Organic, healthy, cleaners safe for marble & granite?
beaglesdoitbetter1
12 years ago
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springroz
12 years agocat_mom
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Marble Vanity Top Cleaners and Sealers
Comments (8)In my search for a disinfecting bathroom cleaner that is also natural stone-safe, I've come across a few products that I've been "test-driving." 1) Rubbing alcohol-water combo: I've been mixing up alcohol (70% isopropyl), water (in a 30-50% alcohol to water ratio) and a few drops of lavendar essential oil and using that on my kitchen granite, my mirrors/glass, and occasionally on my tub and tiled tub walls (porcelain and White Thassos). It's Ph neutral, and seems to work well. Not 100% sure about it removing lots of soap scum (esp in grout lines), but haven't used it enough on that as yet to form an opinion. Works great on the smooth surfaces. 2) Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner (trigger spray): Got this to try, hoping to replace my beloved Lysol Basin, Tub, and tile aerosol (which works the best on soap scum, but is NOT natural stone friendly). Too early to tell, but it does meet two of my requirements so far--disinfecting and safe on sealed natural stone. 3)Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes and Chlorox Wipes (w/out bleach): got them for wiping down the toilet surfaces and spot touch-ups (trying both alternately--the Chlorox wipes might leave surfaces a little streaky, but the surfaces do remain wet longer which is good for the disinfecting aspect). I also use my alcohol and water spray, but this is a bit more convenient. I know the Chlorox Wipes are safe for sealed stone according to manuf cust svce. I'm pretty sure the Seventh Gen Wipes are as well. Same igredients as the spray, I think. HTH!...See Moremarble cleaner for honed marble?
Comments (6)Oh dear, I am an idiot. You said MARBLE. Lame brain here. What the heck is going on with me? To many Easter eggs on my brain? Senior moment ???? but I am still a freshman!!!! I am not sure if you can use alcohol on honed marble. I think you can but now I am concerned that I just blew it. Don't do it. Wait... Here is what I did find. GW cleaning Marble http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg042321386750.html From Marble Care ........." Marble is a calcareous stone which is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous (Granite) stone. What may work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces. Marble is a softer stone than granite and will scratch and stain more than granite. Not all marbles are composed equally, meaning some marbles contain more talc than others therefore are softer. A honed finish (where the marble polish has been removed) is more susceptible to scratching and staining due to the open pores of the stone. Honed Marble counters should be sealed with a stone impregnator sealant......." Apartment Therapy http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/good-questions/good-questions-why-not-do-white-marble-kitchen-countertops-008987 I am hoping a far more clever, intelligent soul will chime in to help you. ~boxerpups (if I had a tail it would be hanging low) Here is a link that might be useful: Cleaning honed marble...See MoreCan you use Mergod Granite cleaner on white marble?
Comments (10)I don't know anything about their kitchen cleaner, but I use 7th Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner (spray) on the White Thassos marble tile in our bathrooms; mosaic tile border and backsplash wall in the MB as well as cut tile (better quality; cleaner/ whiter WT) used in all three bathrooms. No staining or etching that I can see (we've been using and cleaning the bathrooms for 3-7 years now, depending on when each was reno'd). I had contacted 7th Gen to find out if the spray was safe for (sealed) natural stone. You can always contact them re: the kitchen cleaner(s). FWIW, their disinfecting wipes are also safe to use (I wipe down our toilets with them, in two bathrooms, the honed travertine floor tiles are easily etched)....See MoreTell me about the best DAILY countertop cleaner for marble/granite!
Comments (17)I use 70% isopropyl alcohol (I think it's the strength rec by that doctor). I add the essential Lavender oil (I've seen it at Fairway, Whole Foods, Mrs. Green's, organic/health food stores....) because it has anti-bacterial properties of its own, and I like the scent. I've read (here) that it may alter the surface tension (of the alcohol and water) favorably as well. You can use as little as 10% alcohol to (90%) water and it will disinfect (again, according to the doctor), however, I use a higher am't of alcohol because it smears less, and cleans better. I started out using ~30% alcohol, but use somewhere around 50%-50% now. It's not exact. I top off my spray bottle when it gets low, or when I don't want to wait for it to become low. I eyeball the amounts, and leave a little room at the top of the bottle to tweak amounts as desired (I go by smell; just enough alcohol, just enough lavender... and by spray/wiping without smearing or streaking). I add maybe 20 drops of lavender oil, plus or minus. You can use other essential oils if you prefer. Tea tree oil is another one with natural anti-bac properties. I don't much care for it's scent, and avoided it because it is harmful to cats (don't know about dogs or other pets). I had resisted "making my own cleaner" for the first few years after our kitchen reno, but I do like this much better than the prepared products I'd been using, and I use it on the black enamel burner pans on our Wolf range, SS appliances, as well as on our granite. It's easy enough to mix up, and cheaper, too. I buy the larger bottles of alcohol, and try to pick up a few bottles when they're on sale. The lavender oil bottle, small as it is, lasts a long time....See Morepricklypearcactus
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