As good as a cleaner for windows and other glass surfaces, Windex has some elements on its compositions that can permanently damage granite when used for a long time. For that reason, you should never use Windex on granite.
The most common form of damage caused by Windex is the dulling of the countertop, but it can also cause pitting when used consistently for a long time. Windex will also eventually strip the sealer off of your granite countertops, which in turn will make it susceptible to damage and staining.
What are the alternatives, then? What products can you use to safely clean your granite countertop? Before we talk about that, let’s discuss some cardinal rules about the maintenance of granite countertops.
Granite can be pretty sensitive to strong products, so its better to be careful with them. Do you want more tips on how to take care of your granite countertop? Then you need to check out our definitive guide on granite countertops!
Rules for cleaning granite countertops
- Make sure your countertop is sealed
Sealing is the first thing you need to take care when acquiring a new granite countertop. Since it is a porous material, it will absorb any liquid that falls on its surface, leaving it susceptible to all kinds of stains. Sealing granite is the first step, than you can worry about how to properly clean it. - Never use abrasive cleaners
Anything containing bleach or ammonia should be miles away from your granite countertop. The stronger and more acidic a product is, the more it will damage the sealing and leave the granite exposed. - Always use gentle cloths
Microfiber cleaning cloths and washcloths are your best friends for the day to day cleaning of granite countertops. A simple wet cloth with a little bit of mild dish soap is enough to clean your countertop.
Why you should never use Windex on granite
As we mentioned above on section 2, abrasive cleaners should never be used on your countertop due to the fact that they slowly remove the sealing of it.
The S.C. Johnson website states that Windex contains ammonium hydroxide, which is a very strong abrasive that should never touch your granite countertop. That’s why Windex is not recommended.
Safe alternatives to Windex to use on your granite countertop
- Mild or gentle dish soap
We talked about these already. Dish soap, as long as it mild or gentle, is a good enough product to clean your countertop. Just apply it using a soft cloth and you’re good to go. - Isopropyl alcohol
70% isopropyl alcohol is safe to use for the disinfection your countertop. Spay a a good amount on the surface, let it sit for five minutes and then rinse it with water, drying with a clean cloth afterwards. - Specialized products
There are several products on the market that are free of ammonia and safe to use to clean granite countertops. One of them, since we talked about the brand already, is the Windex Multi-Surface. This is a ammonia free version of the product, designed to clean all kinds of surfaces. - Baking soda
Baking soda can help you remove stains from your countertop. In a bowl, mix baking soda with water until it becomes a thick paste. Add a generous amount of this paste on top of the stain and cover with plastic wrap. Leave it there for 24 hours and after that rinse it with water. That should fix you simple stain issues.
Granite maitenance
Granite is a good choice for your countertop, as it is an extremely durable stone and fits perfectly almost every ambient. However it need to be properly sealed and regularly cleaned to ensure its durability. To help you with that, your best choice is to ask for the help of qualified professionals.
You can find the best professionals at Eagle Stones, in the Sarasota region. They are committed to help your every need related to countertops. Give them a call right now at +1 941-227-2000 to schedule a visit.
