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Granite gurus

3 years ago

This isn't really a design dilemma but this forum seems to get lots of views from thoughtful people so I thought I'd post here. I have a new to me house with labradorite granite. Very polished, dark with lots of sparkly inclusions. The only cleaning liquid that I've found that doesn't leave a visible film and streaks is 100% isopropyl alcohol. Is it okay to use it on a daily basis?

I've tried 100% distilled water and Weimann granite and stone cleaner. Still leaves a film. My usual counter go-to - Windex is not recommended. Is there anything else I should try?





Comments (14)

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    I buy the cheapest vodka available and use that. As you’ve seen no residue and ph neutral, plus it kills germs.

    Lynn Brenner thanked HALLETT & Co.
  • 3 years ago

    I use a product called Ettore. It's a window cleaner, too. It's probably not recommended, either. But, it does the job.


    The other option would be to fill a spray bottle with half alcohol and half water. It wouldn't bother me to use it on my granite.


    I'm probably poisoning myself, but I don't eat off the countertop.

    Lynn Brenner thanked homechef59
  • 3 years ago

    Now I'm imagining @HALLETT & Co. taking a sip of vodka between wipes on the counter! Whatever works to get you through the house chores! 😁 😉

    Lynn Brenner thanked chispa
  • 3 years ago

    I use 50:50 rubbing alcohol to water mixture plus whatever essential oils I'm in the mood for. Works great for light cleaning, no residue. I find it doesn't cut grease well, though -- for that I use dish soap and water, followed by a rinse of water (if you don't rinse the dish soap you will get a residue).

    Lynn Brenner thanked porkchop_z5b_MI
  • 3 years ago

    I find that the only product that doesn’t streak for me any way is the Stonewall Kitchen HomeKeeping spray cleaner. I use it on my granite and on my quartz counter tops.

    Lynn Brenner thanked poorgirl
  • PRO
    3 years ago

    I got called to repair that stone once several years ago. So crumbly and inappropriate as a countertop material that I walked away.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    I ahve never used anything except soap and water to clean any granite . Did you have some kind iof sealer applied ? IMO factory polished granite needs no sealer and a simpl water a bit of dish soap is all it needs to keep clean.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Joseph, the granite has been in place since 2018, no crumbling, not a bit! Do you have any advice about cleaning it?

    Patricia, I have not applied anything. If you read the thread, others have the same issue as well. 100% alcohol does dry clear with no streaks but I was wondering if there were other options.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Sometimes I just wipe my counters with a damp paper towel, specially when I'm just wiping some dry crumbs or salt/pepper. The key to not getting streaks, is to immediately wipe the damp counter with a dry microfiber cloth. If left to air dry, you will see some streaks.

    Lynn Brenner thanked chispa
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I am like Patricia. I use dish soap, but the dish soap must be clear, not white or have color, like e.g. Palmolive is green so I would not use that. Just a couple drops on a damp Dobie pad - people somehow feel compelled to use too much soap, hence the streaks. Then wipe dry with a paper towel, done.

    Lynn Brenner thanked M Miller
  • 3 years ago

    I, too, wipe my granite counters down with dishwater, then wipe with a towel. Occasional weiman's if I don't have dishwater going.

    Lynn Brenner thanked msjoan
  • 3 years ago

    I use 50/50 alcohol and water. Occasionally use Weiman’s to polish it up.

    Lynn Brenner thanked Anne Duke
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I also use 50/50 alcohol and water with a few drops of essential oils. I use different EO’s but like to use different combos of orange, lemongrass, eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, or tea tree as many of those have disinfecting properties iirc. The alcohol straight probably kills everything anyways though. 😉 Works great on my polished granite.

    If the 50/50 still streaks for you, up the alcohol to maybe 75% and see if that works. I have used it straight before too and did not find it hurt my stone, but adding water just makes it last longer.

    Also, laborodite is my favorite for making jewelry! Gorgeous stone!

    Lynn Brenner thanked rebunky
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