How to Disinfect Granite Counter Tops
Granite, like most countertops, requires disinfecting regularly to fight germs and bacteria and reduce food contamination. Removing food and liquid with a dishrag does not always sanitize a countertop properly. Wet dishrags left in a sink or counter give bacteria a moist, warm environment in which to grow.

Things You Will Need
- Liquid dish soap
- Dishrag
- Cloths
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Sponge
Granite, a natural stone, does not tolerate acidic cleaners, so use products that disinfect without harming the surface.
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Fill a sink with warm water and 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap. Wet a dishrag with the soapy mixture.
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Wipe the granite countertops with the soapy dishrag. Rinse the dishrag under warm flowing water, and wipe over the countertops to remove the soap suds.
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Dry the granite countertops with a clean, soft cloth.
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Dilute 1 part bleach with 10 parts warm water in a bucket. Dip a sponge into the bleach water, and squeeze out the excess liquid.
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Wipe the sponge over the granite countertops. If you have a back splash, clean it also with the sponge.
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Rinse the sponge with warm water and wipe over the countertops removing the bleach.
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Dry the granite with a soft cloth.
Tip
Clean the kitchen sink, faucet and handles of appliances with the diluted bleach to disinfect these surfaces also. Wear rubber gloves when working with bleach to keep hands from drying out.
Warning
Do not use ammonia, vinegar or other acid containing cleaners on granite surfaces as it could compromise the sealer and damage the stone.
References
Tips
- Clean the kitchen sink, faucet and handles of appliances with the diluted bleach to disinfect these surfaces also.
- Wear rubber gloves when working with bleach to keep hands from drying out.
Warnings
- Do not use ammonia, vinegar or other acid containing cleaners on granite surfaces as it could compromise the sealer and damage the stone.
Writer Bio
Constance Barker, located in the hills of southern Ohio, is the owner and writer of several financial, credit report and travel websites. She started writing in 1999 for private clients and began creating website content in 2004. She gained expertise in home improvement after she and her husband built their home themselves.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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