Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, countertops seem to become the focal point of any room. Keeping these beautiful surfaces clean can become challenging when you don’t know what cleaner to use. Today, many households are eco-friendly and as homeowners are focused on using products that are kind to the environment and safe for home use. Try the following eco-friendly ways to clean your countertop today.

• Natural Stone Countertops – You can purchase eco-friendly dishwashing liquid at local stores or online. Mix two drops of the dish soap into two cups of warm water. Use a soft cloth to dip into the mixture and wash the surface of the countertop. Next, use a clean cloth and fresh water to remove soap residue. Then use a soft dry cloth to dry and buff the countertop.

• Homemade Granite Cleaner – Keep your granite countertops shiny and clean with this homemade eco-friendly cleaner. Mix 3 drops of dish soap, ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol into a clean empty spray bottle. Fill the remaining part of the bottle with tap water and shake it to mix the ingredients. Rubbing alcohol has a strong odor that can be masked by adding 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into the bottle.

• Eco-Friendly Cleaner for Other Surfaces – This formula is perfect to clean countertops that are not natural stones. Since vinegar contains powerful antimicrobial acetic acid that kills E. coli bacteria and salmonella, it is a great base for a natural and eco-friendly countertop cleaner. Use equal parts vinegar and tap water and mix together in a bowl or put the mixture into a clean empty spray bottle. Clean and disinfect the countertops in the kitchen and bathroom by using a soft cloth.

You should avoid using lemon, vinegar or acidic ingredients to clean granite, marble or other stone countertops. This can cause damage to the surface. Frequently clean countertops to avoid germs and bacteria from coming into contact with your food or personal items. Using these eco-friendly ways to clean your countertops will keep the surfaces in good condition and prevent staining, damage and cloudiness to appear on the countertops.