Cleaning Granite Countertops:
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Cleaning granite countertops really is simple and easy. There can be some confusion as many myths and mis-interpretations are passed around, but you don't need to be a stone savant or attend a special class to learn how to clean granite countertops effectively.
You'll find answers to your questions and all the information you need regarding...
proper granite countertop care below and by following the various links to pages about sealing granite countertops, how granite sealers work, etc.
First, lets start with a basic outline and...
Recommended Cleaning Routine
Daily:
Hot water and dish rag or sponge is all you need to clean spills and wipe away crumbs to keep your countertops clean and tidy throughout the day. At the end of the day, a quick spray and wipe of the most heavily used areas with a good stone cleaner like Stone PLUS is sufficient to clean, disinfect and protect your countertops and provide a streak-free shine.  |
Weekly:
Use the granite countertop cleaner over the entire surface and edges to remove all dust and debris from around countertop appliances, containers, etc. This also serves to condition the stone and maintain its overall luster.Quarterly:
Topical temporary polishes like DAZZLE Stone Polish can be used periodically to enhance the shine for the ultimate in natural stone and granite countertop care.Such topical dressings are not for maintenance or repair. And such products are not what make countertops shiny. The shine or "polish" is achieved by big machines using intense friction at the factory.
Calling these products a "polish" is confusing, but that's the deal.
If your granite countertops have become dull for some reason you will most likely need to consult a professional. No chemical or product will restore granite (marble and travertine are a different story in some cases).
A topical polish may improve the look a bit, but will not correct the problem. And since it's not meant to be permanent, it will wear off with use and cleaning.
Yearly:
Testing for sealing granite countertops annually is a good idea to determine when you need to re-seal.You will likely know anyway that it is time to re-seal when you start to notice that water around the sink darkens the stone... meaning that it is absorbing.
Insider Tip: When shopping for granite (or any stone) you should perform the Lemon Juice Test prior to purchase on a sample of the exact slab to determine suitability of the stone for its intended use.
For kitchen countertops especially you don't want a granite that is too absorbent (there are some) or a stone that will etch like marble (and a few rare granites).
Of course, you should also perform the water test upon installation (if you didn't do it while shopping) to determine if your natural stone even needs sealing (many do not and cannot be sealed).
Re-Sealing Frequency
You'll hear and read that you should re-seal every year or every 3-5 years, but the proper frequency for applying a granite sealer is not set in stone (ohh!) and really depends on a number of variables.
But you don't have to know anything about all the factors or even your stone... results from testing will tell you the whole story and give you a clear answer to seal, re-seal or not.
When necessary I recommend SenGuard or Stone Sentry Sealers.
Just like cleaning granite countertops, sealing is a very easy job and unless you have a stone that really shouldn't be sealed (i.e. some black, blue, green granites), then re-sealing when needed will ensure that your countertops are well protected against staining.
Learn more about how a granite countertop sealer works.
Now that you understand the basic routine you should follow for cleaning granite countertops, take a look at our granite counter top care: Do's & Don'ts page for more guidelines concerning specific situations and activities.
Answers To Cleaning Granite Countertop Questions
Learn even more! Click on the links below to read detailed answers to common (and unusual) marble cleaning questions.
Hard Water Stains On Granite Countertop
QUESTION: Hi. We have just moved in to our house and have been here 5 weeks.
The water is very HARD producing a whitish, somewhat crusty build-up ...
Black Galaxy Water Spots
QUESTION: I just recently had installed Black Galaxy graninte countertops in all bathrooms, the kitchen countertops and island. I have so many water ...
Gas Cap Stain On Venetian Gold Granite
QUESTION: I have venetian gold granite counter tops. My husband laid a gas top from a mower on the counter in two areas.
It took the shine away ...
Dark Spots on New Granite Countertop
QUESTION: Hi, We just moved into our newly built house and we had installed the giallo venegiano granite for our kitchen countertops.
The counter ...
Candle Wax Stain on Black Galaxy Granite
QUESTION: How do you clean stains from spilled candle wax on my Black Galaxy Granite countertop?
My husband wiped the candle wax off immediately ...
Cleaning Granite Countertops With Hydrogen Peroxide
QUESTION: I recently read that many hospitals use Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) to clean surfaces, floors and counter tops instead of bleach or chlorine ...
Cleaning Granite Countertops Advice
Answers about cleaning granite countertops, common bad advice, best granite cleaners, how to clean granite countertops without causing damage or other problems
Dark Rings On Ubatuba Granite Countertops
Not rated yet
QUESTION: How do I remove dark water-rings on Ubatuba?
ANSWER: Huh... don't know that I can answer that one without more info.
Here's why:
Most ...
Cleaning UbaTuba Granite
Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have UbaTuba and the saleperson from the builder did not recommend that we seal it.
So, I asked her what is the best for cleaning granite ...
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