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Simple maintenance tips to keep your granite looking beautiful for decades
Granite countertops are incredibly durable — they last a lifetime with minimal care. But “minimal care” is not “no care.” Here is everything you need to know about maintaining your granite countertops, from a team that has fabricated and installed thousands of them.
Daily Care (30 Seconds)
Wipe your countertops with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water after use. For a deeper clean, use a few drops of dish soap with warm water. That is it. Granite is not high-maintenance.
Avoid: Vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, Windex, or any acidic/abrasive cleaner. These can dull the polish over time. Stick to dish soap and water or a granite-specific cleaner.
Sealing (Once or Twice a Year — 15 Minutes)
Granite is porous, which means it can absorb liquids if not sealed. Sealing creates an invisible barrier that prevents stains from penetrating the stone.
How to test if you need to seal: Put a few drops of water on your countertop. If the water beads up, your seal is good. If it soaks in and darkens the stone within 5 minutes, it is time to reseal.
How to seal:
- Clean the countertop thoroughly and let it dry completely
- Apply granite sealer (available at any hardware store for $10-$15) in a thin, even coat
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes
- Wipe off the excess with a clean cloth
- Wait 24 hours before using the countertop normally
The entire process takes 15 minutes of active work. Do it once or twice a year and your granite will be stain-proof.
Dealing with Stains
Oil-based stains (cooking oil, grease): Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit overnight. Wipe clean in the morning.
Water-based stains (coffee, wine, juice): Same baking soda paste method, or try hydrogen peroxide for lighter-colored granite.
Hard water spots: A mixture of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth usually removes them. For stubborn spots, use a granite-safe hard water remover.
Preventing Damage
- Use cutting boards. Granite will not scratch from a knife, but the knife will dull. Protect your knives, not the granite.
- Use trivets for hot pans. Granite handles heat well, but extreme temperature changes (like a pan straight from a 500-degree oven) can theoretically cause thermal shock. A trivet takes zero effort.
- Wipe up spills promptly. Especially acidic liquids like wine, lemon juice, or tomato sauce. They will not damage sealed granite immediately, but prolonged contact can etch the surface.
- Do not sit or stand on your countertops. Granite is strong but it is not designed to support concentrated weight, especially near unsupported edges or seams.
When to Call a Professional
Chips, cracks, or deep scratches should be repaired by a professional fabricator. Small chips can often be filled with color-matched epoxy. Cracks near seams may need re-seaming. These repairs are inexpensive and prevent the damage from spreading.
Questions About Your Granite?
Empire Custom Countertops is always happy to answer maintenance questions — even if we did not install your countertops. Call 716-474-4761 or contact us.
