Granite makes a kitchen feel solid. It’s heavy, polished, and feels cool to the touch. You chop, wipe, and set things down without much thought. But over time, even granite loses its shine. Stains show up. The surface doesn’t feel as smooth. That’s when you realize it does need care.
I’ve seen people make small mistakes that cost them the look and feel of a great countertop. Some clean too aggressively. Others forget to seal. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to care for and clean granite countertops so you keep them strong and polished for years.
Daily Habits Matter Most
Let’s start with the basics. A simple wipe-down every day keeps your surface free from grit that can cause fine scratches. If you’re wondering how to care for and clean granite countertops, this step matters most just use warm water and a microfiber cloth to remove crumbs and light spills without harming the stone.
Skip harsh sprays. Many people grab whatever cleaner is nearby, but not all of them are safe. Stick with cleaners made for stone. If it says “pH-neutral” on the bottle, it’s usually safe for granite.
Avoid What Breaks It Down
Some common products look safe but aren’t. Vinegar, lemon juice, and bleach can dull the finish. These are acidic and slowly eat away the protective layer on top. Even natural cleaners can cause problems if they contain citrus or alcohol.
Instead of risking it, just stick to water and stone-safe cleaners. You can make your own mix, too. Combine a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. That combo cleans well and doesn’t damage anything.
Spot-Cleaning Grease and Grime
Cooking splatters, especially oils, can leave sticky spots on your granite. If you wipe with just water, they don’t always come off. But you don’t need strong degreasers. A mix of dish soap and water, applied with a soft cloth, usually lifts the residue easily.
For stubborn spots, let the soapy mix sit for a minute, then wipe again. No need to scrub hard. Just repeat if needed. And always dry the area after you clean it so nothing leaves behind a streak.
Dealing With Water Rings and Marks
Water rings come from glasses or pots left sitting too long. They aren’t dangerous, but they look bad. The key is to dry the surface after use. If the ring has already set, wipe it with alcohol and water half and half in a spray bottle.
Buff it gently with a microfiber cloth. Most marks fade fast with this method. If not, repeat once more. Don’t panic; these spots rarely cause lasting harm if treated quickly.
Treating Stains Without Damaging the Surface
Granite doesn’t stain easily, but it can happen especially near cooktops and sinks. Wine, coffee, and oil are the usual culprits. If a stain sets in, apply a poultice paste. That sounds technical, but it’s easy: mix baking soda with water for oil stains, or with hydrogen peroxide for organic ones.
Spread it over the stain, cover it with plastic, and wait 24 hours. The paste draws out the stain, and you can wipe it clean the next day. If needed, do it twice.
Keep the Shine With Polishing
If your countertop looks dull but feels smooth, it probably just needs polishing. That doesn’t mean sanding or sealing it’s about bringing back the natural luster. Use a granite polish made for home use. Spray lightly, then wipe and buff with a dry cloth.
Don’t overdo it. Once a month is enough. Too much polish can make the surface feel sticky instead of smooth. If it feels greasy, you’ve used too much. Buff it more or wipe again with a dry towel.
Sealing Granite Makes It Last Longer
Granite isn’t fully waterproof. That’s why sealing is important. It fills in the tiny pores and helps block out stains and moisture. Most sealed granite repels water, but that seal doesn’t last forever.
You’ll know it’s time to reseal if water no longer beads on the surface. Just pour a small amount near the sink. If it soaks in, reseal it. The process is simple wipe the sealant on, let it sit, then wipe off the excess.
How Often Should You Seal?
There’s no one-size answer here. Some countertops need sealing once a year. Others, especially lighter-colored ones, might need it every six months. You don’t need to guess, though. Just test with water once every few months.
Most sealers dry quickly and leave no smell. Once sealed, the surface feels smoother and resists stains better. Just give it 24 hours before heavy use to let the layer set properly.
Common Mistakes With Sealing
People sometimes seal too often. That’s not helpful. It can leave cloudy streaks or make the surface sticky. Only reseal when the surface needs it. Overlapping coats don’t offer more protection; they just pile up and dull the finish.
Also, never seal without cleaning first. Dirt or oils left behind will trap under the seal and create patches that don’t shine or repel moisture.
Protect Your Surface With Better Habits
Granite is tough, but it still benefits from a little extra care. Use cutting boards. Wipe up spills quickly. And never put hot pans directly on the surface. Granite handles heat better than most materials, but sudden shifts can still leave marks or hairline cracks.
Also, don’t sit or stand on your counters. It may seem solid, but weight near the edges can cause cracks especially near sinks or seams.
Clean Up Right After Cooking
After making a meal, it’s tempting to walk away and relax. But a quick wipe with warm water removes food, grease, and steam residue. This keeps the surface looking fresh and cuts down on buildup that requires deeper cleaning later.
Make it part of your routine. You’ll notice the surface stays shinier and needs less polishing over time.
Don’t Let Dirt Sit Overnight
Even something as small as crumbs can grind into granite overnight if not wiped up. They act like sandpaper under pans, phones, or bags. That dulls the finish faster than you’d expect.
Clean up before bed. It takes less than a minute and helps preserve the surface much longer.
Granite in Bathrooms and Outdoors
Granite isn’t just for kitchens. You’ll see it in bathrooms, patios, and even as part of built-in grills. These spots need special care, too. Bathrooms face soap, hairspray, and moisture. Patios deal with sun, dirt, and rain.
Use the same process: gentle cleaner, regular sealing, and wipe-downs after use. You might need to seal these spots more often depending on the exposure they face.
FAQs
How often should I reseal granite countertops?
Most need sealing once a year. Light-colored granite may need it every 6–9 months.
Can I use Clorox or bleach on granite?
No. It can damage the seal and dull the finish. Use pH-neutral cleaners instead.
Is it okay to use vinegar to clean granite?
Avoid it. Vinegar is acidic and can wear away the protective layer on your countertop.
What do I do if my granite loses its shine?
Use a granite polish made for home use. Spray, wipe, and buff it with a soft cloth.
Can granite crack from heat?
Yes. Though heat-resistant, sudden temperature changes can cause cracks especially near weak points.
Conclusion
Granite holds up well, but that doesn’t mean it takes care of itself. With the right habits, safe products, and a little attention to detail, you can keep your countertop looking polished and new. Now that you know how to care for and clean granite countertops properly, you can avoid the common slip-ups that dull its surface or leave it stained.
Don’t wait for your countertop to lose its shine. Make these steps part of your regular routine. Clean gently, seal when needed, and treat the surface like the valuable part of your home that it is. The result? A granite surface that stays beautiful year after year.
