trace amounts of the acid will remain and wear down your finish. This eventually causes etching and damage to the granite over time. The only way to fix it is to replace the stone slab.
Instead of vinegar, this DIY granite cleaner uses rubbing alcohol as the cleaning agent. Rubbing alcohol is relatively pH neutral (ranging from 6 to 8) and safe to use on granite countertops.
Why Essential Oils Are Not Included
The DIY granite cleaner instructions as written do not include any enhancements for scent.
I initially included essential oils but eventually found that the amount of DIY granite cleaner that I use each week made it very ineffective from a financial perspective. It felt like I was throwing money right out of the window.
Please feel free to add essential oils to enhance the fragrance if you’d like!
How to Make DIY Granite Cleaner
Supplies You Will Need:
- 12oz distilled or filtered water
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70%)
- 1/4 teaspoon castile soap
- 16oz spray bottle – glass or PET plastic preferred
Instructions:
- Wipe your counter with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove any dust, crumbs, or debris.
- Combine all ingredients into the spray bottle and invert a few times to mix. Don’t shake or you’ll cause the soap to foam.
- Spray the counter and immediately wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel.
Water Will Stain Granite
In general, standing water – either from spills, around the sink after washing, etc – will stain your countertops with permanent little rings. T
o avoid this, it is good practice to immediately wipe up any wet spots during your normal, every day tasks. (I learned this the hard way)
More DIY Non-Toxic Cleaners:
Homemade Natural Disinfectant Wipes
DIY Powdered Laundry Detergent
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