Granite countertops sure are gorgeous, but keeping them clean and damage-free doesn’t have to mean buying fancy sprays with hefty price tags. A homemade granite cleaner is easy to make, costs just pennies per bottle, and skips the harsh chemicals entirely. I’ve been using this DIY recipe for years, and it works like a charm. Let me show you how to mix it up and keep your counters sparkling.

Whether you saved up for brand-new granite countertops or inherited them with your home (hello, previous owner’s love of dramatic dark stone), there’s no denying it: granite is a big-ticket item. Even the most basic granite installation can run upwards of $2,000 and that’s before you factor in delivery, labor, sink cut-outs, sealing, and custom edges. Depending on the style and finish, it’s not unusual for homeowners to spend $3,000 or more. That’s a small fortune sitting under your cutting board.

Now, maybe you’re renting and just trying to be a good steward of the place while you’re there. Or maybe you went all-in and chose a stunning slab of Blue Louise (rare, expensive, and absolutely jaw-dropping). Either way, granite is worth protecting. It’s beautiful, adds lasting value to your kitchen, and, when well cared for, can last 100 years or more. That’s not a typo. A century.

Why Granite Needs Special Care

Granite may be gorgeous and tough, but don’t let that fool you. It’s also surprisingly high-maintenance. As a natural stone, granite is porous, which means it’s quick to soak up whatever lands on it, red wine, lemon juice, beet juice, cooking oil… you get the idea. That’s where stains start, and once they settle in, they’re tough to get out.

That’s why sealing your granite is so important. A good sealant forms a protective barrier, but even the best sealant won’t last forever. Most granite surfaces need to be resealed about once a year. In the meantime, your job is to clean regularly, but gently.

The wrong cleaner can damage both the stone and the sealant, especially anything too acidic or abrasive. That’s exactly why I created this DIY granite cleaner. It’s safe, non-acidic, budget-friendly, and tough enough for daily use, without putting your countertops at risk.

Ingredients for Homemade Granite Cleaner

This cleaner comes together with just a handful of everyday items. You probably have most of these on hand already.

Spray Bottle

A 16-ounce bottle works perfectly here. If you can, go with one that’s sturdy and clearly labeled granite cleaner (trust me, you don’t want to mistake this for your homemade wrinkle release spray). I like using amber bottles because they help preserve the essential oils.

Rubbing Alcohol

You’ll want isopropyl alcohol, either 70% or 91% will do. It helps the cleaner evaporate quickly, cuts through grime, and adds a little disinfecting power without being too harsh.

Blue Dawn Dishwashing Detergent

Just a few drops will lift grease and leave your counters squeaky clean. Stick with the original blue Dawn. It’s gentle but effective, and unlike some scented varieties, it doesn’t leave a film. If you don’t have Dawn, use another mild, non-acidic dish soap.

Essential Oil (Optional, but lovely)

This is your “make-it-smell-nice” bonus. I usually go with lemon, lavender, or peppermint. Just a few drops is all you need. It doesn’t affect cleaning power, but it sure makes the job feel a little more spa-day, a little less scrub-fest.

Water

Distilled water is best, especially if you have hard water, which can leave behind mineral deposits (the very thing we’re trying to avoid). But in a pinch, cooled, boiled tap water will work too.

How to Use Your DIY Granite Cleaner

To make your cleaner, pour ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Add just 5 drops of Blue Dawn (no need to overdo it—a little goes a long way), then add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, if you’re using one. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, screw the spray top on tightly, and give it a good shake.

When you’re ready to clean, spray the solution directly onto your granite countertops. For everyday messes, a quick wipe with a no-scratch sponge or microfiber cloth will do the trick. For sticky spots or greasy splatters, let it sit for a few seconds, then scrub gently. No rinsing needed. Just wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth and enjoy that beautiful streak-free shine.

Used regularly, this cleaner helps protect your granite’s seal while keeping it looking brand new. But just a friendly reminder: this won’t replace the need to reseal your countertops. Granite still needs to be resealed about once a year to stay stain-resistant and in top shape.

MORE: 8 Surfaces You Should Never Clean with Vinegar

Bonus: Use It on More Than Just Granite

This cleaner might have “granite” in the title, but don’t let that limit you. It works beautifully on other sealed stone surfaces and most kitchen appliances, too—think stainless steel, fridge doors, even your microwave exterior. Just be sure to test a small spot first if you’re unsure.

And let’s talk savings. This homemade cleaner costs around 25 cents to make. Yes, really! Compare that to $10 for a bottle of Granite Gold. So whether you’re caring for granite you chose, inherited, or are just temporarily enjoying, this DIY cleaner will keep it looking sharp without wrecking your budget.

homemade granite cleaner diy closeup kitchen countertop

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5 from 1 vote

DIY Natural Granite Cleaner

This homemade granite cleaner is a gentle, budget-friendly solution that keeps your stone surfaces clean, shiny, and streak-free without harsh chemicals. It's safe for sealed granite and other stone countertops, and it takes just a few pantry staples to mix up a batch. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh, clean scent!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Category: DIY Household Cleaners, Housekeeping

Cuisine: Cleaning

Yield: ounces

Materials

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 70% or higher
5 drops Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
5-10 drops essential oil optional; lemon, lavender, or tea tree work well
Distilled water enough to fill the bottle

Instructions

In a 16-ounce spray bottle, add the rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and essential oil (if using).
Fill the rest of the bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top to allow for shaking.
Secure the lid and give it a good shake to combine.
Label the bottle clearly and store it safely out of reach of children.
To use, spray directly onto granite or other sealed surfaces and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Notes

Shake before each use to keep the ingredients evenly mixed.

This cleaner is safe for granite, marble, quartz, Corian, Formica, and even sealed wood countertops.

Avoid using vinegar or citrus juice directly on stone surfaces. This recipe skips those ingredients to protect the sealant.

The essential oil adds a pleasant scent but is entirely optional.

Store away from heat and direct sunlight for longest shelf life.

Question: What’s one DIY cleaner you swear by and what does it clean like a dream? Share in the comments below.

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Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines

Ellen Begush says:

August 29, 2025 at 5:04 am

I’ve been using just alcohol and water since I got my first granite countertops, about 15 years, to wipe granite tops and all kitchen surfaces and handles. It has been a long time since any of us has had a cold or flu.

barbid says:

July 30, 2025 at 8:10 am

Would this also be safe and effective to use on and clean a typical bathroom countertop? Thank you!

Mary Hunt says:
August 5, 2025 at 10:33 am

Yes!

MaryAnn says:

July 26, 2025 at 6:47 am

Mary my favorite cleaner is your bathroom cleaner I’ve been using for years! My husbad was a diesel mechanic and it was the only thing that easily cut through the grime. Both of my sons and for the recipe to use in their own homes bc store products didn’t work as well!

My son just remodeled his bathroom with a marble composite sink. He used the cleaner and sees spray spots. I sent him this article but his question…is there anything he can do to buff out those spray spots on the marble composite sink?

How to Make a Homemade Granite Cleaner That Works

Why Granite Needs Special Care