Get your Granite Gleaming!

Congratulations! You’ve just upgraded your kitchen, and now you have gorgeous granite countertops. But what do you use to clean them? You may be tempted to use household disinfectant wipes and spray cleaners as you would with other materials of countertop, but the harsh chemicals can dull the granite over time. Here are three recommended cleaners for granite surfaces that will keep your kitchen counter looking as beautiful as the first day it was installed.

Method Daily Granite Cleaner- $5.99, Target

This non-toxic, naturally derived, biodegradable cleaning formula is 100% safe for use around children and pets, yet is surprisingly effective in cutting grease and grime to get your countertops clean. The Apple Orchard fragrance is mild and pleasant, not overpowering like bleach cleansers. Best of all, it has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, with many favorable consumer reviews swearing by its efficiency.

Formula 409 Natural Stone & Steel Cleaner- $6.99, retail stores

Clorox brand Formula 409 is a household brand name when it comes to cleaning products, and the company’s new cleaner for granite and other natural stone finishes lives up to its reputation. The best part about Formula 409 Natural Stone & Steel Cleaner is right there in its name- in addition to cleaning your granite countertops, you can use the cleaner for your stainless steel appliances, as well as glass, wood, Formica, Fiberglass, and plastic. This means virtually everything in your kitchen can be cleaned with one product, which saves both time and money!

Granite Gold Clean & Shine- $7.99, Bed Bath and Beyond

In addition to cleaning countertops effectively, Granite Gold also works as a polish to keep your countertops shiny and new looking. The manufacturers also claim that Granite Gold reinforces the protective seal on stone surfaces, making it easier to clean up future spills. It is a little more pricey than the previous two options, but it maintains a dedicated following of happy customers and has received rave reviews on Amazon.

Of course, if you would rather save your money and go the do-it-yourself route, many owners of granite countertops insist that all you really need to do is wipe them down with warm, soapy water (use a mild dish soap), dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking and shine with a spray-bottle mixture of equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol. The choice is yours, but whatever you do, take care of your granite!