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Granite cleaners and polishes?

13 years ago

Any recommendations for good products for granite? I've seen Granite Gold and Doctor Rock (or something like that)--both cleaners and polishes. I'm trying 409 stone cleaner right now. But I'd love to know what others have tried and like.

And do the polishes really make a difference? Are they safe for use on stones. I have granite in my kitchen and marble on my bathroom vanity.

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Comments (6)

Buehl
13 years ago
Method Daily Granite Cleaner & Polish here! (I have polished Absolute Black Premium counters.)

Others use a 50/50 mix of alcohol & water.

Have you seen the "Read Me" thread? It links a thread about cleaning your kitchen and there are many recommendations/comments on the various products out there for countertops (as well as other kitchen cleaning).

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread: The best way to clean....
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time4tea
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks again, Buehl. You're a great resource. I read all of the posts on the thread. Very helpful. I would still like information regarding Granite Polish though.
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I have polished Absolute Black Premium stone and I love it! I would put it in again if I had it to do over. Yes, if you don't wipe down the counters daily you will gather & see dust. However, our counters are wiped down at least once a day (usually after dinner) and we don't seem to accumulate dust...if you live in the desert (or other dusty locale), though, you might have a different experience. As to fingerprints, water spots, crumbs, etc...yes, you do see them but... Crumbs...really only visible if there are a lot of them or they're large crumbs Water spots...visible only while wet! They look a little darker than the surrounding counter but once they're dry they blend in. You can see a faint outline and little bit less "shine" if you search for a dried water spot, but it's not obvious otherwise. Fingerprints...again, yes, they do show up if they're particularly greasy. However, "normal" fingerprints don't show much at all. If you're someone who likes a pristine/always perfect looking kitchen, you may not be happy with a polished dark stone. However, if you're OK with a somewhat lived-in look I think you'll be happy with it...like we are! BTW...we're also not "clean as you go" type of people. Sure, I'll wipe up a big spill or brush off a large volume of crumbs or dry a large water spot, but by and large, I let the crumbs, water, and spills stay until I get around to wiping the counters in the evening. If I'm having a party or want my counters to be extra-clean/shiny, I use a microfiber cloth plus Method Daily Granite Cleaner & Polish. Day-to-day, though, I just use a small amount of detergent on a dishcloth and wipe the counters down. Sometimes I dry them after (using circular motions), sometimes not. If I over-do it on the detergent, I sometimes get a very light haze...but I've learned pretty well by now how much is "just right' (through trial & error). Oh...some people use a 50/50 mix of water & alcohol on their counters...I keep meaning to try it b/c it's much less expensive and I could probably use it daily.
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warmfridge
13 years ago
I use Granite Gold cleaner and it works well. I'm not sure why polish is needed...can someone explain?
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caayu
13 years ago
Time4tea,
ItÃ¢ÂÂs been a while but I recall 409 cleaner using coconut oil as one of the main ingredients. If this is the case I would recommend switching to something that doesnÃ¢ÂÂt use oil to clean, especially if your stone is classified as a Ã¢ÂÂgneissÃ¢ÂÂ (vs. actual granite). Using oils on porous stones will eventually darken the stone and if there are areas that get cleaned more frequently you will see a difference in colors over time.
Method granite cleaner (target) and Stone Care InternationalÃ¢ÂÂs Clean encounters (HD) has always worked well for me. Although I am sure there are many others.
With regards to granite polish, anything that you can spray on will only last until you clean the countertop again. Polishes are always topical and if not applied correctly they will leave smudges and show finger prints. Again the best way to clean granite is to use a product the wipes on, removers the dirt and evaporates dry. In my opinion an alcohol blend will do that the best but long term use of alcohol will deteriorate the sealers and resins that protect the stone.
Just my thoughts!
Caayu
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bigdoglover
13 years ago
I'm with warmfridge, I don't get the need for granite polish and would like to know why you would because I've never used it and my granite (3 years old) is still very polished. Same with my last granite of four or five years.

When I've asked, granite guys have always just told me to use "soap and water" to clean the granite. I used to use Caldrea window cleaner, spritz it on and wipe off with soft cloth. I don't like their fragrances anymore so am using another natural brand. Also if I'm doing dishes just wipe with soapy water and buff with soft clean cloth. And Bruce floor cleaner (basically water and alcohol and blue coloring) also works well. And sometimes just water. The key for me is always go behind and buff with a clean soft cloth. If I use a used (not clean) dishtowel, whatever is on it smears onto the granite.

I would not use anything with chemicals or oils. Our current granite has been resealed once. Some natural "countertop cleaners" have left smear marks, and so have some natural window sprays. Not sure what's in them to do this.
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marcydc
13 years ago
I sure don't like to use anything that's chemical based since we eat at the island. (Who doesn't pick up what's dropped on the counter and eat it!?). So dish soap. Or Ecover Glass and Surface. Nothing stronger than those.
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