How to Maintain Granite Countertops
Granite is a beautiful natural stone that is often chosen for countertops in residential kitchens, restaurants, bars, and other commercial buildings. Although a durable choice, as compared to other natural stones, it is still crucial for functionality, appearance, and longevity to properly maintain these surfaces.
It is important to practice routine cleaning, sealing, polishing, and maintenance to ensure the integrity and vitality of your granite countertops. Neglecting to do these things regularly and correctly could result in stains, chips, cracks, and other damages to your stone surfaces.
In the following informational guide, we will examine how to properly maintain your granite countertops. This will include the ways to properly care for granite, things to never do on your countertops, and what to do if you notice any stains or cracks on these surfaces.
Preventing Damage
The simplest way to avoid costly damages to your granite surfaces is to prevent damaging situations from occurring. There are a few habits that you should always practice, including:
- Always clean up any spills that occur immediately, the longer that a spill sits, the more likely it is to penetrate the stone. Oils, wines, juices, coffee, and other acidic liquids are more likely to stain granite countertops if not cleaned up quickly.
- Only use hot water and a soft towel for general spills. When cleaning your countertop only use a product that is formulated for natural granite.
The following are things that you should avoid doing on your granite countertops.
- Never use your granite countertops as a cutting surface.
- Do not place hot pans on your countertops.
- Do not leave cleaners or potentially damaging items on your countertops for storage. This may leak and cause damage.
- Never use ammonia, bleach, or other commercial cleaning products to clean granite surfaces. This includes cleaning wipes, disinfectants, etc.
Some of these poor choices may not cause immediate damages, but it is best to avoid a potential situation by avoiding them. For example, hot pans are not known for damaging granite but have the potential to result in irreversible discoloration of your stone.
Best Accessories to Extend the Life of Granite Surfaces
Simple accessories can go a long way in preserving your granite countertops. Trivets and hot pads should always be used under hot pans or baking dishes to reduce the risk of thermal shock and discoloration. Felt pads placed under kitchen appliances and decorative items prevent scratching and surface wear. Using cutting boards—even on granite—protects the surface from microscopic abrasions that can dull the finish over time. For households with kids or pets, placemats and coasters can shield the granite from spills and sticky residue. These small touches not only maintain your countertop’s aesthetic appeal but also help extend its functional life.
Professional Polishing and Sealing for Your Granite
There are specific products made to mimic the polished look of your granite countertops. These products are topicals that will enhance the shine and general appearance of your granite surfaces. These are a temporary fix to hide fingerprints or imperfections but will wash off with general cleaning.
Only natural stone professionals have the tools and expertise to polish your granite surfaces. These experts use special polishing machines that create friction in the surface to result in a long-lasting and smooth surface.
Sealing Your Granite
Generally, the sealing on your granite countertops should last for a minimum of one to two years before needing to be reapplied. You should have your granite sealed by a professional after installation and then watch for signs that it is time to have them resealed.
It is usually obvious when your seal is becoming weak and ineffective. When your countertops absorb water, resulting in dark water spots, it may be time to consider resealing before damages occur. Failing to seal your granite regularly will greatly increase the likelihood of stains occurring deep within the stone.
Understanding the Porosity of Granite
While sealing is essential, the frequency and method of sealing can vary depending on the specific granite you have. Some granite types, especially lighter or more exotic varieties, are more porous than others and therefore more prone to absorbing liquids and developing stains. This means that sealing frequency isn’t one-size-fits-all; a highly porous granite slab may require sealing more often to remain protected. Homeowners should ask their installer about the specific porosity level of their granite and consider annual water tests to monitor its absorbency. Understanding the porosity of your stone ensures more accurate maintenance and reduces long-term damage risks.
When to Contact a Professional Stone Maintenance Expert
Granite is durable and less likely than other types of natural stone to need professional services on a regular basis. There are, however, instances and jobs that should only be completed by professionals.
Rough, Dull Surfaces
If your granite surfaces become dull and/or rough you may need to have a professional repolish these surfaces. Professionals have the tools to polish natural stone surfaces, recreating the shine and smoothness of the surfaces.
Cracks and Chips
Never attempt any DIY treatment if you discover cracks or chips in your granite countertops. These products are advertised as a quick fix but are a short-lived, and unsightly solution to your issue. A natural stone professional should always assess any cracks or chips and is capable of repairing and refinishing the surface properly.
Stains
Stains are the biggest issue for natural stone, specifically granite countertops. When natural stones become stained, these imperfections cause damage deep within the stone, making them impossible to simply wash off. Never use acidic or harsh cleaners in an attempt to remove a stain. This will only damage the integrity of your stone surface and result in further expensive damages.
Importance of Using the Right Cleaning Tools
Using the wrong cleaning tools—even unintentionally—can compromise the protective finish of your granite countertops. Always opt for microfiber cloths, soft sponges, and non-acidic stone-specific cleaners. Avoid using scrub brushes with stiff bristles, as these can scratch or dull the stone’s surface. Additionally, avoid vacuum attachments with plastic or metal parts when cleaning surrounding areas, as bumping into granite edges can cause chipping.
Signs You’re Using the Wrong Granite Cleaner
Even if a cleaning product seems harmless, subtle signs can indicate it’s damaging your granite surfaces. If your countertop begins to look cloudy, streaky, or develops a dull film after cleaning, it may be a result of residue from an incompatible cleaner. Over time, acidic or ammonia-based solutions can break down the protective sealant and degrade the finish. You may also notice that spills absorb more quickly or leave rings—clear signals that the sealant is being compromised. When in doubt, switch to a pH-neutral granite-specific cleaner and soft cloths to avoid long-term issues.
Conclusion
The most important aspect of caring for your granite surfaces is through practicing preventative maintenance. Always clean up spills immediately with a soft cloth and only clean up with water and cleaners that are formulated for granite surfaces. Also, remember to seal your surfaces regularly.
If you notice that surfaces are dull, rough, chipped, or cracked always contact a natural stone professional before proceeding. Using quick-fix solutions to solve these serious issues is likely to result in further costly damages.
Contact Just Call Classic
Just Call Classic Inc. is the only natural stone expert that residents in South Florida trust for their repair and maintenance needs. Just Call Classic Inc. provides granite polishing and restoration services for residential customers, commercial customers, yacht owners, and more.
In addition to granite, Just Call Classic also specializes in marble, travertine, quartzite, limestone, onyx, and terrazzo.
Reach out to Just Call Classic today to see why they are the best natural stone experts in South Florida. Just Call Classic is proud to be the #1 choice for Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade County residents and restaurant owners.
FAQs About Granite Countertop Care
1. How can I tell if my granite countertops need to be resealed?
A simple water test can help. Drip a small amount of water on the surface—if it beads up, your seal is still intact. If it darkens or absorbs quickly, it’s time to reseal. This test should be done every 6–12 months, especially on lighter-colored granite.
2. What’s the best way to remove sticky residues or grease from granite?
Use a granite-safe degreasing cleaner or a mix of warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap. Avoid scrubbing pads—stick to a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. For stubborn spots, let the cleaner sit for a minute before wiping.
3. Can granite surfaces be restored if they become etched or cloudy?
Yes, etching or dullness can be corrected with professional honing and polishing. These services remove the damaged surface layer and restore clarity and shine. Just Call Classic offers full granite restoration services, including polishing, resealing, and refinishing.
