Granite countertops are beautiful, durable, and add a high-end look to any kitchen. They’re strong, they can handle heat, and they last for years. But if you want them to stay looking brand new, you have to take care of them properly.
A lot of people think granite is indestructible, but that’s not true. If you don’t maintain it, it can get stained, scratched, or even cracked. The good news? Taking care of granite is easy if you know what to do.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your granite countertops in perfect shape for years to come.
Clean Your Granite the Right Way
One of the biggest mistakes people make with granite is using the wrong cleaners. Some cleaning products can damage the surface, wear down the sealant, and make the granite dull over time.
What to Use:
- Warm water and mild dish soap – This is the best way to clean granite daily.
- Microfiber cloth or a soft sponge – These won’t scratch the surface.
- Granite-safe cleaners – If you want something stronger, use a cleaner specifically made for granite.
What to Avoid:
- Vinegar, lemon, or anything acidic – These break down the seal and can cause dull spots.
- Bleach or ammonia – These are too harsh and can ruin the surface over time.
- Rough scrubbers or steel wool – These can scratch the surface.
How to Clean Granite Properly:
- Wipe down the countertop every day with warm water and dish soap.
- Dry it with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
- Use a granite-safe cleaner once a week for a deeper clean.
If you follow these simple steps, your granite will stay shiny and smooth without getting worn down by harsh chemicals.
Seal Your Granite Countertops Regularly
Granite is a natural stone, which means it has tiny pores. If it’s not sealed properly, liquids can seep in and cause stains. That’s why sealing is so important.
How to Know If Your Granite Needs Sealing:
- Do the water test – Pour a few drops of water on your countertop. If the water sits on the surface, the seal is fine. If it absorbs into the stone, it’s time to reseal.
- If you see dark spots after spills, it means the granite is absorbing liquid, and the seal is wearing off.
How to Seal Granite:
- Buy a high-quality granite sealer (make sure it’s designed for natural stone).
- Clean the countertop thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Apply the sealer in small sections using a clean cloth.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess.
- Repeat the process once a year or every six months for high-use kitchens.
Sealing is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your granite lasts for decades.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Even with a good seal, spills can still cause stains if they sit too long. Granite is resistant to stains, but not stain-proof.
Biggest Stain-Causing Liquids:
- Wine
- Coffee
- Oil
- Juice
- Soy sauce
How to Prevent Stains:
- Wipe up spills immediately with a soft cloth.
- Use coasters under drinks to prevent rings.
- If oil spills, clean it with a little bit of dish soap and water.
The sooner you clean up a spill, the less likely it is to leave a stain.
Use Cutting Boards and Trivets
Granite is strong, but it’s not indestructible. A lot of people think they can cut directly on the surface or put hot pans on it, but this can actually cause damage.
Why You Should Use a Cutting Board:
- Knives can scratch the granite, especially if it’s not sealed well.
- Granite can dull your knives over time.
Why You Should Use Trivets or Hot Pads:
- Granite is heat-resistant, but not heat-proof – Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks.
- Placing a hot pan directly on the surface can weaken the seal and cause discoloration.
Using a cutting board and trivets is an easy way to keep your granite looking flawless.
Avoid Heavy Impact
Granite is tough, but if you drop something heavy on it, it can chip or crack.
How to Prevent Cracks and Chips:
- Be careful when handling heavy pots, pans, and appliances.
- Don’t lean on the edges of the countertop – The edges are more fragile.
- If a small chip happens, use a granite repair kit to fix it before it gets worse.
Granite can handle a lot, but treating it with a little extra care goes a long way.
Polish Your Granite for Extra Shine
If your granite starts looking dull over time, you can bring back the shine with a little polishing.
How to Polish Granite:
- Use a granite polish spray – Spray it on and wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
- Buff the surface with a soft cloth to bring out the shine.
- Don’t use wax – It can build up and make the surface look cloudy.
Polishing granite once a month keeps it looking brand new and glossy.
Keep the Grout and Edges Clean
A lot of people forget about the grout and edges, but keeping these areas clean helps your countertops last longer.
Tips for Cleaning Grout and Edges:
- Use a small brush and soapy water to scrub away dirt.
- Make sure the caulk is sealed around sinks and backsplashes.
- Check for cracks or gaps and fix them before they get worse.
Taking a few extra minutes to clean these areas will help prevent long-term damage.
How to Prevent Stubborn Stains on Granite
Even though granite is resistant to stains, it isn’t stain-proof. If spills sit too long, they can soak in and leave marks, especially on lighter-colored granite.
What Causes Stains on Granite?
- Oils – Cooking oils, butter, and greasy foods can leave dark spots.
- Acidic drinks – Wine, coffee, juice, and soda can seep in and stain.
- Water rings – If water sits on the surface too long, it can leave a mark.
- Cleaning products – Harsh chemicals can wear down the seal, making stains worse over time.
How to Prevent Stains:
- Wipe up spills immediately – The faster you clean up, the less likely they’ll leave a stain.
- Use coasters and trays – Place coasters under drinks and trays under oil bottles.
- Keep your granite sealed – A well-sealed countertop won’t absorb stains as easily.
- Clean with gentle products – Avoid bleach, ammonia, and anything too strong.
How to Remove Stains from Granite:
If you do get a stain, don’t panic! There’s an easy way to lift it.
- For oil stains:
- Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste.
- Apply it to the stain and let it sit overnight.
- Wipe it away with a damp cloth in the morning.
- For water stains:
- Use a mix of dish soap and water and scrub gently.
- If the stain is stubborn, try a small amount of hydrogen peroxide.
- For wine or juice stains:
- Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
- Spread it over the stain and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let it sit for 24 hours before wiping clean.
Granite can last for decades, but stains can make it look old and worn out. Taking these simple steps will keep it looking brand new.
How to Keep Granite Looking Glossy and Smooth
Over time, granite can lose its shine and start looking dull. This happens when:
- The seal wears down, allowing moisture and dirt to build up.
- Hard water leaves mineral deposits on the surface.
- Harsh cleaners strip away the natural luster.
How to Keep Your Granite Shiny:
- Polish it once a month – Use a granite polish spray and buff with a soft cloth.
- Avoid soap buildup – Even mild dish soap can leave a film over time. Rinse well after cleaning.
- Use a microfiber cloth – This helps remove dust and dirt without scratching.
- Seal regularly – If the seal is strong, the granite will naturally stay shinier.
If your granite has already lost its shine, you can restore it:
- Clean the surface with warm water and dish soap.
- Apply a granite polish or mineral oil and buff in circles.
- Wipe off any excess polish with a clean, dry cloth.
How to Protect Granite From Chipping and Cracking
Granite is super strong, but it isn’t unbreakable. If something heavy drops on the edge, it can chip or crack.
What Causes Granite to Chip?
- Dropping heavy pots or pans – The edges are especially vulnerable.
- Hitting the counter with hard objects – Like a cast iron skillet or a heavy glass bottle.
- Uneven support – If the granite isn’t installed properly, pressure can cause cracks over time.
How to Prevent Chips and Cracks:
- Be careful with heavy cookware – Always place it down gently.
- Use cutting boards instead of chopping directly on the counter.
- Don’t sit or lean on the edges – Granite is strong, but the edges are delicate.
- Make sure the counter is well-supported – If you have a large overhang, install brackets or corbels to hold the weight.
How to Fix a Small Chip:
If your granite gets a small chip, you can repair it yourself with a granite repair kit.
- Clean the chipped area and let it dry.
- Apply a small amount of clear epoxy or granite filler.
- Smooth it out with a razor blade or plastic scraper.
- Let it dry completely, then buff the area with a soft cloth.
If the crack is large or in a visible spot, call a professional. Trying to fix a deep crack yourself can make it worse.
How to Prevent Heat Damage on Granite
A lot of people think granite is 100% heat-proof, but it’s not. While it can handle some heat, extreme temperature changes can cause problems.
What Happens If Granite Gets Too Hot?
- The sealant can break down, making the granite more likely to stain.
- Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks, especially in thin areas.
- The surface can develop discoloration or burn marks over time.
How to Prevent Heat Damage:
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot pots, pans, and baking sheets.
- Avoid placing slow cookers, air fryers, or coffee makers directly on the granite for long periods.
- Be careful with hair styling tools in the bathroom—curling irons and straighteners can also damage the surface.
Granite is tough, but treating it gently will help it last even longer.
How to Prevent Bacteria Build-Up on Granite
Granite is naturally resistant to bacteria, but that doesn’t mean it’s germ-free. Food particles, grease, and moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Best Ways to Keep Granite Germ-Free:
- Wipe down the surface daily with warm, soapy water.
- Use a disinfectant spray that’s safe for granite – Avoid bleach or anything too harsh.
- Make sure the countertop stays dry – Bacteria love moisture.
- Clean up raw meat spills immediately – Never let them sit on the surface.
If you want a natural disinfectant, mix equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray it on the granite and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
Taking a few extra seconds to keep your countertops clean will keep your kitchen safer and healthier.
Why Keeping Your Granite in Good Shape is Worth It
Granite countertops are a big investment, and if you take care of them properly, they can last a lifetime. The best part? It doesn’t take much work—just a few simple habits will keep them looking as good as new.
By following these easy steps, you can keep your granite countertops strong, shiny, and beautiful for years to come.
FAQ: How to Make Granite Countertops Last Longer
1. How often should I seal my granite countertops?
At least once a year. If your kitchen gets a lot of use, seal it every six months.
2. Can I use vinegar to clean granite?
No! Vinegar is too acidic and will break down the seal, making your granite more likely to stain.
3. What’s the best way to remove stains from granite?
Make a paste with baking soda and water, spread it over the stain, let it sit for a few hours, then wipe it off.
4. Can granite crack from heat?
Yes, extreme temperature changes can cause cracks. Always use a trivet or hot pad under hot pots and pans.
5. How do I keep my granite shiny?
Use a granite polish spray once a month and wipe it down daily with warm water and dish soap.
Final Thoughts
Granite countertops are one of the best choices for a kitchen, but if you want them to last for decades, you need to take care of them properly.
- Clean them with mild soap and water.
- Seal them once a year to prevent stains.
- Use cutting boards and trivets to avoid scratches and heat damage.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Be gentle with heavy objects to prevent cracks.
- Polish them once a month for extra shine.
If you take just a little extra care, your granite countertops will stay beautiful and strong for years.
Need help with countertop maintenance or a new kitchen upgrade? Call Pellak Construction today at (610) 543-2479 for expert kitchen remodeling services!