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Granite Countertop Care Guide
Simple habits, the right products, and an easy sealing schedule, for countertops that last a lifetime.
- Every daySoap & water
- WeeklypH-neutral stone cleaner
- Every 3–5 yearsReseal
- First 3 yearsResealing covered
Getting to know granite.
Granite forms from molten rock that cools slowly deep in the earth, locking quartz, feldspar, and mica into a hard, crystalline stone. It's one of the most durable and forgiving surfaces you can have in a kitchen.
- Scratch resistant
Harder than steel kitchen knives. Everyday use won't wear down the surface.
- Heat tolerant
Handles kitchen heat better than most surfaces. Trivets still protect seams and edges.
- Acid tolerant
Lemon, vinegar, and tomato won't etch true granite the way they etch marble.
The one thing to know: granite is a natural, slightly porous stone. The sealer we apply at installation keeps liquids from soaking in. Refreshing it every 3–5 years keeps your countertops protected.
Three habits. A lifetime of beauty.
- Every daySoap & water
Wipe with warm water and a few drops of mild, oil-free dish soap. Dry with a soft towel.
- WeeklyStone cleaner
A pH-neutral cleaner made for granite lifts soap film and protects your sealer.
- Every 3–5 yearsReseal
Refreshes your stone's protection. Resealing is covered by the GranitePro warranty program for the first 3 years.
Your cleaning routine.
Daily cleaning
- Clear the surfaceWipe away crumbs and spills as they happen.
- Wash gentlyUse warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge.
- Wipe dryDry with a paper towel or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and soap film.
Weekly cleaning
Once a week, use a pH-neutral "granite & stone" cleaner, available at most grocery and hardware stores. It removes soap film and tougher spills without wearing down your sealer.
Check your soap label. Some "natural," organic, or moisturizing soaps contain plant oils that can slowly darken lighter granites.
Safe to use
- Mild, oil-free dish soap and warm water
- pH-neutral cleaners labeled safe for granite or natural stone
- Soft cloths, microfiber, and non-scratch sponges
Avoid
- Bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and citrus cleaners, which break down sealer
- Glass, bathroom, and all-purpose sprays
- Scouring powders, scrub pads, and melamine "erasers"
- Stone polishes, waxes, and oil soaps
Rule of thumb: if a product doesn't say it's safe for granite or natural stone, don't use it on your countertops.
Why we skip "polish" products
Polishes leave a residue that builds up over time, trapping dirt and making the stone look dull. It can be removed, but it's far better to avoid.
Pits and fissures are natural
Granite is a crystalline stone, so small pits between crystals and fine natural fissures are normal. They're part of the stone's character and don't affect its strength.
Sealing your granite.
Every countertop is sealed at installation. Keeping that protection fresh is simple.
3–5Years
Reseal every 3–5 years.
Every granite countertop is sealed at installation. That's all most granite countertops need. If the water test shows darkening sooner, or you notice dark marks after washing dishes, give us a call and we'll reseal early.
The water test
Place a few drops of water on a busy area, near the sink or cooktop, and watch.
- Beads up
After 15 minutes, no darkening. Your sealer is working.
- Darkens slowly
Darkens after 5–15 minutes. Plan to reseal soon.
- Darkens fast
Darkens within a few minutes. Time to reseal, so call us.
Time to reseal?
Email info@graniteproremodeling.com or give us a call and we'll get you on the schedule.
Resealing is covered
The GranitePro 10-Year Warranty Program covers any necessary resealing for the first 3 years. Honed and leathered finishes may need sealing more often than polished.
What sealing does, and doesn't do
It buys you time
Sealer slows down absorption, giving you time to wipe up oil, wine, and coffee before they can soak in.
It isn't a force field
Sealed stone is stain resistant, not stain proof. Spills left overnight can still work their way in.
We handle it
No need to buy sealer or do it yourself. Let us know when it's time and we'll take care of it.
Do's & don'ts.
A few simple habits keep your countertops looking brand new.
Do
- Clean daily with mild, oil-free dish soap and warm water.
- Use a cutting board. Granite is hard enough to dull your knives.
- Keep oil bottles on a small plate or tray when not in use.
- Wipe up oil, wine, coffee, and juice promptly.
- Use coasters under glasses and mugs.
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot pots, pans, and appliances.
- Reseal every 3–5 years, or sooner if the water test says so.
- Call GranitePro with any questions or concerns.
Don't
- Leave oil or cooking messes sitting overnight.
- Use cleaners with bleach, ammonia, acids, or abrasives.
- Set hot cookware directly on the stone, and never over a seam.
- Stand, kneel, or sit on countertops, or put heavy weight on unsupported overhangs.
- Strike edges and corners with heavy pots or cast iron. Edges can chip.
- Leave fruit to ripen on the stone. Juices from overripe fruit can stain.
- Try DIY stain or damage remedies. Contact us first and we'll give you the right fix.
24h
The same-day rule
If it spilled today, clean it today. Oils and dark liquids only cause problems when they're left to sit. A quick wipe after cooking prevents nearly every stain.
Spills, spots & stains.
Most marks on granite can be resolved. The first step is identifying what you're looking at.
Spilled something? Do this now.
Blot oil, wine, and coffee right away, don't wipe it around. Wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry. If a dark spot remains after it dries, send us a photo before trying anything else.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dark spot or ring that doesn't fade | Cooking oil, grease, butter, lotion | StainSend us a photo. Usually removed with a poultice. |
| Brown, pink, or tan discoloration | Red wine, coffee, tea, fruit, food coloring | StainSend us a photo. Usually removed with a poultice. |
| Dark area that fades as it dries | Water from the sink or dishwashing | NormalIf it happens often, it's time to reseal. |
| Small chip on an edge | Impact from cookware or heavy items | FixSave the chip if you find it. We can repair most chips, so call us. |
| Cloudy or hazy film | Soap buildup or polish residue | FixClean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Call us if it persists. |
Removing a stain, step by step.
- Send us a photo
Email a photo and a short note on what you think caused it to info@graniteproremodeling.com. We'll reply within 24 hours.
- Get the right product
In most cases we'll recommend MB Stone Care Stain Reaper Poultice Paste and confirm it's right for your stain.
- Apply and wait 48 hours
Spread a thick layer over the stain, extending slightly past its edges. Let it sit 48 hours until completely dry.
- Remove and inspect
Gently wipe away the dried paste and clean any residue with your stone cleaner. The spot may look dark for a few hours while it dries. If any stain remains, repeat step 3.
What we recommend.
- Cleaner · WeeklyStone Care InternationalGranite, Quartz & Stone Daily Cleaner
A pH-neutral spray that cleans and degreases sealed natural stone without leaving residue or wearing down your sealer.
- Stain remover · As neededMB Stone CareStain Reaper Poultice Paste
A ready-to-use poultice that draws oil and organic stains out of the stone. Please contact us before using it so we can confirm it's the right fix.
We're here for the life of your countertops.
“If something isn't right, we'll make it right. Our relationship doesn't end on installation day.”
Other care guides.
Granite care questions.
Don't see yours? Call (410) 875-7579 and ask a real person.
How often should I seal granite?
Every 3–5 years for most granite countertops. If the water test shows darkening sooner, or you notice dark marks after washing dishes, call us and we'll reseal early.
Is resealing covered?
Yes. The GranitePro 10-Year Warranty Program covers any necessary resealing for the first 3 years. Honed and leathered finishes may need sealing more often than polished.
What should I clean granite with?
Warm water and a few drops of mild, oil-free dish soap every day, and a pH-neutral "granite & stone" cleaner once a week. Skip bleach, ammonia, vinegar, citrus, and all-purpose sprays.
Can I put hot pans on granite?
Granite handles kitchen heat better than most surfaces, but use trivets or hot pads anyway. They protect seams and edges, and never set hot cookware over a seam.
How do I get a stain out?
Email a photo to info@graniteproremodeling.com and we'll reply within 24 hours. Most oil and organic stains come out with a poultice, and we'll confirm the right product first.
Can you fix a chip?
Usually, yes. Save the chip if you find it and call us. We can repair most chips.
Will lemon or vinegar damage granite?
Acids won't etch true granite the way they etch marble. Vinegar and citrus cleaners can break down your sealer, though, so keep them off the stone.
Are the small pits in my granite normal?
Yes. Granite is a crystalline stone, so small pits between crystals and fine natural fissures are normal and don't affect its strength.
Planning another project?
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- Free in-home measure
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