How Should You Maintain a Granite Countertop?

Granite countertops are durable, attractive, and relatively easy to maintain, which is one reason they remain such a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. With a few simple habits, you can help keep granite looking its best for years.

Clean Spills Quickly

Granite is durable, but it is still a natural stone. Wipe up spills as soon as possible, especially liquids such as wine, coffee, cooking oil, or acidic foods.

For everyday cleaning, warm water, a soft cloth, and a mild soap are usually all you need.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Try to avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach-heavy products, or highly acidic cleaners unless they are specifically designed for natural stone.

Products containing vinegar, lemon, or other acids can gradually affect the finish or sealer on some granite surfaces.

A cleaner labeled safe for granite or natural stone is the better choice.

Use Cutting Boards and Trivets

Granite is extremely hard, but that does not mean it is impossible to damage.

Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the countertop. This helps protect the surface and is also easier on your knives.

It is also a good idea to use trivets or heat-resistant pads underneath hot cookware. Granite can handle heat better than many countertop materials, but sudden temperature changes can still create unnecessary risk.

Check the Sealer Periodically

Many granite countertops are sealed to help reduce the stone's ability to absorb liquids.

How often granite needs to be resealed depends on the specific stone, the type of sealer used, and how heavily the countertop is used. Some countertops may need periodic resealing, while others can go much longer.

If water begins soaking into the stone instead of beading on the surface, it may be worth having the countertop evaluated.

Avoid Standing or Sitting on the Countertop

Granite is strong, but countertops are not designed to support concentrated body weight.

Avoid standing or sitting on countertop edges, overhangs, or areas around sinks and cooktops. These sections can be more vulnerable to cracking if too much pressure is applied.

Granite Maintenance Is Pretty Simple

One of the biggest benefits of granite is that maintaining it does not require much effort.

Clean spills promptly, use mild cleaning products, protect the surface from unnecessary impacts and extreme heat, and keep an eye on the condition of the sealer.

At Granite Innovations, we help homeowners throughout the Prescott area choose and install natural stone countertops that are built to look great for years. If you have questions about caring for your granite or are considering new countertops for your home, we're happy to help.