How to Clean Granite Countertops

Video Instructions – How To Clean Granite Counters

Most granite installers have no clue how to clean granite countertops or what proper maintenance should be for the stone they install (and seal!).

Their tips on cleaning granite counters leaves something to be desired.

This is obvious when they recommend using generic granite cleaner or home-brewed concoctions for daily care of granite countertops.

For tips on cleaning stainless steel sinks or how to clean stainless steel appliances, click Stainless Care.

Granite Care and Precautions

Certain habits can eliminate maintenance issues with your natural stone and granite countertops.

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.

Many common foods contain acids that can dull or etch the surface of many calcium based stones.

Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver, or other objects that can scratch the surface. Granite counters don’t usually need the same care as other stones.

Spills and granite stains

Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.

Dry the area with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. If your granite was not properly sealed and you get a stain, refer to Stone Stain Removal Procedures to remove it.

Cleaning Granite From The Granite Care Pro

Why not glass cleaner on granite tops

When asked how to clean granite countertops, many owners of granite counters say to use glass cleaner like Windex. The fact is, glass cleaner can permanently damage granite counters.

The damage caused is mostly pitting and dulling of the surface and it doesn’t happen right away.

What’s more, if your particular “granite” is a stone that needs to be sealed such as white granite, the impregnator/sealer itself can be damaged by the glass cleaner eliminating its ability to block stains.

With marble, travertine, onyx and all other calcite-based stones, the concern is even greater. See details on sealing natural stone.

What will dish soap do to granite or quartz countertops?

How about a little dish soap and water as a granite counter top cleaner?  Would that damage your granite?

No, it wouldn’t, but think about this . . . try washing your hands with water and dish soap, then put them under running water and see how long until they are rinsed off well.

To have such a thorough rinsing of your granite countertop, you would need to use a garden hose! So, what happens if you decide not to use a garden hose to rinse your countertop?

It’s simple – a soapy film will remain on the stone surface, even if you dry it with a towel.

In the beginning you won’t notice it, but as you keep cleaning your countertop this way, the soap film will build-up and, within a few months, your beautiful stone won’t be as shiny as it used to be anymore.

You will have to remove all the soap scum, that is now caked on your countertop, by using a specialized granite cleaner. Not a good way to show off your beautiful granite.

There are companies out there that invest considerable amounts of money to formulate specialty granite cleaners that are safe on all natural stone. Why do they do that if any glass-cleaner or dish soap could do the job?

Return the shine to granite countertops

If you have cleaned your granite tops with dish soap, you can remove the soap film buildup with Soap Film Remover.  Simply spray on and wipe away soap buildup.  This will return the shine to your granite tops.

How to make granite shine

Only $14.45

Natural Granite Cleaner

Natural granite cleaner that has been formulated to safely and easily clean honed & polished marble, granite, limestone, slate, travertine, ceramic, porcelain, corian and laminate countertops.

It also works great on painted wall surfaces, mirrors, windows, and high shine metal fixtures.