6 Liquids You Should Never Use to Clean Granite & Other Types of Stone

As a solid metamorphic rock of considerable density, granite is sufficiently strong and durable to serve as a kitchen counter or other surface for decades, but you may be surprised to learn this natural stone is also vulnerable to certain liquids. Like other geologic materials, granite degrades through the process of erosion. When exposed to certain liquids, mostly common household cleaners, a granite counter can lose its protective seal, thereby allowing molecules to enter through the pores, eroding the stone and dulling the professional finish.

With the above in mind, here are six liquids you should never use to clean granite.

1. Vinegar

In recent years, vinegar has emerged as a favorite household cleaner among homeowners who are switching to "greener" products. An advantage of vinegar, aside from being organic, is that it is an ideal substance to prevent germ colonies from forming on kitchen surfaces, but it should not be used on graniteor other types of natural stone due to its acidity and propensity to cause fissures to the protective seal and dull the professional finish.

2. Lemon and Other Citrus Oils

While lemon oil is wonderful for wood flooring and furniture, it is less than ideal for granite, and the same can be said about all citrus oils because they may retain their natural acidity. While the hard minerals of granite can withstand the acids found in citrus, it could damage the seal and the finish of slabs and tiles. For this reason, you should clean up orange juice spills immediately with a safe-on-stone granite cleaner.

3. Ammonia

Although there is not too much acidity found in ammonia, this substance is known to turn granite dull when used repeatedly. Moreover, many ammonia formulations sold as household products these days contain other chemicals that may prove to be corrosive.

4. Window Cleaner

Many homeowners use window cleaner on their shiny granite floors and counters because they think it will make them even glossier. However, these cleaners can be very harmful to natural stone such as granite due to their formulation, which includes compounds such as ammonium hydroxide and 2-hexoxyethanol. Homeowners may have previously used window cleaner on ceramic tiles, but on granitethe alkaline and acidic content could eventually ruin your counter.

5. Oven Cleaner

For many people, liquid oven cleaner is their substance of last resort, particularly on kitchen counters that are hopelessly soiled and stained with grease. Under no circumstances should oven cleaners ever be used on granite, as they can quickly strip off the seal and corrode the stone.

6. Soap

Soap often leaves residue that sticks to the porous surface of granite, thereby leaving behind a stubborn stain that would need to be removed with baking soda and a soft brush. Instead of using soap, you should stick with a specially formulated granite cleaner.