Granite is a durable natural stone, but good care still matters. Clean spills promptly, avoid abrasive cleaners, use cutting boards and trivets, and follow the fabricator or sealer manufacturer’s instructions for sealing when needed.
Daily cleaning
For routine cleaning, use warm water, a soft cloth, and a small amount of mild dish soap. Wipe away soap residue and dry the surface to reduce streaks. Avoid abrasive powders and harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners unless they are specifically labeled safe for natural stone.
Does granite need sealing?
Many granite installations are sealed, but not every slab absorbs liquids at the same rate and sealing schedules are not identical. Do not rely on a fixed annual rule for every countertop. Follow the fabricator’s recommendation or use a stone-safe absorption test before applying additional sealer.
Handle spills quickly
Blot liquid spills instead of spreading them across the surface. Oils and strongly colored liquids can be more difficult to remove if they penetrate the stone. For a stubborn stain, use a cleaning method intended for natural stone rather than experimenting with strong household chemicals.
Heat and cutting
Granite itself tolerates heat well, but using trivets is still sensible because extreme temperature changes can affect seams, resin-filled areas, sealers, and nearby materials. Use a cutting board rather than cutting directly on the stone; this protects both the countertop finish and your knives.
Protect edges and seams
Avoid standing or sitting on countertop overhangs and do not strike exposed edges with heavy cookware. Chips often occur at edges, sink cutouts, and corners rather than in the middle of a slab. If a seam or sink joint changes, have it evaluated before water can enter the cabinet below.
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