How to Disinfect Granite Countertops

We’re triple disinfecting everything these days to stay safe from COVID-19 and other diseases, but not all surfaces are created equally when it comes to cleaning.

If you have granite countertops in your home, harsh chemical disinfectants can do more harm than good. Natural stone countertops, like granite, are porous, so liquids can enter the surface and leave behind stains. They can also potentially leave harmful bacteria on the countertops.

But there are effective ways to keep your granite surfaces sanitary without damaging them, which is more important now than ever. Let’s go over how to disinfect granite countertops for COVID-19, what to avoid, and how to keep your granite in pristine condition long term.

What to Avoid

The most important thing is that you don’t use acidic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. You should also stay away from citrus cleaners with lime or lemon. These products can break the granite’s seal and make it more prone to stains.

Getting your counters resealed is expensive and time-consuming, so it’s better to stay away from harsh cleaners to keep your granite looking it’s best for the long haul.  

Avoid wiping your granite down with a sponge or abrasive cloth because they can leave scratches. Use a soft, nubby cloth instead. Microfiber fabric is the best option, and they’re extremely affordable and easy to find.

Do not use disinfecting wipes like Clorox. They have acidic ingredients that will break down the seal on your countertops.  

How to Disinfect Granite Countertops

The good news about granite is that it’s the least porous of the natural stone countertop options, so it doesn’t collect as much bacteria as other stones. But with COVID-19 still a serious threat, we want to make sure we’re disinfecting often and properly.

Before you start disinfecting, wipe off any crumbs and clean up any spills.

Disinfect With Rubbing Alcohol

The first disinfecting method is to use 70% isopropyl alcohol. Working in sections, let the rubbing alcohol sit on the surface for three to five minutes before rinsing it off with water. Wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth. 

Do not dilute the alcohol with water because that makes it less effective at disinfecting.

Letting it sit for a few minutes will guarantee that all the bacteria is gone, so don’t rush that step. You want to use a microfiber cloth because other dishcloth materials are too harsh and can scratch the granite. 

Keep the alcohol in a spray bottle so you can easily grab it anytime you need to disinfect your counters. Store it in a safe place away from children and pets. 

Disinfect With Antibacterial Dish Soap

The other method of disinfecting granite countertops is to use antibacterial dish soap. Mix mild liquid dish soap with warm water and wipe down your granite surfaces with a microfiber cloth. 

Another easy way to do this is to mix the soap and water solution in your sink and dip your cloth into the mix before wiping your counters.

Make sure you get the countertops completely dry after each cleaning to avoid streaks.

Disinfecting your countertops should be done at least once a week, but you may want to do it more right now during the COVID-19 outbreak.

If you or someone in your family is a frontline worker, or if you come into contact with someone who contracted COVID-19, start disinfecting every day. 

Daily Cleaning Tips

To learn how to clean and disinfect granite countertops daily, follow these tips.

First, clean up spills as soon as they happen. Letting liquid linger on your countertops will make it more likely to absorb into the stone and leave a stain. Make sure you blot the spill up with a towel instead of aggressively wiping and just spreading the liquid around.

If you do get a stain, you can use baking soda to get it up. Combine a teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a paste, and leave it on the stain for a few minutes. 

Blot it up with a microfiber cloth and warm water. If the stain doesn’t go away, leave the baking soda solution on longer, possibly a few hours, and then try blotting it up again. Repeat as necessary until the stain is totally gone. 

To avoid spreading bacteria, always use a cutting board when you’re cooking and never chop directly on the granite.

If you want to thoroughly clean your granite every day, you can use the dish soap and water technique mentioned above. 

What About Granite-Specific Cleaning Products?

Several all-purpose cleaning products are advertised as safe for granite. It’s up to you if you want to use them, but just be sure they are pH neutral to actually be safe for natural stone. 

While these products may work, the isopropyl solution is simple and proven by the CDC to kill COVID-19.

Resealing Your Granite Countertops  

For beautiful, long-lasting granite, you need to maintain its seal and have it resealed when needed.

You can tell if they need to be resealed by sprinkling a little bit of water on the surface. Let the water sit for 10 minutes.

If it beads up, your seal is still intact. If it penetrates and soaks into the counter, leaving a dark spot, you need a new seal.

Some areas of your counter may need to be resealed more often than others, so do this water test in a few different locations. We recommend getting a professional seal, but it is possible to do it yourself.

Granite and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic can be scary and overwhelming, but the good news is that your granite countertops can come in handy when it comes to avoiding bacteria. 

Out of all the natural stone options, granite is the least porous and is not a hotbed for bacteria. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be extra cautious. 

Disinfect your countertops at least once a week and stay vigilant with frequent hand-washing. Maintain social distance from others and always stay home if you feel sick. 

Ready to Switch to Granite?

If all of this time at home has inspired some changes and renovations, we want to recommend your next project to be installing granite countertops.

Granite is an incredibly durable stone. It’s resistant to stains, heat, and scratches, and is known for its long product life. Of all the natural stone countertop options, granite is also the most cost-effective. 

A quality granite countertop will last for the lifetime of your home, unlike cheaper countertops like Formica, ceramic, and other low-durability materials that need to be replaced more often. A granite countertop can also boost the value of your home, making it a great investment if you ever decide to sell.  

Find the Perfect Granite Countertop at Rock Solid Creations

Installing granite is not an easy do-it-yourself project, so you should leave it to the professionals. 

At Rock Solid Creations, we provide the best custom granite countertops in St. Louis, Missouri. Natural stone countertops are our passion, and as we like to call them, the hearth of our forefathers.

Our granite countertop installations include a seal from a third-party company for an additional cost, and they offer a 25-year warranty. We also offer a variety of edging options in classic and more contemporary styles.

Along with granite, we specialize in marble, quartz, and other natural materials. We have a variety of colors and textures in polished, honed (matte), and suede finishes, so your kitchen can have a one-of-a-kind look.

If you’re looking for a complete kitchen renovation, we have great deals on custom backsplashes and under cabinet lighting.

Explore our completed work, or come and safely visit our Chesterfield Valley showroom. 

Keep Your Kitchen and Family Safe

These are trying and uncertain times, but your home can still be a safe haven for your family. If your house is now where you live, work, where your kids go to school, and where your family gathers together, it’s important to take care of it.

With our tips on how to disinfect granite countertops, you don’t have to worry about lingering bacteria. You can also feel good about cleaning your granite the right way and keeping it in good shape while still being sanitary.  

Now more than ever, you should love the place you live and invest in renovations that will stand the test of time. 

Come check out our granite countertop inventory today and let us install a new look that you’ll love for years to come.