I love the bright, crisp scent of this Lemon & Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner, but vinegar is too acidic for granite countertops. Over time, it can corrode the countertops sealant, making it more vulnerable to staining, etching, and chipping.
Lemon juice and citric acid are a no-go for the same reason, but common store bought options have their own concerns. Many earn a safety rating of a C or even F from the Environmental Working Group, and they tend to be pretty pricey.
Fortunately, we don’t need them. This easy, pH neutral recipe works without leaving streaks or a grimy residue, and you can still incorporate the fresh scent of lemon without using lemon juice. That’s because essential oils, even citrus oils, are pH neutral and therefore considered safe to use.
Organic lemon essential oil is my go-to in this recipe, but there are also a few other options that work well for cleaning. All are safe for use around kids. Click here for more info on using essential oils safely with babies and children.
When you’re short on time, sometimes it’s better to buy a pre-made option so that you can focus on other priorities.
Most granite cleaners get a D or an F from the Environmental Working Group. Although this one from Eco-Me is not specifically rated by the EWG, it contains two plant-derived soaps that are rated as an A, plus aloe vera, radish root ferment (which is antimicrobial), and a food-grade preservative. It’s formulated for granite and sealed natural stone surfaces.
