Best (and Worst) Cleaners for Marble & Granite: What to Use, What to Avoid, and Why

If you’re searching for the best cleaner for marble countertops, you’ve probably already learned the hard way that “clean” and “safe for stone” are not the same thing. Marble and granite are both natural stone, but they behave very differently, and the wrong cleaner can cause dull spots, cloudy haze, streaks, etching, or a finish that never looks right again.

At Fabrizio & Sons Marble and Granite Restoration, we restore surfaces that were damaged by everyday cleaning products more often than most homeowners realize. The frustrating part is that the damage usually happens slowly, through “normal” habits: a daily disinfectant spray, a popular multi-surface cleaner, a bathroom product used on shower marble, or a DIY vinegar solution.

This guide breaks down exactly what the best cleaners are for marble and granite, what the worst cleaners are, and the simple pro routine that keeps stone looking crisp without guesswork.

Marble vs Granite: Why Cleaner Choice Matters

Marble is a calcium-based stone. That means it reacts to acids. When an acidic product touches marble, it can etch the surface, which often looks like a cloudy spot, a dull patch, a ring, or a lighter mark that won’t wipe away. Etching is not “dirt.” It is actual surface damage.

Granite is generally more acid-resistant than marble, but it can still be harmed by harsh chemicals, high-alkaline degreasers, abrasive powders, and products that leave waxy residue. Granite can also lose its clarity and look greasy or streaky if you use the wrong soap or too much product. Both stones can develop haze when cleaner residue builds up, and both can be damaged by abrasive scrubbing tools.

If you remember only one thing, remember this: stone-safe cleaning is about pH, residue, and abrasion. The best cleaner for marble countertops is gentle, pH-neutral, non-abrasive, and rinse-free when used correctly. The best cleaner for granite follows the same rules, with extra attention to avoiding heavy residue and harsh degreasers.

What the “Best Cleaner for Marble Countertops” Actually Is

The best cleaner for marble countertops is a pH-neutral stone cleaner designed specifically for natural stone. A true stone cleaner is formulated to lift oils and food film without relying on acid, without leaving wax behind, and without using gritty abrasives.

For daily cleaning, warm water on a clean microfiber cloth is often enough for marble and granite. When you need more cleaning power, a pH-neutral stone cleaner is the safest upgrade. If your surface gets streaky, the issue is usually too much product, a dirty cloth, or residue from a previous cleaner that never fully left the stone.

The reason pH-neutral matters so much is that acids etch marble, and strong alkalines can degrade certain sealers and leave stubborn film. A balanced cleaner keeps your stone stable while still removing the grime that makes countertops look dull over time.

The Worst Cleaners for Marble and Why They Cause Damage

Vinegar and “Natural” Acidic DIY Cleaners

Vinegar is one of the most common causes of etched marble. It’s often recommended online as an all-purpose cleaner, but on marble it can create dull spots fast, especially around sinks, near cooktops, and where drips sit for even a short time.

Lemon juice has the same issue. Many “green” recipes combine vinegar with water or essential oils, but dilution does not eliminate the risk because the acid is still present.

If you’re dealing with a cloudy marble fix scenario after cleaning, vinegar is frequently part of the story.

Bathroom Descalers, Lime Removers, and Harsh Shower Sprays

Products made to remove hard-water deposits often rely on acids. They work great on glass. They are brutal on marble. If you use a limescale remover on marble shower walls, marble floors, or a marble vanity, you’re likely to get etching, dull patches, and a haze that keeps returning.

Even “daily shower sprays” can be acidic. If your marble shower looks cloudy after cleaning, an acidic product may be reacting with the stone every time you use it.

Bleach and Chlorine-Based Cleaners

Bleach is not an etcher like vinegar, but it can weaken finishes, discolor some stones, and degrade sealers over time. It can also leave residue that makes a polished surface look uneven. On natural stone, bleach is rarely necessary and often causes more problems than it solves.

Ammonia, Strong Alkalis, and Heavy Degreasers

Many degreasers and industrial kitchen cleaners are high-alkaline. They can strip sealers, leave a cloudy film, and create streaking that looks like permanent haze.

Granite can especially show this as a smeary, rainbow-like sheen under light.

If you have a granite countertop that never looks fully clean, heavy degreasers or too much dish soap are common culprits.

Abrasive Powders and Scratchy Scrub Pads

Abrasive powders can micro-scratch polished marble and even polished granite. Scratches scatter light and create a dull, hazy look that seems like “film” but is actually surface wear.

The same is true for many scrub pads, especially the ones designed for stuck-on messes. Marble is particularly sensitive to abrasion, and repeated scrubbing can quickly turn a glossy surface into a patchy satin finish.

The Worst Cleaners for Granite and Why They Cause Streaks and Dullness

Granite is often marketed as “bulletproof,” so people use aggressive products on it without noticing damage until the surface starts looking cloudy, greasy, or uneven.

The worst cleaners for granite are those that leave residue. Many multi-surface sprays contain waxes, silicones, or polymers that build up over time. The countertop may look shiny in one area and smeary in another, especially under under-cabinet lighting. Excess dish soap can do something similar, leaving a soft film that traps oils and fingerprints, which makes granite look dirty faster.

High-acid products aren’t usually the first issue for granite like they are for marble, but harsh chemicals can still cause problems with sealers and can dull certain finishes over time, particularly on darker stones where haze shows immediately.

The Best Cleaners for Marble and Granite in Real Life

The best approach is simple and repeatable. Use a clean microfiber cloth. Use warm water for quick wipe-downs. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner when you need more cleaning power. Dry-buff with a second clean microfiber cloth if you want that crisp, streak-free look.

If you prefer a spray routine, choose a stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner and use less than you think you need. Over-spraying is one of the fastest ways to create residue haze, even with a good product. A light mist is enough, followed by a wipe, and then a quick dry-buff if the surface is polished.

For greasy cooking zones, use pH-neutral cleaner and patience instead of harsh degreasers. Let the cleaner dwell briefly, wipe with microfiber, and repeat if needed. The goal is controlled cleaning without changing the stone’s surface.

Disinfecting Marble and Granite Without Ruining the Finish

A lot of homeowners want stone-safe disinfecting for kitchens and bathrooms. The challenge is that many disinfectants are either too harsh, too acidic, or too residue-heavy for daily use on natural stone.

For everyday hygiene, routine cleaning with pH-neutral cleaner and microfiber removes the grime and oils where germs live. If you need targeted disinfecting, keep it occasional, keep it stone-safe, and avoid letting strong products sit on the surface. Do not mix chemicals. Do not use vinegar. Do not use harsh bathroom sprays on marble.

If you’re caring for stone in a home with special cleaning requirements, Fabrizio & Sons can recommend a routine that matches your surface and your priorities without risking etching or haze.

Why Your Marble or Granite Still Looks Streaky After “Stone-Safe” Cleaner

If you’re using a product labeled safe for stone and still seeing streaks, the most common issue is buildup from older products. Wax, polish, soap film, and silicone-based sprays can leave layers that a gentle cleaner won’t fully remove. The stone may look cloudy after cleaning because you’re cleaning on top of residue instead of removing it.

Another common issue is cloth contamination. If you use a microfiber cloth that has laundry softener residue, it can smear the surface and create streaks that mimic haze. A clean, dry microfiber cloth used only for stone makes a bigger difference than people expect.

Water quality also matters. Hard water can leave mineral traces on polished stone, especially in bathrooms. Drying the surface after cleaning is a simple way to prevent that dull, spotted look.

Marble Cleaning Myths That Cause Expensive Restoration

“Marble needs shine polish” is a myth that leads to buildup and patchiness. Polished marble should not require topical polish products to look reflective. When it does, the finish is often worn or etched and needs professional refinishing, not a coating.

“Vinegar is safe if diluted” is another myth. Acid is acid. It can etch marble even when mixed with water, especially with repeat exposure.

“Granite is indestructible” is also false. Granite is tough, but it can look awful from residue buildup, harsh degreasers, abrasive wear, and sealer problems. Most granite “problems” are actually cleaning product problems.

The Pro Routine: How to Keep Marble and Granite Looking New

The pro routine is consistent and gentle. Clean spills quickly. Use microfiber and warm water for quick wipe-downs. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner when needed. Avoid acids and harsh alkalis. Avoid abrasive powders and scratchy pads. Keep your cleaning tools clean so you’re not spreading residue back onto the surface.

If you have marble floors, grit is your enemy. Entry mats and regular dust mopping reduce abrasion that slowly turns polished marble cloudy.

If you have a marble shower, the best move is to squeegee or towel dry after use. It prevents mineral deposits that tempt people to use acidic descalers, which then etch the stone.

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough: Signs You Need Professional Restoration

Sometimes what looks like “dirt” is etching, wear, or buildup that requires professional tools. If your marble has dull spots that won’t wipe away, rings around cups, cloudy patches near sinks, or a finish that looks uneven under light, that’s often etching or wear. If your granite looks smeary no matter what you use, you may be dealing with residue buildup, failing sealer, or an incorrect topical product.

Fabrizio & Sons Marble and Granite Restoration restores marble and granite

surfaces by removing haze, stripping residue safely, honing out etching, polishing to the correct finish, and sealing properly when appropriate. The goal is not temporary shine. The goal is a clean, consistent, durable finish that stays looking right with normal maintenance.

Best Cleaner for Marble Countertops FAQs

Can I use dish soap on marble or granite?

A tiny amount occasionally can be fine, but frequent use often creates a buildup that causes streaks and dullness, especially on granite. If you use soap, use very little and wipe clean thoroughly. For daily cleaning, pH-neutral stone cleaner is a better long-term option.

Is Windex safe for granite or marble?

Many glass cleaners contain additives that can leave residue or are not ideal for natural stone. Some may not immediately damage granite, but they commonly cause streaking and buildup. On marble, you should avoid products that are not specifically formulated for stone.

What should I use to clean a marble shower?

Use a stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner and soft microfiber. Avoid acidic products marketed for soap scum and hard-water removal. Drying the surface after use helps prevent mineral haze without harsh chemicals.

What if my marble is already cloudy from cleaning?

Cloudiness can be residue buildup, mineral deposits, etching, or wear. The right fix depends on the cause. If it won’t wipe away or keeps coming back, professional evaluation prevents guesswork and avoids making it worse.

Get a Stone-Safe Cleaning Plan from Fabrizio & Sons

If you want the best cleaner for marble countertops and a routine that actually works without etching, haze, or streaks, Fabrizio & Sons Marble and Granite Restoration can help.

Whether you’re maintaining a new installation or trying to undo years of cleaner buildup, we can recommend the right maintenance approach and restore the finish when cleaning alone isn’t enough.