Granite floors have a glossy shine that can elevate the look of any room, but to keep it, they need to be cleaned regularly. Granite is made up of a variety of materials, and because it's a natural stone, the porousness can vary from surface to surface. Although it's not as absorbent as a stone surface like marble, it's important that you soak up any spills as soon as they happen to avoid permanent staining.

Despite your best intentions, granite can be damaged by many cleaning products and techniques that would be safe on other flooring materials. Steer clear of using vinegar, glass cleaner, bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean granite flooring stains, as regular use of these substances will dull granite and weaken the sealant over time. Similarly, never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads on granite because these can scratch the surface, leaving you with difficult and costly flooring repairs.

According to the majority of online cleaning tips, the best way to clean granite floors is with mild dish soap and warm water. This method can surely get your floors clean, but it won't help much in the way of polishing. Every time you use liquid soap, it leaves behind a thin later of residue. Over time, this layer gets thick enough to dull the surface of the floors.

Another popular method involves applying a baking soda paste to the stained area, covering it with plastic wrap, and taping down the edges. The catch is that you have to wait until the paste dries to continue cleaning, which can take up to a couple of days. In an active household, keeping family and pets out of a room for days at a time can be quite a challenge!

Save the "Do Not Enter" signs and use a cleaner that's powerful enough to cut through the buildup of dust, dirt, grime and more lurking on your granite floor. You don't have to use harsh chemical cleaners like bleach or ammonia to get the floor sparkling clean. Simple Green Multi-Surface Floor Care cleans all hard floor surfaces with a formula that won't leave behind dulling residue.

The pH neutral cleaner dries quickly, leaving behind a spot and streak-free finish that allows the natural beauty of the flooring to shine through. Powerful plant-based extracts, essential oils and minerals are used in place of petroleum distillates, ammonia, chlorine and other harsh chemicals commonly found in other floor cleaners.

Directions for How to Clean Granite Floors:

1. Clear debris. Clean and clear the floor of all debris, dirt and dust using a vacuum, soft bristle broom or dry dust mop.
2. Apply Simple Green Multi-Surface Floor Care. Spray the cleaning solution as a light mist across your floor section by section.
3. Mop up in sections. Wet the mop with clean water and wring well. Damp-mop in sections.
4. Dry. Allow the floor to air dry completely or wipe dry with a soft cloth before allowing foot traffic again.

Note: Although sponge mops can be used with this product, the best results are achieved with a washable microfiber pad or disposable mopping pad. On highly reflective or glossy floors, damp mop with plain water as a final rinse and wipe dry to restore the greatest shine. There are no polishes or waxes in this product.