Can You Use Bleach on Granite?
Some of my readers have been asking, “can you clean granite with bleach?” So, today we are going to answer that question. Find out if you can use bleach on granite countertops.
Bleach is seen as one of those cleaners that can do it all. It can lift stains, sanitize, and leave surfaces clean and dirt-free in no time. But the use of bleach should be avoided for specific surfaces. If you own granite counters, the burning question on your mind is likely, “Can I use bleach on granite?” Let’s find out.
It is not wise to use bleach on granite countertops because, not only can bleach destroy the protective sealant, but it can also discolor your precious granite. The best way to clean your granite countertop is with warm water and mild dish soap.
If you have invested in a gorgeous granite countertop for your kitchen, you will likely need to know the best way to take care of it. The question of whether or not to use bleach on granite is one that is often on granite surfaces owners’ minds. Let us look at the facts and how best to go about cleaning your granite surfaces.
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Can I Use Bleach on Granite?
Using bleach on granite is not a good idea. Granite is a porous rock. It is typically covered by a protective sealant when you have it installed as a kitchen counter. This sealant protects the granite, ensures that your countertop is as stain-resistant as possible, and is food safe.
When you use harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic cleaners on your granite countertop, they erode the protective seal over time. At first, you may notice that your countertop looks cloudy and patchy.
It is not only harsh cleaning products that damage granite countertops. Did you know acidic foods like tomato, pineapple, vinegar, and oranges can also damage your granite?
If you spill any acidic food/drink on your countertop, be sure to clean it up immediately to avoid damaging the protective seal.
The same goes for cleaning products. Cleaning products with harsh chemicals or acidic properties damage the integrity of the protective seal. After using these products, you may find that the luster of your countertop is dulled. You may see cloudy or dull areas in place of your once shiny granite.
Worse yet, if these harsh chemicals sip into the granite, they can cause etching (discoloration and disintegration of the stone).
After a while, you may even notice dark marks or stains on your granite countertop. When this happens, it means that the integrity of the protective seal has been compromised, and your countertop likely needs to be replaced.
Other Cleaning Products You Should Not Use on Granite
- Vinegar (or any other glass cleaner) that contains ammonia
- Formula 409
- Lysol
- Windex
- Pledge
How to Clean Granite Surfaces with Water and Dish Soap
The best way to clean your granite countertop is to use warm water and dish soap. Just a few drops of regular, mild dish soap go a long way in cleaning and disinfecting your countertop and leaving it sparkling.
To use dish soap, simply add one or two drops of mild dish soap to warm water and wipe the countertop with a clean rag using an “S” motion. Be sure not to use any abrasive sponges or steel wool when cleaning your granite countertop, as these products can damage the protective seal.
Rinse the suds off after cleaning and dry with a tea towel.
You can also use rubbing alcohol to disinfect your granite countertop. Ensure that the alcohol is 70-90% isopropyl. At this level of alcohol, germs stand no chance.
To disinfect your granite countertop, simply spray the rubbing alcohol, undiluted for maximum disinfectant power, directly onto the countertop. Leave it for around five minutes. Then, wipe the area with a clean, dry rag, and rinse with water. Dry the entire countertop with a dry tea towel.
Wipe down your kitchen counters every day with water and dish soap.
Can You Clean Granite with Bleach? Conclusion
Bleach is not considered safe for use on granite. Instead, use dish soap and warm water to clean your granite countertop. And always rinse and dry your counters after washing with dish soap to get a great shine. You can also disinfect your counter with rubbing alcohol.
There you have it – answer to the question, “Can I use bleach on granite countertops?” Be sure to leave your feedback below.
