Asked on Nov 01, 2013

How do I clean my granite or marble countertops inthe bathroom?

Kelly S
by Kelly S
What chemicals, including naturals such as vinegar, and what tools, soft cloths or scrub brushes, should be used to clean the hard water spots from the white granite countertop? What do I seal it with afterwards?
white granite or marble countertop in need of cleaning and resealing.
  24 answers
  • Janet Smith Janet Smith on Nov 01, 2013
    I would be careful about using vinegar ( or any acid) on marble or granite. There are some good cleaners and sealers on the market. I use Rock Doctor cleaner and polish once a week and sealer about ever three months.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 02, 2013
    I am posting a link from the marble Institute. Please don't use vinegar or cleaners on any of it. These guidelines will help your protect and care for your surfaces. I use this in my cleaning business. I am very careful and protect my customers investments. You should be sure and protect yours. Here is the link. http://www.marble-institute.com/stoneprofessionals/commercial_care_clean.pdf
  • Debra K. Debra K. on Nov 02, 2013
    Lowe's and Home Depot carry special cleaners....
  • Jimrusk Jimrusk on Nov 03, 2013
    Kelly you can use a diluted mixture of fresh lemon juice and water to spray on it and then wipe off with a soft cotton towel. I like to polish mine with a non abrasive car wax as it beads up the water and makes it easy to cleanup after usage.
  • Lindsay Jackson Lindsay Jackson on Nov 03, 2013
    NEVER USE VINEGAR ON GRANITE! Granite Counter Cleaner: I also use this on my stainless steel appliances. 1st:1 Tablespoon Liquid Dish SoapWarm Water to fill 32 ounce spray bottleSpray and Wipe 2nd: 1/4 cup Rubbing AlcoholCouple drops of Liquid Dish SoapSpray and wipe 3rd:1/2 cup ammoniaQuart Warm WaterSoak rag, wipe, and then dry with soft cloth *NEVER USE VINEGAR ON GRANITE*
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 03, 2013
    Never use anything acidic which includes vinegar, lemons or lemon juice. A dab of soap to much soap leaves a build up. Anything dish soap that is good for you hands is PH balanced and simple to remember. Then rinse and buff out. No fancy recipes. The Marble Institute of America gives the best cleaning guide lines and keeps your surfaces from being damaged.
  • Diane Diane on Nov 03, 2013
    I use the Stone Doctor products from Lowes and they do the job
  • as most have said: never use anything acidic or even cleaners on granite or marble! there are products on the market made just for granite and marble. If sealed properly all you need to do is wipe it down. Germs do not grow on stone, marble, granite.
  • Diane Diane on Nov 05, 2013
    Sorry, I meant Rock Doctor products from Lowes
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 05, 2013
    I like Rock Doctor
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Nov 05, 2013
    Can the Rock Doctor be put on over old sealer? The surface feels smooth, but when you look at it it is dull and cloudy.
  • Diane Diane on Nov 06, 2013
    Kelly, I don't know because mine is pretty new. I know they use a sealer at the granite place but the guy told me that he would still use one when it is installed because so much comes off when they fabricate it because they have to use so much water to cut. Rock Doctor is just a spray and wipe so I think it would be ok. Test a small spot first to see what it looks like. They also have a cleaner but I didn't like that any better than soap and water when I wash dishes. The cost was around 15.00 for the can and I think it will last a long time. I will probably use it every 6 months or so.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 13, 2013
    if your marble is cloudy then try a polishing powder made for marble and distilled water. It gets cloudy from water which has salt in it. If it is from this. If you know the manufactor call them and ask them, if not please check before doing it. You polish it out and then re-seal it.
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Nov 13, 2013
    It is cloudy! I tried the Rock Doctor cleaner but it's still cloudy. The stone countertop came attached to the bathroom vanity that I bought online about 7 yrs ago. I thought about trying baking soda and water or some type of polishing rough and a buffer. I know it's clean but it doesn't look it.
    • See 2 previous
    • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Mar 22, 2015
      @Kelly S If you have light marble then you can use peroxide..as it lightens you would not want to use it on dark granite of marble. http://tipnut.com/marble-granite-stains/
  • Deb Soby Deb Soby on Oct 16, 2014
    I was told by the granite installer to use Pledge Multi-Surface with a soft cloth. The granite looks so shiny and feels so smooth.
  • Debbie Debbie on Oct 17, 2014
    Pledge, that is what the granite man that put all of mine suggested. Works great.
  • Stephanie Rountree Stephanie Rountree on Oct 17, 2014
    Is this the Pledge you mean, @Debbie and @Deb Soby ? Here are the ingredients. http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=19001491 You could make your own with more natural ingredients.
  • TMulhern TMulhern on Oct 18, 2014
    You should use products made especially for marble or granite, there are several you can find in the market. Never ever use anything containing ammonia as it will wear off the finish and take away the shine.
    • See 1 previous
    • Lynne Webb Lynne Webb on Oct 04, 2016
      When my granite was installed I was cautioned against letting vinegar (my favorite cleaner) and lemon juice linger on the counter. In fact, it should be wiped up asap.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Mar 23, 2015
    here is a link to cleaning and maintaining guidelines to stone and caring for stone. This is my go to guide when we are cleaning and caring for others marble, and granite. http://www.marble-institute.com/default/assets/File/stone-professionals/commercial_care_clean.pdf
    • See 1 previous
    • Sherrie Sherrie on Feb 08, 2016
      I have no idea what this means? I will stick to what I know and what manufactors tell me. I know you probably meant your remark to be a sales pitch instead of educational.
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Mar 23, 2015
    thanks every body! Something in here should work.
  • Tanya Tanya on Aug 17, 2015
    Vinegar or anything acidic will etch the granite. They make special cleaners.
  • Melissa V Melissa V on Nov 13, 2016
    I don't what's going on today Sunday the 13th but the questions and comments aren't coming through 😕