Is Bleach Considered a Safe Cleaner for Use on Granite and Other Natural Stone Countertops?
Granite countertops are low maintenance, but it's still important to follow the correct care guidelines to prevent damaging your natural stone. Granite and other types of stone like travertine and marble can sustain damage if you use the wrong cleaning products, such as those made with acidic or abrasive compounds. One of the most commonly asked questions about caring for granite is if you can use bleach to disinfect and remove stains from granite. Here's what you should know about using bleach on granite and other natural stone.
Bleach Can Be Used to Lift Stains
Sometimes staining can occur, especially if your granite counters have not been sealed well or often enough. If you have a stubborn organic stain such as coffee, oil, or berries, you can often lift the stain by using liquid laundry bleach. Start by placing a paper towel, cotton balls, or a white terry cloth towel over the stain before soaking it with spray or liquid bleach. Allow the soaked towel to sit on the stain for 24 hours, then scrub with a soft nylon brush to prevent damage to the stone. You can allow the bleach to sit longer if you have a stubborn stain. Whenever you use bleach on granite, make sure you rinse it away completely with water.
The Best Way to Clean Granite
If you aren’t sure how to clean granite countertops, bleach is not the ideal product to use. While bleach can be safe to use to treat stains on sealed granite, it's best to use a gentler approach for cleaning to prevent damage to your stone. Because sealed granite is already highly resistant to bacteria, a simple daily cleaning with a granite-safe cleaner like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® will be sufficient. Wipe down your counters every day using a granite cleaner and a paper towel or a lint-free cloth.
Products to Avoid Using on Granite
Liquid bleach is safe to use occasionally to treat stains on granite and other types of stone, but it shouldn't be used daily. Always avoid harsh, corrosive, or abrasive household cleaning products on your natural stone. This includes anything containing vinegar, lemon, orange, and ammonia. To prevent stains and the use of bleach as much as possible, don't store toiletry items or liquid products directly on your stone. This includes cooking oils, perfumes, and lotions that might leak or spill.