The Best Granite Cleaner

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber
Published on
February 22nd, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben has over a decade of experience in cleaning projects of all types along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States. Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning and leading teams goes back as far as he can remember.

The Cleaning Institute

Granite is one of the most common types of materials for countertops in residential properties and is favored for its durability and natural beauty. Although the stone can maintain its quality and appeal when exposed to extreme temperatures, frequent use, or contact with chemicals can affect its appearance over time. We tested different granite cleaning products on the market to narrow down the best options for consumers to choose from when maintaining the material. Our top pick is the TriNova Granite Cleaner and Polish for Daily Use because it cleans thoroughly but is still gentle on stone. The product leaves behind a natural shine on different types of stone surfaces and can even clean up spills or messes. Our tests led us to select the Howard GM5012 Natural Granite and Marble Cleaner for our green pick because it cleans effectively without polluting the air with harmful chemicals or toxins due to the all-natural ingredients that it contains. The formula is composed of plant-based, natural ingredients that are safe to use on food prep areas.

Testing Categories

Using different testing categories is how we achieve accurate results after 35 years of testing products. We use the categories to narrow down the top items that we recommend to consumers. When reviewing the most useful granite cleaning products in the industry, we created testing categories that include odor, application, and efficiency.

Odor: We reviewed the scent or odor of each granite cleaning product to determine if it was pleasant to smell or if it overpowered the room. We also rated the products based on if they smelled natural or like chemicals.

Application: The ease of use of each granite cleaner was one of the main factors that was reviewed, which made us create the application category. We evaluated how easy it was to spray onto granite and if it was easy to wipe up.

Efficiency: The results that each product delivered allowed us to narrow down our options and select our top picks. We looked at how well the formulas polished granite, cleaned the surfaces, and if any residue or streaks were left behind. We also looked at the texture and evaluated if it was overly thick or greasy.

Top Pick

TriNova Granite Cleaner
and Polish for
Daily Use

The TriNova Granite Cleaner and Polish prevents dulling from occurring on natural stone surfaces and can revitalize the material. It creates a mirror-like surface without streaks present.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The TriNova Granite Cleaner and Polish for Daily Use stands out on the market because it’s capable of thoroughly cleaning granite without leaving behind a hazy or dull residue. It brightens the surface to increase the look of the countertops and proves to be effective when used with the brand’s Granite Sealer. It stands out amongst similar products because it’s not acidic and it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, which can affect the sealant on the grout and make the material more susceptible to stains that form over time. The product also includes a cleaning cloth for added value and convenience. It’s created to protect and preserve the granite. Although the formula is designed to be gentle on stone, it’s still powerful enough to remove dried messes, grime, and the buildup of cooking oils to restore the natural material. A little goes a long way, which allows the 18 ounce bottle to last longer than similar products. It’s easy to lightly spray on granite countertops, floors, walls, showers, and tables while wiping it down with a clean microfiber cloth. It even has a pleasant scent because it’s non-toxic and the pH is neutral safe for all types of stone surfaces, which increases its versatility. The manufacturer also offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and will provide a full refund if consumers aren’t happy with the results. It’s meant to be used daily to achieve the best results. It can also be used to remove stains that are in sinks. After applying the product, the stone is smooth to the touch.

Biggest downsides: It can’t remove deep stains and does not seal the granite compared to similar products. We found using too much of the formula can cause streaks to form. The packaging contains a cancer warning, which may alarm some users and doesn’t make it an eco-friendly cleaning product. The packaging is prone to breaking due to low-quality plastic that is used.

Green Pick

Howard GM5012
Natural Granite and
Marble Cleaner

The Howard GM5012 Natural Granite and Marble Cleaner avoids using harsh chemicals and easily cleans different types of natural stone. The vegetable-derived cleaning power is safe to use in kitchens.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Howard Marble cleaner contains all-natural ingredients that are derived from plants and vegetables to ensure that the product is eco-friendly and can be used on food prep surfaces. It’s useful for dusting and cleaning stone without polluting or contaminating the air. It’s cruelty-free and is not tested on animals. Consumers can choose to select the product in the lemongrass-lime scent or fragrance-free. As a non-acidic formula, it is non-abrasive which is safer to use compared to chemical-based products. It can be used on granite, porcelain, limestone, ceramic, quartz, and engineered stone. The cleaner can also be used to polish toasters, trash cans, dishwashers, microwaves, appliances, sinks, grilles, and faucets. It offers peace of mind because it does not contain petroleum distillates, bleach, ammonia, and silicone oils. Essential oil fragrances contribute to the natural and appealing scent of the cleaning product for an added touch of aromatherapy that is calming. It also disinfects due to the essential oils that it contains. Some of the top ingredients that it includes are coconut oil, purified water, vegetable oil surfactant, and coconut-based surfactant.

Biggest downsides: It may not be effective in removing hard water stains on stone surfaces. We noticed that several applications of the formula may be needed for sticky residue or stains. It is also prone to leaving streaks behind once it’s applied. The formula doesn’t shine or polish as well as similar products. It can also leave behind a cloudy look on floors and countertops with frequent application.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Granite Cleaning

Granite has proven to be a durable stone that can last a lifetime with the right care provided. Although the material can withstand dents, scratches, and scuffs, it still needs proper care to prevent the surface from looking cloudy or dull over time. As a homeowner, it’s important to clean the surface with the right cleaning product to ensure it maintains its quality and appeal. Begin by dusting away any crumbs or dirt that are present with the use of a soft cloth. Caked-on substances should be removed with a scrubber sponge. Use warm water for most counter clean-ups before wiping it dry to avoid water spots that can be left behind. Avoid using tap water to clean the stone because it can contain different minerals and chlorine that can lead to damage to the countertops. Instead, opt for using distilled water. Use a commercial cleaning product at least once each day to polish and shine the stone to ensure that it maintains its appeal and doesn’t form buildup of dirt or food particles. A cleaner that contains mild dish soap and water will prove to be effective for washing the counters before they’re buffed out with a dry cloth. Mop up grease or wine spills immediately to avoid permanent damage. A store-bought poultice can also be used to remove tough stains, which can set overnight once it’s covered with plastic wrap. A mixture of baking soda and water can also be used to remove thick stains that aren’t easy to scrape off.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Granite cleaning products often contain all-natural ingredients but should still be stored in a locked storage area to prevent children or pets from coming in contact with the formulas. They can have a longer shelf life if they’re stored in a cool climate that is dark in order to preserve the ingredients. Avoid mixing the products with other types of cleaners.

The Best Granite Cleaner

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

TriNova Granite Cleaner
and Polish for
Daily Use

Howard GM5012
Natural Granite and
Marble Cleaner

All Our Picks

TriNova Granite Cleaner
and Polish for
Daily Use

Howard GM5012
Natural Granite and
Marble Cleaner

Tips for Effective Granite Cleaning

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Granite Cleaner

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

TriNova Granite Cleaner and Polish for Daily Use

Howard GM5012Natural Granite andMarble Cleaner

All Our Picks

TriNova Granite Cleaner and Polish for Daily Use

Howard GM5012Natural Granite andMarble Cleaner

Tips for Effective Granite Cleaning

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

TriNova Granite Cleaner
and Polish for
Daily Use

Howard GM5012
Natural Granite and
Marble Cleaner

TriNova Granite Cleaner
and Polish for
Daily Use

Howard GM5012
Natural Granite and
Marble Cleaner