8 Best Granite Cleaners of 2023

Jan 27, 2024

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Protect your kitchen countertop with these pH-balanced formulas.

There’s nothing more classic than a natural granite countertop, but this beautiful stone requires maintenance to keep it in excellent condition. Because countertops are one of the most used surfaces in the kitchen, they see a lot of abuse so it’s important to follow up with regular cleaning, sealing and polishing.

The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté explains that “granite countertops are durable and though not as porous as some natural stones, they still need regular cleaning, polishing and sealing” to protect it and prevent scratches, stains and other damage. To keep your granite countertops looking new, we advise investing in cleaning products specifically formulated for natural stone.

Here, we've gathered the best granite cleaners based on Lab evaluations and consumer reviews. Our picks include a mix of daily granite cleaners, granite polishes and granite sealers in the form of sprays, wipes and more.

The product analysts and experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab regularly test cleaning products made for all surfaces of your home, from the best stainless steel cleaners to all purpose-cleaners, window cleaners and more. When selecting the best granite cleaners, we not only considered brands that have performed well in previous Lab and at-home cleaning tests, but we reviewed each product’s formula to ensure it contains ingredients safe to use on stone. For the granite polishes and sealers we evaluated in the Lab, we compared how well granite test pieces repelled water before and after product application. Once you’ve checked out our favorite granite cleaners, learn more in our guide to kitchen countertops, and don’t forget to check out our reviews of the best vacuum mops or floor cleaners, too.

This Good Housekeeping Cleaning & Organizing Award-winner does a great job keeping your granite countertops clean, protected and looking great. The pH-neutral formula works on a variety of stone surfaces so you can also use it on marble bathroom vanities, quartz counters and more. When it’s time to clean up, just spray some of the two-in-one product onto your countertop so it’s left with a subtle sheen.

We tested the product on the Lab’s countertops and were impressed with the final results. Spilled water beaded up after use, and the spray effectively cleaned away any dirt and stains while leaving the surface super smooth. We like this pick for anyone who needs a quick way to spruce up messy countertops, but we recommend using an individual cleaner followed by a polish for deeper cleaning. This product should not be used prior to sealing.

Granite requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep its condition pristine, which is where this triple-action granite cleaner comes in handy. It offers a lot of great value as a three-in-one product that cleans, shines and protects your countertops. The spray makes it easy to distribute so you can quickly wipe down surfaces in a circular motion, followed up by buffing with a clean, dry cloth. However, heavily soiled surfaces may require a more powerful cleaner and regular sealing is still recommended for long-term protection.

Fight dirt and bacteria living on countertops with this citrus-scented disinfecting spray that not only cleans countertops effectively but makes them shine. Weiman cleaning products have performed well in previous Lab tests, and we like that this cleaner and polish's formula is pH-balanced so it's safe to use on stone surfaces like granite, marble and most quartz varieties. To clean up spills or a dirty cooking area, just spray the formula and wipe it down in a circular motion. For particularly greasy areas, the brand recommends leaving the formula on for three minutes before rubbing it in and wiping it dry.

Quickly clean up a mess on your granite countertop with one of these easy-to-use wipes. According to Weiman, the formula disinfects surfaces, killing up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria. In addition to being safe on sealed, non-porous stone, these wipes are versatile and safe to use on glazed tiles in kitchens and bathrooms as well as sinks, tubs and showers. But keep in mind that with only 30 sheets per canister, these wipes may not be as cost-effective as a spray.

Though granite countertops should be treated with a protective barrier when they are first installed, you should expect to re-seal natural stone every few months, on average, as the seal wears down over time. We like these sealer wipes, a 2021 Good Housekeeping Cleaning Awards winner, which protected our test stone slabs from stains, spills and scratches in our Lab.

Not only are these wipes safe on your hands, but each pack comes with six, pre-moistened wipes that will each cover about 75 square feet (or the typical kitchen countertop size). After cleaning your surface, grab a sealer wipe and use it on the stone one 3-foot section at a time and immediately buff it with a cloth.

While we haven't tested this product yet, similar Granite Gold formulas have impressed us with their performance in Lab tests. What sets this pick apart? It's a cleaner made for hallway, bathroom and kitchen stone floors as well as natural stone and ceramic tile surfaces. The pH-balanced formula is safe yet effective at breaking down dirt and oils. Just squeeze out some of the formula when it's time to clean and distribute it with a mop. No rinsing is required, though some reviewers say it can leave some residue behind.

Though granite requires a lot of maintenance, harsh chemicals can damage or dull the surface. This cleaning kit comes with everything you need for daily maintenance: The microfiber cloth helps pick up dirt and wipe away grime with the help of some water, while the polishing cloth helps get rid of pesky fingerprints and absorbs moisture. We love that once you’re done, you can just throw these into the washer and dryer so they’re ready for their next use!

Our Cleaning Lab experts have tested all-purpose cleaners, stainless steel cleaners and more from Therapy Clean and stand behind the brand. We like this cleaner and polish if you’re looking to clean countertops as well as restore shine and leave counters sparkling. The formula is plant-based and pH-neutral so it’s safe on granite, and the lemon scent should be a welcome aroma in most kitchens. This pick comes with two bottles so you’ll be stocked up for a few months, or you can opt for the cleaner kit that includes a microfiber cloth.

The product analysts and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab test cleaning products for every room and surface of your home, from carpet stain removers to the best grill cleaners, shower cleaners and more.

When narrowing down the best granite cleaners, we considered each product’s formula and whether its composition is safe for natural stone like granite. To evaluate a product’s performance, we cleaned granite test pieces in the Lab, applied dirt and stains to the surfaces and then evaluated how effectively the product cleaned, shined, procted the stone and repelled water. We also considered a product’s ease of use (e.g., Does it spray effectively?), the scent and any extra features like available refills or included cloths.

To clean granite countertops, follow these steps:

For quick touch-ups, You can also consider using a two-in-one formula that contains cleaner and polish when you are not sealing your countertops.

Granite is a durable, resistant stone, but according to cleaning experts, it requires specific care to stay shiny and spotless. Traditional household cleaners like disinfectants that contain harsh chemicals are best avoided as they're harmful to the stone's finish, breaking it down and dulling it over time. When granite's seal is weak and worn down, the stone becomes vulnerable to staining, etching and all sorts of damage. Our experts advise sticking to a neutral, pH-balanced formula that's specifically made for granite.

To find out whether it’s time to seal your countertop, there's a simple water test: Pour some water on the counter. Let it sit and see if it beads up on the surface. "If the water soaks in, that's an indicator that the finish is worn and needs to be resealed," Forté advises. For the best protection of your granite, you should test the sealer every few months and make sure that it’s beading, especially in high-traffic areas. Another indicator of it being time to reseal is when it's not as easy to wipe things up as it used to be. According to industry experts, the good news is that you can never overseal a countertop as it doesn’t hurt the stone so it may be better to be safe than sorry!

To keep granite looking shiny and new, you should use a three-pronged strategy of cleaner, sealer and polish. But keep in mind that polish is the final coat that makes countertops look as shiny and smooth as possible (with the help of sealer). Most granite polishes you’ll find on the market today are spray-and-wipe. Just grab a paper towel or microfiber cloth to polish your countertop, and always avoid abrasive materials.

✔️ Cleaner type: There are various types of granite cleaners. Decide whether you’re looking for a daily cleaner, sealer, polish or a two-in-one combination of cleaner and polish or even a three-in-one formula that does a mix of all. Individual products are best for routine maintenance, whether your counters need a deep clean or a fresh coat of protective sealer or sparkly polish. Combination products such as two-in-one cleaner and polish are slightly less effective, but an excellent go-to when you need to quickly clean up your countertop.

✔️ Formula: When shopping for granite cleaner, “don’t use anything acidic,” Forté warns. “Cleaning granite with vinegar or homemade cleaners is a bad idea as it can etch natural stone,” she adds. “Ideally, you should use something specifically formulated for granite.” Neutral-pH formulas make a good match, but you can also use dish soap with warm water if you're looking for a home remedy. If you choose to clean with dish soap, Forté advises always rinsing the countertop afterward to remove any lingering residue.

✔️ Scent: Granite cleaners typically have a scent, such as citrus, lemon or similar. It’s important to choose a product with a fragrance that you think you’ll enjoy frequently smelling in your kitchen since countertops have to be cleaned so frequently.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab provides expert tips and reviews on all things cleaning. Carolyn Forté brings over 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. She has deep analytical testing and editorial writing expertise in categories like washers, dryers and vacuum cleaners, plus every tip needed to keep a home clean and organized.

GH Institute analyst Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Forté to write this guide based on our Cleaning Lab’s extensive testing data.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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