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Homemade Granite Cleaner That Cleans AND Disinfects AND repels ants. Yes, please!

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Many DIY cleaners use vinegar. Vinegar’s acetic acid content makes it a fantastic cleaning product, however, despite being a superhero, it is like kryptonite to your granite countertops. VINEGAR IS TOO ACIDIC FOR GRANITE! Its acidity can damage the granite’s surface, corroding the top, polished layer, making the surface dull. Not something you want to happen to your costly countertops. NEVER use vinegar-based products on your granite!

This DIY cleaner is cost-effective, safe for you, and safe for those beloved granite countertops. Not only will it clean and shine, but it will also disinfect, and repel certain insects, all at the same time. Who does not love a multi-tasking product.

The Ingredients

Lemon Essential Oil

Not only is lemon essential oil antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral, but its fresh, clean, invigorating scent also makes it a great choice for DIY cleaning products. The added bonuses are that it is also an air purifier, and one of the more inexpensive essential oils. Lemon essential oil does not contain citric acid and is, therefore, not damaging to your granite.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Besides its invigorating scent, peppermint essential oil is an insecticide, which means it repels insects. Insects such as ants, spiders, cockroaches, and mosquitos hate the smell of peppermint.

Isopropyl (Rubbing Alcohol) or Vodka (ABV >80%)*

Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is a synthetic compound with antiseptic and disinfecting properties.

*Do not use colored or flavored products.

Castile Soap

Soap, in general, has degreasing properties which enable it to cut through residue. Although you only need a small amount, don’t skip it. I like Dr. Bronners.

The Recipe

DIY Lemon and Peppermint Granite Cleaner

Total Time5 minutes
Keyword: cleaner, diy, essential oil, granite, household, lemon, peppermint,

Materials

  • 1/2 cup Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol (70%)
  • 1 1/2 cup Water (distilled or cooled boiled water)
  • 1/4 tsp. Castile Soap (Dr. Bronners)
  • 70 drops Lemon Essential Oil
  • 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
  • 16 oz Spray Bottle
  • *1 funnel (optional - for ease of pouring into the bottle)

Instructions

  • Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle*. Shake to combine.
  • Shake gently before each use. Spray on countertops, and wipe with a cloth or paper towel. No rinsing required.

Notes

Store unused homemade granite cleaner in a cool, dark place. Do not use near open flames.