8 Best Granite Cleaners That Are Safe for Stone, According to Testing

The product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab first reviewed each formula to make sure it was appropriate for natural stone. We then tested the products on granite test pieces, applying dirt and stains before evaluating how well each cleaner removed them. For products that claim to shine, protect, or repel water, we assessed those qualities, too.

We also considered how easy each product was to use, including how well it sprayed and wiped away, along with its scent and useful extras like refill options or included cloths.

✔️ Type: Granite cleaners come as daily cleaners, polishes, sealers, and combination formulas. For stubborn messes, choose a dedicated granite cleaner with a neutral pH, which is generally more effective than a cleaner-and-polish combination. Combination formulas are convenient for quick touch-ups and when you want to clean and polish in one step.

✔️ Formula: Skip anything acidic, since vinegar and other acidic cleaners can etch natural stone. Instead, look for a product specifically formulated for granite, ideally with a neutral pH. For a simple DIY option, you can also use dish soap and warm water. Just be sure to rinse the counter afterward to remove any soap residue.

✔️ Scent: Many granite cleaners have fragrances such as citrus or lemon. Since you’ll likely use the cleaner often, choose a scent you won’t mind smelling regularly, and opt for an unscented formula if you're sensitive to fragrances.

To clean granite countertops, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Clean the countertop with a dedicated granite cleaner and allow it to dry.
• Step 2 (skip this step if sealing isn’t needed): Apply a sealer to the granite in sections according to label directions, spreading the solution with a paper towel or cloth. Wait a few minutes, then buff with a cloth until the surface is completely dry.
• Step 3: Follow up with a granite polish to leave your countertops shiny and protected. If sealing, wait at least 24 hours before polishing.

For quick touch-ups, you can also consider using a two-in-one formula that contains cleaner and polish when you are not sealing your countertops.

The safest choice is a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for granite or natural stone. You can also clean granite with mild dish soap and warm water, but rinse the surface afterward to remove any residue. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, as well as harsh household or disinfecting cleaners that can damage the finish over time.

There’s no set schedule. Instead, test your granite every few months to see if it still repels water by sprinkling some water on the countertop and let it sit. If the water beads up, the seal is still working; if it soaks into the stone, it’s time to reseal.

You may also notice spills becoming harder to wipe up, which can be another sign that the seal is wearing down. Pay particular attention to high-use areas, which may need resealing more often.

The best way to keep granite looking shiny and new is to use a cleaner, sealer, and polish as needed. Sealing protects the stone, while polish adds the final glossy finish and keeps the surface looking smooth. Most granite polishes are spray-and-wipe formulas, so simply apply the product and buff with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Avoid abrasive sponges or materials, which can scratch the surface.

GH Institute Senior Writer and Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Carolyn Forté, the former executive director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab, to write this guide based on our Cleaning Lab’s extensive testing data. She's tried several of the stone cleaners featured above in her own kitchen.