How Do You Clean Your Granite Counters?

Question

We have man-made granite on our kitchen counters and bar. Ourshas tiny, tiny pieces of white shells in it which means no acid products shouldbe used to clean it.
My research tells me not to use ANY cleaner with acid orcitrus base material in it. The company where we bought this says “just usewater,” but this does not disinfect.  Andsince Dr. Oz. tells us that our kitchen counter and sink harbors more bacteria thanour toilets, I am not content to just wash with soap and water only.

We are totally organic here and because we are on a septicsystem and drink our ground water so we use no bleach. Normally we use a 50% vinegarand 50% spray mixture, or Dr. Bronner’s organic soap to clean everything but thevinegar is acidic and the Dr. Bronner’s has a citrus base in it. I use to buy aproduct at Target that had no citrus in it but can’t find it anymore. 
I’ve considered making my own spray using essential oils(tea tree oil) but I’m not sure if the oil might negatively affect the granite….
Do any of you have any suggestion for a product (either homemade/orstore bought) that get around my need for organic and no bleach and the granitescriteria for no citrus?

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Granite/stone does not harbor bacteria! I use a hot dish rag with a dot of dishwashing liquid and wipe down if there is a real mess from the cooktop area when my hubby cooks. 409 does have a 'granite and steel cleaner' which I tried for my family to use when I am not home LOL But spills need to be wiped up immediately.
You should never use anything acidic-vinegar or even if you spill orange juice on the stone you have to wipe immediately. Maintenance is key. 
You should seal your stone once every year or so to keep it looking great. Good luck

Elizabeth Shaw · Answer

I use 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 cups water and 8-10 drops of dawn dish soap. You can also can a drop or two of essential oils to smell great. It disinfects, makes my counter pretty and shiny and is very cost effective. I don't know if rubbing alcohol makes is non-organic, but it works really well.

Sherrie · Answer

Yours probably have been sealed. Simplest way to clean them is PH balanced dish soap anything good for the hands is PH balanced, rinse and dry for all other problems I use these guidelines and I print copies off for my customers. //www.marble-institute.com/stoneprofessionals/commercial_care_cleapn

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

I'm not sure that manmade granite is the same as granite stone. Guess, I need to do more research. Thanks!

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

My countertop is engineered, The firm that installed it did not do any kind of seal.: What is Quartz or Engineered Quartz? A: Quartz or Engineered Quartz is a man made material that contains quarts 'gravel' embedded in a polyester resin binder.

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Read the last line....'Granite DOES NOT naturally harbor harmful bacteria. Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live. Bacteria cannot eat granite. Granite has performed extremely well in testing; performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacterial growth. Still, it is essential that your countertop be cleaned after raw food has touched the surface. An unclean countertop can harbor bacteria on its surface regardless of what material is used.'

Lavende · Answer

We use a sponge (sanitized every few days in the dishwasher or microwave) with soapy water - regular dish soap and water. Then again with the sponge rinsed out with just water. This was recommended by our countertop installer, the granite looks just like day one several years later. And we've never had an issue with the kitchen not being clean or sanitary!

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.

Sherrie · Answer

Your counter tops are call quartz this is the name for man made granite. Here is a link to cleaning them. You can use bomi for tough stains. http://www.imperialcounters.com/care-cleaning/

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Thank you everyone!!

Sherrie · Answer

Drove me crazy until I figured out what it was!

Vicky Alf · Answer

I use my norwex kitchen cloth, check out norwex www.norwex.com

Karen Mueller · Answer

Use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer, bleaching agent and disinfectant.

TMulhern · Answer

I generally clean my granite countertops with soap and water. Using regular cleaning chemicals on yourcountertop will strip the seal and leave the porous surface of the graniteexposed. Just avoid using cleaners that are too harsh, they can damage the sealant and dull the finish.

Chloe Crabtree · Answer

Clean your natural stone countertop with a mild kitchen cleaner.

Make a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. ...
Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out until just damp.
Wipe the countertop in small circular motions with light to medium pressure.
If you encounter bits of dried-on food, apply more pressure.

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