Granite countertops have been the rave for quite some time in the world of kitchen designs, and rightly so.
They add an aesthetic elegance that’s hard to beat, not to mention their durability.
But to keep them in top-notch condition, regular cleaning and sealing are essential.
That’s where my Best Guide: How to Clean and Seal Granite Countertops comes in.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think!
In this article I will cover :
Understanding Granite Countertops
Tools and Products Needed for Cleaning and Sealing
Step-by-Step Guide – How to clean Granite Countertops
Step-by-Step Guide- How to Seal Granite Countertops ( Video Included)
Maintaining Your Granite Countertops
This post is about How to Clean and Seal Granite Countertops
Understanding Granite Countertops
Let’s start with the basics. Granite is an igneous rock – a bit of geological jargon meaning it formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
This unique formation process gives granite its trademark toughness and variety of patterns and colors.
Granite is one of the most popular natural stone countertops.
It is a very hard material.
Granite kitchen countertops are also porous like any natural stone counters.
That is the reason why it requires sealing.
Sealing is like giving your granite countertops a little protective shield, helping to maintain their natural beauty and defend against daily wear and tear.
Granite is heat resistant.
That makes it a popular choice for outdoor kitchen countertops.
Tools and Products Needed for Cleaning and Sealing
Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to keep your granite looking grand. It’s a pretty straightforward shopping list.
- Clean Microfiber cloth
- Spray Bottle
- Warm water
- Gentle stone-safe cleaner or Mild soap (dish Soap)
- Soft bristle brush
- Stone sealer
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Granite Countertops
Daily Cleaning
Here are the Do’s and Don’ts when you clean granite countertops.
The Do’s
Ok, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – the daily cleaning routine.
Your granite countertops are used every day, which means they need a little daily TLC to keep them looking their best.
- Start with warm water, a clean microfiber towel, and a mild kitchen cleaner.
- Take the spray bottle.
- Fill it up with warm water and add teaspoon of dish soap.
- Shake it up, and you’ve got yourself a perfect daily cleaner!
- Give your countertops a good wipe down with the soapy water and the cloth.
Don’t be afraid to scrub a little on any spots where something might have dried or stuck on.
Granite is pretty tough!
Once you’ve cleaned the entire surface, give it another pass with a separate, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any leftover soap or water.
This will prevent any water stains from forming and give your countertops a lovely, clean finish.
With this daily routine, your countertops will stay sparkling and you’ll reduce the chance of any stubborn stains setting in.
The Don’ts
- Using the right cleaning products for granite surfaces is important.
- Do not use any harsh or abrasive pads to clean granite counters.
- Do not use acidic cleaners on the surface of the granite.
- These harsh chemicals can damage your countertop’s sealant and even etch the surface.
Dealing with stains:
Spills should be attended to immediately, particularly those involving potentially staining substances like coffee, wine, or oil.
Here’s how to tackle those spills:
Supplies Needed
- Baking soda
- Clean Water
- Plastic wrap
- Painter’s tape
Whether it’s cooking oil-based stain, dark spot a simple mix of warm water and mild dish soap can often do the trick.
Steps for Removing Tough Stains
- Make a Cleaning Paste: Combine baking soda and water to create a thick paste.
- Apply the Paste: Spread the paste over the stained area.
- Cover with Plastic Wrap: Cover the area with plastic wrap, sealing the edges with painter’s tape.teps1
- Wait: Let the paste sit overnight or up to 24 hours.
- Remove the Plastic and Clean: After waiting, remove the plastic wrap and wash the area with warm water.
Water spots, on the other hand, can usually be wiped away with a bit of vinegar and water.
Be careful though, you don’t want to leave the vinegar on the granite too long as its acidic nature can etch the stone.
Apply the mixture to small areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry the area.
Dealing with particularly stubborn stains? Don’t panic.
The good news is there are several commercial products available that are designed to tackle the toughest granite stains.
Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sealing Granite Countertops
Here is a really good video by Stone Care
Sealing granite or any other natural stone surfaces is a simple process.
What you’ll need:
- A top-rated granite sealer (look for quality sealer that has good reviews or is recommended by granite experts).
- Soft, clean cloths (microfiber works great).
- Mild dish soap.
- Warm water.
- Isopropyl alcohol (optional).
Clean the Countertop: Begin by cleaning the entire surface of the granite countertop with mild dish soap and warm water.
This step will remove any dirt, grime, or residues that might prevent the sealer from properly adhering to the granite surface.
Dry the Countertop: After cleaning, thoroughly dry the countertop with a soft cloth.
Make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
This might take several hours.
Apply the First Coat: Shake your granite sealer well before opening.
Pour a small amount onto a clean, soft cloth and apply it to the granite in a circular motion, ensuring you cover the entire surface.
Allow the Sealer to Penetrate: Allow the first coat of the sealer to penetrate the stone.
This usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, but it may vary depending on the specific product’s instructions. You’ll know it’s time for the next step when the sealer no longer looks wet on the surface of the granite.
Remove Excess Sealer: Using a new clean, dry cloth, wipe off any excess sealer from the surface of the countertop.
It’s important to not let the excess sealer dry on the surface as it can cause hazing.
Apply the Second Coat: Depending on the porosity of your granite, you may need to apply a second coat of sealer for extra protection.
Follow the same process as with the first coat. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if a second coat is recommended.
Dry and Cure: Allow the countertop to dry and the sealer to cure.
This process could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the sealer’s instructions.
Test the Sealer: Once the sealer is completely dry, perform a simple water test to make sure the sealing process was successful.
This is the most important step.
This is called the Water Test
Pour a small amount of water onto the granite.
If it beads up, the sealer is working. If the water soaks into the granite, you may need to apply another coat of sealer.
Remember to reseal your granite countertops regularly as recommended by the sealer manufacturer (usually every 1-5 years, depending on usage and the specific stone).
This will keep your countertops looking their best and ensure they last for many years.
Remember, for best results, always use the right products.
Maintaining Your Granite Countertops
Maintaining the granite countertops goes hand in hand with cleaning.
Here are some best practices.
- Daily Cleaning
- Use the Right Products
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Pads
- Handle Spills Promptly
- Regular Sealing
Polish Your Countertops (Optional):
Occasionally, you might want to use a granite polish for an extra shine.
Make sure to choose the right granite polishes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your granite countertops remain beautiful and functional for many years to come.
FAQs
How often should I clean my granite countertop?
Daily cleaning is advised for granite countertops. However, deep cleaning should be performed monthly or whenever a stubborn stain appears.
Is it necessary to seal granite countertops?
Yes, sealing granite countertops protects them from staining, etching, and soil build-up.
How do I know when my granite countertop needs sealing?
If water droplets on your countertop don’t bead up or the granite darkens when wet, it’s time to reseal.
How often should I seal my granite countertop?
Typically, it should be done annually. However, heavy usage may require semi-annual sealing.
Are there any products I should avoid when cleaning my granite countertop?
Yes. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the sealant and etch the granite surface.
Can I seal my granite countertop myself?
Absolutely! With the right sealer and a bit of time, you can easily seal your granite countertop at home.
This post was about How to Clean and Seal Granite Countertops
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