Granite countertops are durable but porous, and the wrong cleaners — including many common household products — can etch, dull, or strip the sealant over time. Proper cleaning keeps them looking new.
Daily Cleaning
- Wipe down with a damp microfibre cloth after each use
- For grease or food residue, use a few drops of dish soap on the damp cloth
- Rinse with clean water and dry immediately — leaving water to air-dry leaves mineral spots
That's it for daily maintenance. Granite does not need special cleaners for routine cleaning — dish soap and water is correct.
What to Avoid
- Vinegar and lemon juice — acidic cleaners etch and dull the sealant and eventually the stone surface; a single wipe won't ruin it, but regular use will
- Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners — degrade the sealant over time
- Abrasive scrubbing pads — scratch the polished surface
- Generic multi-surface sprays (like 409 or Windex) — often contain acids or ammonia; check the label
Removing Stains
For oil-based stains (cooking oil, grease):
- Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stain
- Cover with plastic wrap and tape edges — leaving it covered for 24 hours draws the oil out of the porous stone
- Remove and wipe clean
For water-based stains (coffee, juice, wine): same method using hydrogen peroxide instead of baking soda paste — apply, cover, wait, wipe.
Resealing
Granite sealant wears over time. Test it: drop a few beads of water on the surface. If they bead up, the sealant is good. If they absorb within a few minutes, it's time to reseal. Apply a stone-specific penetrating sealer (available at hardware stores) every 1–3 years depending on use.