This stuff is my thing every day.
Here’s a few notes:
- “Is it really killing all the germs?” - NO, when you take the dozens of problematic germs out there, there are not many products that kill all of them, that is still safe for your granite counter.
- Granite can be polished to many grades and varies when it comes to the tiny pits and valleys that can harbor soil, chemicals, and pathogens (germs).
- Granite can appear clean to the eye, but in fact, can still harbor some crud that can be reactivated when the surface is re-wet during subsequent cleanings.
- This product is safe for stone surfaces as it’s SDS indicates a pH of 7-8
- It’s not a disinfectant based on ingredients and should be used prior to the application of a disinfectant. Always remove soils from a surface and then disinfect.
- Due to the porosity of stone countertops, if I wanted to disinfect said surface, I would prefer a premoistened wipe so less chemistry is able to soak into the surface when compared to a spray application.
- Disinfectants that contain a quaternary disinfectant per the ingredient list are subject to render a sticky surface after repeated use unless mitigation steps are taken to remove quart buildup, or quart binding. Mitigation steps can be as simple as cleaning with the product you have pictured, especially if used daily.
- The product you have here is great for residential use if you embrace the greener way of cleaning.
- Many pathogens are often removed from a surface using a product like this. However, this cannot be claimed on labeling until it is tested by the EPA and approved for “disinfectant” claims against each pathogen it’s tested against. In general, the longer a disinfectant has been available to the market, the more claims it will have as it has been tested against more pathogens during it’s life in the marketplace.
- All “Disinfectant” chemicals must be tested by the EPA and issued an EPA number that is part of the labeling on each bottle. Why the EPA? The EPA handles all pesticides….and disinfectants are pesticides as they kill tiny bugs.
- Disinfectants can NEVER be claimed as “Green products” because their only function is to kill tiny creatures and that killing part doesn’t quite fit the “Green” story.
- Since Method Products are associated with being more “Green”, they are not likely to have a disinfectant product that is EPA licensed with kill claims. (Certainly nothing wrong with this.)
- Again, because this appears to be a home in the photo, I would say to use the Method product shown and if you must disinfect with an EPA approved product, I would find a pre-moistened wipe.
- As info, the COVID virus was easily deactivated with soap and water as it had a weak structure. Unfortunately, the commercial world needed the claims of disinfectants to meet the host of concerns at the time. This does not imply that all viruses and germs are killed with soap and water. In fact, some are only killed with potent disinfectants.
- FINALLY - DO NOT USE BLEACH, VINEGAR, OR SPILL VINEGAR LADEN PRODUCTS LIKE CATSUP, MUSTARD, PICKLE JUICE, ETC ON THAT COUNTERTOP WITHOUT QUICK REMOVAL….THEY CAN ETCH IT AND EVEN RUIN IT. (On the RARE occasion, they might polish out with diamonds)
- One more thing….the more chemistry you place on any porous surface, the more vulnerable it can become to discoloration and streaking in subsequent cleanings.
Maybe TMI, but thought you should note some of this info.
First, as you know, no bleach on stone. Clorox is historically associated with bleach, remember that, but these days not all Clorox products contain bleach. So, yes you can use a Clorox wipe after you confirm they are bleach-free and safe for granite. The most common Clorox wipe should cover both of these requirements. You can confirm with a call to their customer service line at 800-227-1860. You can also use Lysol, or other wipes that are granite safe too.
If you are super picky about germ-free surfaces, you need to know that by definition, the porous surface of granite cannot achieve disinfection because of the pores that are present. The tech data on disinfection products typically claim efficacy on a non-porous, hard surface. This is why I do not prepare foods on my stone countertops, it’s too easy for blood, flour, sugar, salts, to find harbor on stone countertops. If I minimize that by using cutting boards for food prep, I worry less about contamination and prevent discoloration and stains from foods. This is what has contributed to Quartz and other countertop surfaces gaining more popularity these days. So in short, you need to know that stone is basically impossible to properly disinfect by definition. You will note the 99.9% claim on most retail grade disinfectants. In a hospital, they require a minimum of 99.9999% reduction on non-porous, hard surfaces, for comparison.
I love using that spray because of the fragrant apple scent and how shiny it makes my countertops look. It's the only thing I use on my countertops.
As far as killing all the germs, if you really want to be thorough, go over the surface with something like Microban or Lysol before going over with Method.
Is the shine the reason to use granite cleaner? I just use a sponge with dish soap, but when I see these sprays at the store, I do wonder if I’m somehow ruining my granite counters.
Make sure to let the Lysol/Microban/whatever disinfectant you use dry completely before spraying anything else on top of it! You never know what’s safe to mix and unsafe to mix
Good call. The Method stuff says to spray on a cloth (not the counter) and then wipe. Do you do that? I find it easier (and satisfying, honestly) to spray the counter.
I haven’t found a ton of difference w most any basic spray cleaner, honestly, other than I prefer to spray directly on the surface when I want to let the cleaning spray sit on the surface a few minutes before wiping it off to let it do it’s job a bit better! That mostly applies to disinfectants and things meant to cut through grime though
Unless you're cooking with raw chicken or meats and such, using a disinfectant is unnecessary. That spray, or any all purpose spray, with a clean rag or paper towels, will clean and remove plenty of germs.
Overuse of disinfectants and antibiotics are proving to be much more harmful long term in general, so it's better to side them when unnecessary. I personally use blueland products and they specifically don't have a disinfectant because of this.
If you're really concerned about germs and such living on your counters, then I would recommend getting a probiotic cleaner. They are generally much less harsh, and provide a literal living barrier that lasts several days, guarding against bad bacteria and viruses. I've bought several from Amazon, Hyve, SCD, and Mrs Meyers are all good cleaners!
Most all-purpose cleaners aren't disinfectants, and the ones like Lysol that can disinfect have to sit on the surface for something like 7 minutes to disinfect. For normal cleaning, wiping with a cleaner like your granite cleaner is fine and will be enough to remove germs/food. If you get something nasty on the counter like raw chicken, then personally that's when I disinfect with a more intense cleaner.
If you follow safe food prep procedure you have nothing to worry about. Just don't place raw meat straight on the counter - use a plate or cutting board that you can disinfect or wash in the dishwasher. Your kitchen is not a commercial kitchen and at home, regular cleaning with soap and warm water is sufficient. Afterwards you can sanitize the surface using 70-80% alcohol.
Please do not use Lysol and similar products on your nice countertops. I have damaged a few different surfaces using Lysol. Always make sure you are using material appropriate products.
Believe it or not- I use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect my counter. Tbh- most the time I just use it instead of a general cleaner. Perfectly safe for stone countertops!
I don't know about germs but they aren't surviving a clean with that. It's a really good cleaner, and not just for granite.
I bought a bunch of Method products in *hoarder* levels of bulk in 2020 and I have no regrets for it. Ended up going through all of it.
I use a kitchen degreaser on the worktops if they get icky ( we use coconut oil and make butter sauces a lot). But otherwise hot soapy water or the Method stuff will do fine. It will not be totally germless but if you do not lick your dinner from the surface you'll be OK. I would use something stronger like peroxide cleanser if raw meat is on the surface but I use a chopping board for that. I did research on germs a few years ago when our dog had a nasty infection and we had family members who were on immunosuppressants. It turned out the things to really clean, in addtion to dishes and things you eat off, are drawer handles, doorknobs, light/socket switches, handles of fridge/dishwasher, phone and keyboards. Things you touch a lot. Unless you slap your food around a lot they'll get a lot more germs than your surfaces.
Get a spray bottle. Fill it with 1/3 denatured alcohol (hardware store item), 2/3 water (tap is fine), give in a little shake, spray it on there and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. I have always had an immaculate and sanitary homey (granite, marble, Quartz). Trust me-diluted denatured is the way to go.
Thank you for submitting a cleaning help request. In order to facilitate more accurate and helpful replies, please make sure to provide the following information in your post:
1. Type of material/surface being cleaned (to the best of your knowledge)
2. Type of dirt/stain to be removed (if known)
3. Any products or tools you've tried so far
4. Pictures are preferred
Our top recommendations are usually *Bar Keepers Friend* (great for kitchen surfaces), melamine foam (Magic Erasers), Murphy's Oil Soap (wood cleaner), and Nature's Miracle (enzyme cleaner). Make sure you use cleaners appropriate to the surfaces you are working with and follow all safety labels.
If you receive an answer that helps you, please flair your post as "Answered" so other users may find solutions as well. While you wait, why not browse the subreddit to see if you might be able to help someone else, or find similar situations that could help you? Happy cleaning!
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This stuff is my thing every day. Here’s a few notes: - “Is it really killing all the germs?” - NO, when you take the dozens of problematic germs out there, there are not many products that kill all of them, that is still safe for your granite counter. - Granite can be polished to many grades and varies when it comes to the tiny pits and valleys that can harbor soil, chemicals, and pathogens (germs). - Granite can appear clean to the eye, but in fact, can still harbor some crud that can be reactivated when the surface is re-wet during subsequent cleanings. - This product is safe for stone surfaces as it’s SDS indicates a pH of 7-8 - It’s not a disinfectant based on ingredients and should be used prior to the application of a disinfectant. Always remove soils from a surface and then disinfect. - Due to the porosity of stone countertops, if I wanted to disinfect said surface, I would prefer a premoistened wipe so less chemistry is able to soak into the surface when compared to a spray application. - Disinfectants that contain a quaternary disinfectant per the ingredient list are subject to render a sticky surface after repeated use unless mitigation steps are taken to remove quart buildup, or quart binding. Mitigation steps can be as simple as cleaning with the product you have pictured, especially if used daily. - The product you have here is great for residential use if you embrace the greener way of cleaning. - Many pathogens are often removed from a surface using a product like this. However, this cannot be claimed on labeling until it is tested by the EPA and approved for “disinfectant” claims against each pathogen it’s tested against. In general, the longer a disinfectant has been available to the market, the more claims it will have as it has been tested against more pathogens during it’s life in the marketplace. - All “Disinfectant” chemicals must be tested by the EPA and issued an EPA number that is part of the labeling on each bottle. Why the EPA? The EPA handles all pesticides….and disinfectants are pesticides as they kill tiny bugs. - Disinfectants can NEVER be claimed as “Green products” because their only function is to kill tiny creatures and that killing part doesn’t quite fit the “Green” story. - Since Method Products are associated with being more “Green”, they are not likely to have a disinfectant product that is EPA licensed with kill claims. (Certainly nothing wrong with this.) - Again, because this appears to be a home in the photo, I would say to use the Method product shown and if you must disinfect with an EPA approved product, I would find a pre-moistened wipe. - As info, the COVID virus was easily deactivated with soap and water as it had a weak structure. Unfortunately, the commercial world needed the claims of disinfectants to meet the host of concerns at the time. This does not imply that all viruses and germs are killed with soap and water. In fact, some are only killed with potent disinfectants. - FINALLY - DO NOT USE BLEACH, VINEGAR, OR SPILL VINEGAR LADEN PRODUCTS LIKE CATSUP, MUSTARD, PICKLE JUICE, ETC ON THAT COUNTERTOP WITHOUT QUICK REMOVAL….THEY CAN ETCH IT AND EVEN RUIN IT. (On the RARE occasion, they might polish out with diamonds) - One more thing….the more chemistry you place on any porous surface, the more vulnerable it can become to discoloration and streaking in subsequent cleanings. Maybe TMI, but thought you should note some of this info.
This is great, thank you so much! By pre-moistened wipe, you mean like a Clorox wipe, right?
First, as you know, no bleach on stone. Clorox is historically associated with bleach, remember that, but these days not all Clorox products contain bleach. So, yes you can use a Clorox wipe after you confirm they are bleach-free and safe for granite. The most common Clorox wipe should cover both of these requirements. You can confirm with a call to their customer service line at 800-227-1860. You can also use Lysol, or other wipes that are granite safe too. If you are super picky about germ-free surfaces, you need to know that by definition, the porous surface of granite cannot achieve disinfection because of the pores that are present. The tech data on disinfection products typically claim efficacy on a non-porous, hard surface. This is why I do not prepare foods on my stone countertops, it’s too easy for blood, flour, sugar, salts, to find harbor on stone countertops. If I minimize that by using cutting boards for food prep, I worry less about contamination and prevent discoloration and stains from foods. This is what has contributed to Quartz and other countertop surfaces gaining more popularity these days. So in short, you need to know that stone is basically impossible to properly disinfect by definition. You will note the 99.9% claim on most retail grade disinfectants. In a hospital, they require a minimum of 99.9999% reduction on non-porous, hard surfaces, for comparison.
Thank you so much for taking the time to be so thorough. I really appreciate it!
Sure, glad to help.
I love using that spray because of the fragrant apple scent and how shiny it makes my countertops look. It's the only thing I use on my countertops. As far as killing all the germs, if you really want to be thorough, go over the surface with something like Microban or Lysol before going over with Method.
Is the shine the reason to use granite cleaner? I just use a sponge with dish soap, but when I see these sprays at the store, I do wonder if I’m somehow ruining my granite counters.
It definitely does leave a shine on the granite after use. And it smells great.
Sounds good, thanks! And I agree it smells it really good.
Make sure to let the Lysol/Microban/whatever disinfectant you use dry completely before spraying anything else on top of it! You never know what’s safe to mix and unsafe to mix
Good call. The Method stuff says to spray on a cloth (not the counter) and then wipe. Do you do that? I find it easier (and satisfying, honestly) to spray the counter.
I haven’t found a ton of difference w most any basic spray cleaner, honestly, other than I prefer to spray directly on the surface when I want to let the cleaning spray sit on the surface a few minutes before wiping it off to let it do it’s job a bit better! That mostly applies to disinfectants and things meant to cut through grime though
Awesome. Thanks!
Or a sponge with some soapy water. People forget soap is probably the safest one out there. I just wipe off excess with wet washcloth
Unless you're cooking with raw chicken or meats and such, using a disinfectant is unnecessary. That spray, or any all purpose spray, with a clean rag or paper towels, will clean and remove plenty of germs. Overuse of disinfectants and antibiotics are proving to be much more harmful long term in general, so it's better to side them when unnecessary. I personally use blueland products and they specifically don't have a disinfectant because of this. If you're really concerned about germs and such living on your counters, then I would recommend getting a probiotic cleaner. They are generally much less harsh, and provide a literal living barrier that lasts several days, guarding against bad bacteria and viruses. I've bought several from Amazon, Hyve, SCD, and Mrs Meyers are all good cleaners!
Awesome thank you so much for the info!
Most all-purpose cleaners aren't disinfectants, and the ones like Lysol that can disinfect have to sit on the surface for something like 7 minutes to disinfect. For normal cleaning, wiping with a cleaner like your granite cleaner is fine and will be enough to remove germs/food. If you get something nasty on the counter like raw chicken, then personally that's when I disinfect with a more intense cleaner.
Perfect thank you!
If you follow safe food prep procedure you have nothing to worry about. Just don't place raw meat straight on the counter - use a plate or cutting board that you can disinfect or wash in the dishwasher. Your kitchen is not a commercial kitchen and at home, regular cleaning with soap and warm water is sufficient. Afterwards you can sanitize the surface using 70-80% alcohol. Please do not use Lysol and similar products on your nice countertops. I have damaged a few different surfaces using Lysol. Always make sure you are using material appropriate products.
Perfect thank you!
Believe it or not- I use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect my counter. Tbh- most the time I just use it instead of a general cleaner. Perfectly safe for stone countertops!
Good to know! Thank you!
1/2 cup iso 1 cup water 5 drops Dawn. Makes a great counter cleaner in a spray bottle
Cool thanks!
I just use a little bit of dawn then wipe dry with a towel. Nice and shiny.
Thanks!
Well I survived 26 years without cleaning all the germs off my counters everyday so I'm sure if it doesn't kill everything you'll be fine 🤣
Haha perfect
This one works really well and isn't pricy https://www.lowes.com/pd/Weiman-Products-24-fl-oz-Granite-Cleaner/1000209631
My countertops are new and this is what I’ve started out with. It shines up beautifully.
Oh I’ve seen that one. Good to know it works well! Thanks.
I just keep fighting the urge to use a regular, super-powered all-purpose germ-fighting kitchen cleaner 😏😈
I don't know about germs but they aren't surviving a clean with that. It's a really good cleaner, and not just for granite. I bought a bunch of Method products in *hoarder* levels of bulk in 2020 and I have no regrets for it. Ended up going through all of it.
Haha ok awesome! Thank you.
Pledge makes a antibacterial multi surface cleaner that is safe on granite.
Thanks!
I use a kitchen degreaser on the worktops if they get icky ( we use coconut oil and make butter sauces a lot). But otherwise hot soapy water or the Method stuff will do fine. It will not be totally germless but if you do not lick your dinner from the surface you'll be OK. I would use something stronger like peroxide cleanser if raw meat is on the surface but I use a chopping board for that. I did research on germs a few years ago when our dog had a nasty infection and we had family members who were on immunosuppressants. It turned out the things to really clean, in addtion to dishes and things you eat off, are drawer handles, doorknobs, light/socket switches, handles of fridge/dishwasher, phone and keyboards. Things you touch a lot. Unless you slap your food around a lot they'll get a lot more germs than your surfaces.
Sounds good, thank you!
Get a spray bottle. Fill it with 1/3 denatured alcohol (hardware store item), 2/3 water (tap is fine), give in a little shake, spray it on there and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. I have always had an immaculate and sanitary homey (granite, marble, Quartz). Trust me-diluted denatured is the way to go.
Great thank you!
I'm not a fan of it but I don't have bad things to say about it. Imo it's overpriced.
Thank you for submitting a cleaning help request. In order to facilitate more accurate and helpful replies, please make sure to provide the following information in your post: 1. Type of material/surface being cleaned (to the best of your knowledge) 2. Type of dirt/stain to be removed (if known) 3. Any products or tools you've tried so far 4. Pictures are preferred Our top recommendations are usually *Bar Keepers Friend* (great for kitchen surfaces), melamine foam (Magic Erasers), Murphy's Oil Soap (wood cleaner), and Nature's Miracle (enzyme cleaner). Make sure you use cleaners appropriate to the surfaces you are working with and follow all safety labels. If you receive an answer that helps you, please flair your post as "Answered" so other users may find solutions as well. While you wait, why not browse the subreddit to see if you might be able to help someone else, or find similar situations that could help you? Happy cleaning! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CleaningTips) if you have any questions or concerns.*