I received a couple of emails about the counter cleaner I use. I should be clear that I have Silestone counters, which I chose specifically because I find granite and marble way too high maintenance for the abuse I would put them through. I can dump vinegar and bleach solutions on my Silestone and not worry about etching. I also have a tendency to put hot sheet pans directly on my Silestone, but that would be a very bad idea with granite!

Granite is gorgeous though, and a lot of you have it in your homes. So here is an earth-friendly Counter Cleaner for you!

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• 1 squirt eco-friendly dish soap

Mix well in a clean squirt bottle. You can find cheap ones at ahardware or cooking supply shop, or you can find a pretty one at TheContainer Store. If you want it to smell nice, you can add a few dropsof a natural essential oil like orange,lemon, or lavender. Wipe with a microfiber cloth. Rubbing alcohol has a neutral pH, so it will not etch or damage your stone.