Since granite countertops add to the beauty and elegance of your house, they are extremely durable for kitchens and bathrooms. However, given that cleaning granite countertops the right way is important for a granite surface to maintain its best appearance, many homeowners fall for the dirty malpractice of rough scrubbing with harsh chemicals that will continue to ruin the stone forever.
This guide is your ultimate resource for properly cleaning and maintaining granite. We will cover everything from everyday spills and oil-based stains to the simplest cleaning methods and sealing tips to safeguard your investment.
All about Granite: An Excellent Stone for Your Home
Granite is a natural stone that symbolizes slow crystallization from a molten state; hence, one of the hardest and most durable materials for a countertop. Although granite is very tough, it has a penchant for slight porosity, which makes it absorb some liquids and eventually stain in case of improper sealing. Cleaning of granite countertops, therefore, requires some special care; some products can mar the gloss and ruin the surface with time.
Colors and Patterns in Granite
Granite offers an impressive spectrum of color options, from classic neutrals like white, black, gray, and beige to striking hues including red, blue, and green variations. A pattern can be speckled, veined, or solid, which would decide the visibility of stains and spills.
Stains and spills tend to be less noticeable on darker granite surfaces compared to lighter ones. Light-colored granite shows water spots and spills more easily, especially hard water stains that can leave cloudy marks if not cleaned properly. Cleaning those hard stains, use hard water stain remover for granite countertops.
Granite Pricing Factors
Granite countertops range in price from 40 to 200 per square foot, depending on the specific type’s availability, coloration, and quarry location. If you want a detailed breakdown, check out our guide on granite countertops cost. Each granite type has unique cleaning and care needs.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters
Since the granite is a porous material, aggressive cleaners (like vinegar and bleach) will degrade its sealant and etch the surface. For everyday cleaning, granite countertops cleaning implies using pH-neutral cleaners and microfiber cloths.
With an understanding of granite’s unique properties, you will be able to keep your countertops looking flawless for years!
Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Granite Countertops
To keep your granite looking new and glossy, you should apply the right techniques and chemicals. These simple dos and don’ts will keep your granite an investment and its natural beauty.
A. Do’s in Granite Countertop Care
- pH-neutral cleaner: Protect your granite surfaces by using only gentle, non-acidic cleaners or diy granite cleaner with a neutral pH level.
- So the sealant on the surface is better protected, and the cleaner will get more granite surface cleaning to be done.
- Wipe up spills immediately: Especially liquids like wine, coffee, or oil, which can seep into the porous granite.
- Polish regularly (every 6- 12 months): A good quality sealant is such that it prevents stains and keeps your granite countertop cleaner, so much more effective.
- Use microfiber or soft cloths: These prevent scratches and lift dirt and grime easily without harsh scrubbing.
B. Don’ts-Things which would damn granite
- Avoid using vinegar, lemon, or acidic cleaners—these can etch the surface and, as time goes by, eat through the protective seal.
- No abrasive scrubbers (steel wool, harsh brushes). Using too much pressure when cleaning removes the shine and leaves fine scratches.
- Skip the generic household cleaners (bleach, ammonia)- Most contain chemicals that strip the sealant and damage the stone.
The Safe Way of Cleaning
A granite-safe spray or some mild dish soap with warm water should be all you need for general daily maintenance. For those deep-cleaning jobs, make sure you’re using a specialized best cleaner for granite countertops that is pH balanced and non-abrasive.
Following these simple rules ensures that your granite remains stain-free, shiny, and beautiful for decades!
How to Clean Granite Countertops? Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Let’s see the cleaning process in simple steps that anyone can follow:
Daily Cleaning Routine for Clean Granite Countertops
To keep your granite in a natural condition, you must follow this simple daily care routine:
1. Dust or wipe with a dry microfiber cloth: Removes crumbs and debris, no scratches.
2. Gently clean with warm water and mild dish soap: it’s the safest and best way to care for granite every day.
3. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots: Buff with a clean cloth to maintain streak-free shine.
Pro Tip: For added protection, try a dedicated granite countertop cleaner for cleaning up in between deep cleans.
Deep Cleaning & Stain Removal Solutions
When needed, these focused solutions perform wonders as granite stain removers:
1. For Grease Build Up:
- Whisk water into the baking soda in equal proportions to make a stiff paste.
- Cover the oily spots completely and wait 10-15 minutes before wiping.
- Gently wipe away with a tender cloth
2. For Hard Water Stains:
- Mix equal or similar parts of rubbing alcohol + water
- Apply the mixture by spraying it on stains, then wait five minutes before wiping.
- Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth
3. For Organic Stains (coffee, wine, juice):
- Mix their hydrogen peroxide with bicarbonate soda and form a sticky paste to grasp.
- Apply the mixture thickly over the full stain area and wrap completely in plastic.
- Let it sit overnight, then wipe clean
Sealing Granite
If you want to protect the shine of your counter surface, then seal it. Sealing gives your granite a hidden protective coat that stops stains and keeps it looking new longer.
1. Testing If Sealing is Required:
- Place droplets of water on the surface of the countertop material and watch the water droplets, by themselves, get absorbed into the countertop material.
- Test by leaving water for 10 minutes – if darkening occurs, reseal immediately.
2. Determine Best Sealer:
- There are two main types: penetrating sealers that absorb into the stone, and surface sealers that create an external barrier.
- For countertops, always select impregnating sealants.
3. The Complete Process for Sealing:
1. Clean with the very best granite cleaner.
2. Apply sealer in thin, even layers.
3. Let it soak up the surface for the recommended time (usually 15-20 minutes).
4. Carefully remove any remaining sealer by buffing with a fresh cloth.
5. No normal use for 24 hours.
Maintenance Tip: Re-sealer every 6-12 months for optimum protection.
Long-Term Granite Care Tips: Protect Your Investment for Years
One of the big tasks about the care of granite countertops is cleaning, but the real work is developing some very carefully thought-out routines to keep your stone looking beautiful and working well. Here are some essentials to help you keep all that granite looking as good as when it was installed:
1. Always Use Coasters and Placemats
The placement of coasters is a necessity for every drink served in a glass:
- Acidic drinks must be avoided, like orange juice, lime juice, etc.
- Alcoholic drinks (Wine, cocktails, beer )
- Hot beverages (coffee-tea)
Use placemats under dishes to prevent:
- Surface scratches from rough dish bottoms” (clearer cause/effect)
- Heat transfer from warm serving dishes
2. Heat Protection is Crucial
Granite resists heat, but protection is still needed. Always use protective barriers like:
• Silicone trivets
• Thick hot pads
• Wooden cutting boards
Avoiding any sudden thermal changes in temperature that could cause microfractures in the granite
3. Maintain the Protective Seal
Sealant protects your granite, just like climate control helps. For the best care, do this:
Have four quarterly water tests (droplet absorption check)
Use a good penetrating sealer when you notice:
• Water is absorbed within 10 minutes of application
• There is an observable difference in how quickly liquids appear to soak in
• The surface appears dull, though it has been cleaned
4. Prevent Scratches and Etching
Protect your granite (and knives!) by always using a cutting board.
Keep abrasive objects away:
• Sandpaper
• Steel wool
• Gritty cleaning pads
Wipe up:
• Vinegar spills
• Citrus juices
• Harsh cleaning products
5. Establish a Regular Maintenance Routine to Clean Granite Countertops
- Weekly: By using a pH-balanced stone cleaner clean your granite deeply
- Monthly: Polish with granite-specific products
- Annually: Consider a granite specialist for resealing them
- As necessary: Get stains treated right away with the appropriate poultices
These practices in caring for granite countertops ensure that you will:
- Maintain a glossy, showroom-new look
- Save money on repairs or replacement
- Preserve your property’s market value
- Have durable and hygienic surfaces for over 20 years
Regular care keeps granite looking perfect—it’s much easier than fixing damage later! For any hard stain or any confusing situation, seek specific advice from your stone maker.
And if you are looking for the best option to clean your granite countertops, trust Keystone Granite for expert care and premium stone solutions! Whether you need professional sealing advice or dream countertop installation, we are here to help!
Conclusion
Granite surfaces will continue to look splendid and remain undamaged for decades if they are properly maintained and cleaned. This guide covers everything from everyday use situations to stain removal and sealing methods so that your investment will remain in shape, allowing your kitchen or bathroom to look exquisitely pleasing regardless of how much it is or is not used.
FAQs
1. What is the best thing to clean granite countertops with?
Use a pH-neutral cleaner or a mix of warm water + mild dish soap (like Dawn) for daily cleaning. To disinfect granite safely, mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.
2. Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite?
Yes! For daily cleaning, mix 2-3 drops of Dawn dish soap in warm water. Never use acidic or heavy-duty degreasing soaps.
3. What cleaners should not be used on granite?
Never use:
- All acids, including vinegar and lemon juice, ruin granite’s polished surface)
- Bleach or ammonia (damages the sealant)
- Abrasive cleaners (scratch the polish)
- Generic all-purpose sprays (may contain harmful chemicals)
4. Is it OK to use Clorox wipes on granite countertops?
No! Clorox wipes contain bleach and citric acid, which break down granite’s sealant and dull the shine over time.
5. Can you use Windex on granite?
Not recommended. Most Windex formulas contain ammonia or vinegar, which harm granite. If needed, use Windex for Granite (ammonia-free version).
