Granite slabs are proven to be very safe countertops material for kitchens, baths and other areas of homes and commercial establishments.
It is good to know that granite countertops are not a breeding ground for bacterial growth. The Center for Disease Control nor the Institute for Occupational Safety Control have found any evidence to show that granite countertops harbor bacteria.
Yet any countertop material, including granite, may harbor bacteria when they are kept moist and food debris is allowed to stay for long.
You can keep beautiful granite counters pristinely clean by disinfecting it with a solution that will not harm the granite or the sealant covering the top.
The process of disinfecting a granite countertop is simple and it can be inexpensive if you use a simple and effective cleaning solution that you make yourself.
Killing Germs
Mild dishwashing soap has antibacterial properties, which makes it ideal to use for disinfecting granite countertops. Make your own inexpensive countertop cleaner that will clean the granite surfaces safely and effectively.
Mix 4 tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol and 4 drops of dishwashing soap in a 1-liter spray bottle. You can purchase isopropyl alcohol in any grocery store or pharmacy chain. It is the same liquid used in first aid kits for small injuries. Fill the bottle almost to the top with warm water and shake the contents gently. Do not shake the mixture too vigorously because the homemade cleaner could lather so much that it won’t spray through the spray nozzle.
The Cleaning Process
Spray the cleaning solution onto the granite countertop, covering roughly 2 square feet of counter area. Allow the liquid to sit on the surface of the granite for about one minute to disinfect the counter. 
Wipe off the cleaner with a clean, dry, white cloth to finish cleaning the area. Using a white cloth prevents possible stains from colored fabric. Repeat the same process until you clean the entire granite countertop.
Ingredients to Avoid
There are a few things to avoid when it comes to choosing a cleaner for your granite countertops. Avoid cleaners that contain vinegar or other acidic ingredients because these ingredients can diminish the shine of granite surfaces. Abrasive cleansers can harm the finish of a granite counter.
Do not use chlorine bleach, commercial window cleaners or other all-purpose cleansers on granite countertops. Check cleaner labels and do not use products containing hydrofluoric acid. These cleaners may harm the sealant or the granite itself.
Discouraging Bacteria
- Disinfect granite countertops periodically if you cook in the kitchen every day.
- Always use a cutting board when chopping or dicing food so food bacteria do not sit on the granite surfaces. This can be especially important in seamed areas of the countertop.
- Wipe spills and messes when they occur. Leaving moisture on the granite surface could breed bacteria.
- Maintain an effective sealant over the granite surface to act as a barrier for bacteria. Reapply the sealant once a year to keep the sealant adequate. Or you can use 3 year sealants like Stonetech Bulletproof Sealer.
Everything You Need to Know About Cleaning Granite Countertops
Granite countertops make an impressive addition to any home — and a healthy one too. Tests by the Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show granite demonstrates excellent natural resistance to bacteria. These countertops come in a wide variety of colors and natural patterns to complement virtually any decor. With the right cleaning and care, you can keep yours looking brilliant for years to come.
Keeping countertops clean around the home has always been essential for promoting a healthy environment. With the onset of COVID-19, cleanliness takes on a whole new level of importance. Many household products claim to kill viruses and bacteria, but for many of them, the risk may outweigh the reward. Bleach, Lysol, vinegar and other popular cleaning solutions may be useful in sterilizing your surfaces, but the chemicals within them can cause lasting damage to natural stone surfaces.
The Best Way to Clean Granite Countertops
The best way to clean granite countertops is with a mixture of warm water and liquid dish detergent. This method is an eco-friendly solution and very effective at removing grease, fingerprints, food and buildup. Soap and water are gentle on granite and you can use them on your countertops as often as you like without risking damage.
For increased disinfecting power, add isopropyl alcohol to the mix. Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol provides an excellent solution for killing bacteria and viruses like COVID-19 while preserving the finish and shine of your countertops. 
To create your cleaning solution, add one drop of dish detergent into your spray bottle for every eight ounces of warm water and four tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Mix them together gently to reduce pressure and lather in the bottle.
Disinfecting Granite Countertops for COVID-19 and Other Viruses
Cleaning and disinfecting granite countertops is easy and something you can do every day to keep your stone surfaces healthy and looking great. To ensure you fully disinfect your countertops, focus on areas no larger than a few square feet at a time. To get a complete clean for your granite countertops:
- Prepare your counters: Remove any appliances, home decor and other items for access, and wipe any crumbs into your sink or dustpan to prevent scratching.
- Spray your counters: Use your solution to spray your countertops. Allow the spray to sit for at least one minute so the alcohol can achieve its full potential.
- Clean your counters: Scrub your countertops using a clean, soft cloth, preferably microfiber. Repeat the process as needed until your countertops shine.
- Dry your counters: When you are finished scrubbing, rinse your rag and remove any excess soap. Using a dry towel, dab the remaining water off the counter.
