You may have heard granite countertops are difficult to maintain. That’s far from the truth! Granite countertop care is pretty much no big deal. Just a few simple secrets (that we’ll be sharing today), and maintaining this luxurious material will be simple.
After all, granite countertops add value to your home as well as unmatched beauty. Those are two reasons why granite is one of the most popular countertop materials for 2025. So, why should maintenance keep from adding them to your interior?
Seal Your Granite Countertops Regularly
When your countertops are installed, professionals will apply an initial sealant to protect the stone. But this initial layer isn’t permanent. So, you should form a sealing schedule after this.
Ideally, you should reseal your countertops every 1 to 2 years. But, how exactly will you know when sealing is required again?
Here’s the thing. Pour a small amount of water—about a quarter cup—onto the granite countertop. If water is absorbed into the surface within 5 minutes, it’s about time you reseal the surface.
Clean Your Granite Countertops
This is important to maintain the beauty of your granite countertops.
Mix warm water with a mild dish soap (or a pH-neutral granite cleaner). You want to stay away from harsh chemicals, like bleach and ammonia. These can dull the finish of the surface, and can even damage it over time.
Use a sponge/soft cloth to wipe the surface. Afterwards, dry the surface with a clean and lint-free cloth (this makes sure you don’t get any water spots). Again, you want to stay away from abrasives, like steel wool, as these can scratch the surface.
Prevent Scratches
Granite is durable, but it can still get scratched. You can try to prevent that, though.
When you’re chopping, don’t use the knife directly on the countertop. Always use a chopping board for the purpose.
When cleaning, use non-abrasive tools. Also, carefully follow the guidelines we gave above. This makes sure you don’t get accidental scratches.
Address Spills Quickly
If you have a spill, and leave it unattended for too long, you can end up with stains (yes, even with a protective sealant). Acidic liquids are especially problematic. Like wine, citrus juice, and vinegar.
When you have a spill, blot it using a soft cloth. Don’t rub it; this can spread the liquid and worsen the stain.
After blotting, clean the area with warm, soapy water. You can also use a granite-safe cleaner (good for removing residue).
Also, you want to act fast. This can reduce the risk for stains. In the long run, it keeps your countertop looking flawless.
Protection From Heat Damage
Granite is heat-resistant, too much heat (and for too long) can still damage it. That’s why we need to be careful here.
If you place hot pans directly on the surface of your granite countertops, you can give them a thermal shock. This can cause the granite surface to crack. It can also discolor the surface in some places. So, if you’ve been wondering… is it safe to put hot pans on granite countertops? It’s really not! In this blog post, we talk all about it.
This means you should always use trivets, pads, potholders, etc. when placing hot pans on granite countertops. This protects the countertop as well as its sealant.
Also, it’s helpful to remember: granite can retain the heat from pans. So, the countertop can pose a burn hazard (even if it doesn’t appear hot). Using insulating tools can reduce this risk for you and your family.
Add Shine
To give your countertop a bit of glow, you can oil the surface sometimes. Apply a small amount of cooking oil to a cleaning cloth. Then, wipe this across your countertop, go back, and buff the surface lightly. This treatment adds a pleasant sheen to the surface. Plus, it helps protect the countertop from staining.
Annually Check Your Countertops
Most of the maintenance we talked about consists of day-to-day clean-ups and then wiping up any spills you find. But once a year, take the time to closely look at your countertops and find any potential issues. If you tend to them on time, you can save yourself some expensive replacements.
Check for stains, scratches, etc. Pay extra attention to the seams and edges. These are the areas that are the most vulnerable to cracking. If you find anything—stains, scratches, split seams, cracks—call a stone care professional. Do it as soon as possible, because delaying repairs can make them more costly.
How to Clean Specific Stains
You can experience different types of stains on your granite countertops. Being able to identify these types, and then tending to them accordingly, can make sure your countertops stay fresh for years to come. Let’s look at the top stains countertops usually experience and how you can clean them.
Sticky Stains
For these, a little hot water will go a long way. Dip a damp microfiber cloth in warm water; place the cloth over the stain and let it sit; wipe the countertops dry after a few minutes.
Water Stains
If you see water rings on your granite countertops, don’t worry, these are easy to remove. Wipe the stain using a microfiber cloth in a circular motion. Apply a mix of dish soap and water to the stain. Then, wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth (using the same circular motion).
Tough Stains
If you have stubborn stains, you’ll need something stronger than a dish soap solution. Here, water and baking soda will be your best allies. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply this to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe the paste away with a soft cloth, and then rinse the surface with clean water.
Have Questions?
We love adding granite countertops to luxury homes in Arizona. If you want these installed—or have questions about their maintenance—let’s chat 🤍