Call nowWhen you’re at home cooking, you might not be thinking about the germs and bacteria that live on everything you touch – but you should. Granite countertops don’t hold bacteria as non-porous surfaces do, but with flu season in full effect and COVID-19 transmission rates soaring, it’s time to learn how to disinfect granite countertops.
How to Disinfect Granite Countertops
Step 1: Clean your granite countertops.
Cleaning granite countertops is surprisingly simple. All you need is a simple solution of ½ tablespoon dish soap to 2 cups of warm water. Gently wipe away any debris or residue, then buff it dry with a microfiber towel.
Step 2: Disinfect your granite countertops.
Guess what? Disinfecting granite countertops is just as easy as cleaning them! Make a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to keep an alcohol concentration of 70% to kill COVID-19 and other viruses that are lingering on surfaces.
Note: most bottles of rubbing alcohol will already be at a 70% solution. So before adding more water, check that the concentration is between 70% – 90% isopropyl alcohol.
Clean your countertops with the soap and water solution first, then spray your DIY granite disinfectant onto your countertops. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth (not the same one you used before).
Best Granite Disinfectant
The best granite disinfectant is a solution of rubbing alcohol and water. But, we get it – not everyone wants to rely on a self-mixed cocktail to fight the spread of bacteria in their home. If that’s the case, you should opt for an EPA-approved cleaning product to disinfect granite countertops.
The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of cleaning products (List N) that, when used according to the label directions, they deem fit to kill SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. These cleaning products are stored in an online directory that’s updated as new research and products are released. You can check to see if your preferred products have made the cut, or use the tool to find new cleaning solutions that disinfect granite countertops.
Worst Granite Disinfectant
The worst thing you can do to your granite countertops is to use harsh chemicals that seep into pores, cracks and crevices. Avoid products that contain bleach, citrus, vinegar or ammonia. Acid-based cleaners wreak havoc on your granite’s seal and will cause the stone to look dull and lifeless over time.
While they may be convenient and great for non-porous surfaces, Lysol and Clorox wipes are the death of granite countertops.
FAQ: COVID and Granite Counters
Can I get COVID-19 from granite countertops?
Granite is a porous material, meaning it doesn’t retain bacteria on its surface quite like stainless steel or even quartz. However, not enough studies have been conducted to give a straight and honest answer. That said, it’s always best to clean and sanitize regularly – especially on food prep surfaces and shared areas that have high traffic.
How long does COVID-19 live on granite countertops?
COVID-19 can live on non-porous surfaces for up to 3 days. Researchers have conducted a number of studies on how long COVID-19 can live on porous and non-porous surfaces – but their findings on granite are still inconclusive. While granite is porous and doesn’t hold bacteria the same way that other surfaces do, other variables such as environmental conditions and timeline of contact can impact whether or not the virus survives on the surface.
How long can viruses live on granite countertops?
Does the lack of COVID-19 research not compel you to disinfect your granite countertops more? How about this? The common flu can last up to 2 days on a stone surface. Plus, disinfecting your countertops will prevent the spread of the common cold, flu, and other harmful bacteria.
Final Word: Disinfecting Granite Countertops
As a best practice, always clean your countertops after use and disinfect your granite countertops at least once a week. If someone in your home or office is sick, it’s best to disinfect shared surfaces even more often. It also helps to keep up with sealing your granite countertops at least once a year.
Facts and information about COVID-19 are updated regularly by the Centers for Disease Control and Environmental Protection Agency. Please refer to their websites for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and how you can work to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Contact Affordable Granite Concepts
Affordable Granite Concepts is a premier granite installation and granite fabrication company with a natural stone and granite showroom in Orlando and in Altamonte Springs. We are committed to providing you with the best quality experience for investing in residential and commercial granite, quartz, and natural stone.
