How to Care for Granite Countertops

Daily Cleaning

For everyday cleaning, warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap on a soft cloth handles nearly everything. Dry the surface afterward to avoid water spots, particularly on dark polished stone. Stone-specific pH-neutral cleaners are a good alternative and are formulated not to attack sealers.

What to avoid

• Acidic cleaners, including vinegar and lemon-based products.
• Bleach and ammonia used routinely, which can degrade sealers over time.
• Abrasive powders and scouring pads, which can dull polish.
• Generic all-purpose sprays that are not labeled stone-safe.
• Leaving standing water or cleaning solution to evaporate on the surface.

Spills and Stain Prevention

Granite is not stain proof. It is a natural stone with some porosity, and a sealer reduces absorption rather than eliminating it. The practical rule is simple: wipe spills reasonably promptly, especially oil, wine, coffee, tomato and colored liquids. Oil-based stains are the most common and often appear as a darkened patch rather than a colored ring.

If a stain does occur, it can often be drawn out with a poultice appropriate to the stain type, applied and left to dry. Different stains call for different poultice materials, so identify what caused the mark before treating it.

Heat

Granite is heat resistant and handles a hot pan far better than most surfaces. It is not heat proof. Extreme localized temperature change can stress stone, and heat can affect sealers and resin treatments present on some slabs. Using trivets and hot pads is a small habit that eliminates unnecessary risk, particularly near seams and cutouts.

Cutting and Impact

• Granite is scratch resistant, not scratch proof — use cutting boards, which also protects your knives.
• Chips most often happen at edges and around sink cutouts from impact, not from normal use.
• Do not stand or sit on countertops, especially near overhangs and cutouts.
• Avoid dragging heavy appliances, cast iron or ceramic planters across the surface.
• Small chips can sometimes be filled or repaired; have them evaluated rather than ignored.

Sealing as Part of Care

Sealing frequency depends on the specific stone, the sealer used and how the surface is used. Some dense granites absorb very little and need sealer rarely; more porous stones benefit from more frequent attention. A simple water test gives a rough indication of whether resealing may be due.

Jacksonville-Specific Considerations

• Humidity means water left on a surface takes longer to evaporate, so drying after cleaning is worthwhile.
• Hard water in some areas leaves mineral spotting around faucets and sinks; wipe the area regularly.
• Pollen season leaves a fine film indoors and outdoors that is easiest to remove with water and a soft cloth.
• Outdoor kitchen surfaces need more frequent cleaning and sealer attention than indoor counters.