If you’ve got granite countertops, you know they’re a beautiful addition to your kitchen or bathroom. But when it comes to cleaning, you might be wondering if you can use Lysol on granite?

Lysol is great for getting rid of germs and bacteria, but it’s not the best choice for your granite surfaces. In fact, using it could do more harm than good.

In this post, I'll go over why you shouldn't use Lysol on granite, and what you should be using instead.

Can I Use Lysol On Granite?

No, you should NOT use Lysol on granite.

I know it's tempting to reach for Lysol when you want to disinfect your granite countertops. After all, it's probably sitting right under your sink and works great on other surfaces.

But here's the thing – using Lysol on your granite can cause some real problems.

Many homeowners don't realize that natural stone requires special care, and using the wrong cleaning products can lead to costly damage.

Why You Should Not Use Lysol On Granite

Here's why you shouldn’t use Lysol:

#1 Contains Harsh Ingredients

Lysol contains some pretty aggressive chemicals, including citric acid and something called quaternary ammonium compounds.

These ingredients might be great for killing germs, but they're too harsh for your granite.

When these chemicals come into contact with your countertops, they start breaking down the stone little by little.

Trust me, that's not something you want happening to your beautiful granite surfaces.

Even worse, these harsh ingredients can create microscopic grooves in your granite's surface, making it more susceptible to harboring bacteria – the very thing you're trying to prevent by cleaning.

#2 Damages The Sealant

Your granite countertops have a protective seal on them. Think of it as a shield that keeps stains and moisture from seeping into the stone.

When you use Lysol, those harsh chemicals start eating away at this protective layer.

Once that seal is compromised, your countertops become vulnerable to all sorts of damage.

Water can seep in, stains can set, and bacteria can make themselves at home on the porous surface.

The most concerning part is that you might not notice the sealant damage until it's too late, as it often occurs gradually over time with repeated use of harsh cleaners.

Also Read: Can You Mix Clorox And Lysol?

#3 Potential For Dulling

Nobody wants dull-looking countertops, right? Well, that's exactly what can happen if you clean your granite with Lysol.

Over time, those harsh chemicals will wear away at the stone's natural shine.

The worst part? Once your granite loses its luster, bringing it back to its original glory isn't easy or cheap. Professional restoration can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

Plus, the dulling effect often occurs unevenly, leaving some areas looking more worn than others, which can make your countertops appear patchy and aged.

What Cleaners Are Safe For Granite Countertops

Now that you know you shouldn’t use Lysol on your granite, let me go over some safe and effective cleaning alternatives:

Dish Soap And Warm Water

Want to know the easiest way to clean your granite? Just grab your regular dish soap and mix it with some warm water. It's that simple.

This gentle combination works great for everyday cleaning and won't harm your countertops.

Just remember to dry the surface when you're done to avoid any water marks.

For best results, use a non-abrasive dish soap and avoid anything that's highly concentrated or advertised as anti-bacterial, as these might contain harsh chemicals.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Need to disinfect your granite? Mix equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol.

This solution works great at killing germs without damaging your countertops.

Just spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean. Make sure to dry the surface thoroughly afterward. This mixture is particularly effective during cold and flu season when you want extra disinfecting power.

Just be sure to use 70% isopropyl alcohol or less, as higher concentrations aren't necessary and could be too strong.

Granite Cleaners

If you want to go the store-bought route, there are plenty of cleaners made for granite.

These cleaners are perfectly balanced to clean your countertops without causing any damage.

When you're shopping, just look for cleaners that specifically mention they're safe for natural stone.

Many of these products also contain stone-enhancing properties that can help maintain the seal and keep your granite looking its best.

Some even include UV protectants, which can be especially beneficial for granite countertops near windows.

Also Read: Bar Keepers Friend Alternatives

Wrapping Up

The bottom line? Keep that bottle of Lysol away from your granite countertops.

Sure, Lysol is great at killing germs, but it's just too harsh for granite surfaces.

Instead, stick to gentle cleaners like dish soap and water, or grab a cleaner that's made for granite. Your countertops will stay beautiful longer, and you won't have to worry about expensive repairs down the road.

Remember, investing a little time in proper granite care now will save you money and maintain your countertops' beauty for years to come.

FAQs

Can You Use Lysol Wipes On Granite?

No, Lysol wipes are just as bad for granite as liquid Lysol. They contain the same harsh chemicals that can damage your countertops. Stick to a soft microfiber cloth and a granite-safe cleaner instead.

Can You Use Lysol All Purpose Cleaner On Granite Countertops?

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner isn't any safer for your granite than regular Lysol. It still contains chemicals that can damage both the stone and its protective seal.

You're better off using cleaners specifically made for natural stone.

Can You Use Lysol Disinfectant Spray On Granite?

The answer is no. Lysol Disinfectant Spray contains the same problematic ingredients as other Lysol products. If you need to disinfect your granite, stick with the isopropyl alcohol and water mixture I mentioned earlier, or pick up a granite-safe disinfectant from the store.

Can You Use Lysol On Granite? (No - Here's Why)