Granite Countertop Care: What You Need To Know

Thanks to their enormous range of colors, patterns, and timeless style, granite countertops are popular among homeowners and designers. However, there are often misconceptions about the difficulty of caring for granite countertops—the reality is that granite countertop care is typically no cause for concern. 

Caring for this luxurious and durable material can be a breeze, especially with a few simple tips. In this blog, our team at Baker Bros has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you with your granite countertop care. Let’s dive into what you need to know to keep your countertops in pristine condition. 

How to Care for Granite Countertops

First, you must know that your granite countertops are made from natural stone. So, while they are resilient and durable and will age well with time, the material can become damaged, but this damage can be easily avoided and repaired when needed.  

To avoid damaging your countertops, you need to know all you can about granite countertop maintenance. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misleading information about how to care for granite countertops. 

The bottom line is that granite kitchen countertops can last a lifetime given the proper care, and we’ve explained the routine care steps below:

1. Wipe The Granite Down Often

The first step in maintaining your granite is keeping your countertops mess-free. This means cleaning your kitchen as you go about your day. 

If you often use acidic liquids like coffee, wine, tomato sauce, or fruit juices, it's especially important to wipe up any messes. These liquids could stain the granite countertop, so you must quickly wipe the surface using a clean microfiber cloth or sponge. 

In addition, we recommend avoiding abrasive or harsh cleansers when cleaning your granite countertops. Instead, you should consult your stone fabricator for recommendations on appropriate glass cleaners for the countertop's surface. Similarly, it is advised never to use generic cleaning products containing ammonia, vinegar, bleach, or citruses like orange or lemon, as these could also damage your precious countertops.

2. If You Get A Stain – Get Rid Of It

Since granite is a porous natural stone, it is easily susceptible to staining, especially when the surface is exposed to cooking oil or acidic substances. Luckily, if you notice a stain, you can try to remove it using a combination of hot water, baking soda, and a small amount of dish soap that you have formed into a paste. 

You’ll want to gently massage this paste—no elbow grease needed—into the stain using a soft cloth or sponge. Once the paste has been rubbed into the stain, rinse it with warm water. You might need to repeat the process multiple times to eradicate stubborn stains. Unfortunately, if a stain has been left too long, it may be impossible to remove. 

3. Reseal Your Granite When Needed 

The importance of resealing your granite countertops cannot be overstated. If you want them to last, you’ll need to do this arduous task. Resealing is usually required every two to four years.

However, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel for you when it comes to this task, as not all granite requires sealing. So, if you are unsure, you can conduct this simple test:

1. Pour a small amount of water onto the countertop surface until it forms a small puddle. 
2. If the water forms a bead immediately, the surface is still sound. 
3. If the water starts to sink into the countertop surface and leaves a dark spot, you should reseal it promptly.

4. Add Some Shine

If you want your granite countertops to razzle-dazzle a bit, you’ll need to make them shine as part of caring for granite. 

To get that shine, you can occasionally oil your countertop. It will spruce it up and give it a bit of a glow—you may not see your reflection, but it will glisten! 

We recommend starting by applying a minute amount of cooking oil to a soft microfiber cloth or sponge. Then, gently wipe the oil across the countertop surface before buffing the entire surface. This oil treatment can do more than just make your granite countertops look pretty. It also helps them resist staining. 

5. Annually Inspect Your Granite Countertops Closely 

Most care and maintenance for your granite countertops involve wiping spills and daily clean-ups, periodic sealing if needed, and oil buffing. However, you should examine your countertops closely for potential issues once a year.

But when we say you need to inspect your countertops closely annually, we’re not saying hold a magnifying glass up to the surface. A simple but diligent sight inspection should do the job. 

Simply check the surface for scratches and stains, paying close attention to edges and seams, which are most vulnerable to shifting or cracking. Then, look for cracks or chips. If you notice any issues, you may be able to address them yourself, or a professional might be needed to prevent further damage to your countertop – and your wallet. 

Tips For Proper Granite Countertop Care

Along with the steps for regular maintenance above, you can incorporate some tips into your granite countertop maintenance routine to safeguard your kitchen’s focal point. These tips include the following:

Use Trivets

Granite is a durable material and can technically withstand heat from pans or pots directly off the stove. However, if you want your granite countertops to last, you should use hot pads or trivets. In rare cases, the granite can crack due to thermal shocks caused by the hot pan or pot, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Use Coasters

It might seem overly simple, but one of the best ways to care for your granite countertop and keep it in good condition is to use coasters. You should use these coasters under bottles, glasses, and other items that may stain, leave moisture, or scratch the surface – which is the last thing you want to happen. 

Use Cutting Boards

While granite is known for its durability, it is essential to always use a cutting board when prepping meals or cooking. You should never cut directly on the granite stone surface, as this can damage your expensive knife edges and scratch the stone.

Contact A Countertop Expert To Find The Right Granite Countertop

The tips in this article prove that granite countertop care doesn't need to be complicated. Now that you know how to care for granite countertops, you can confidently consult Baker Bros to browse our selection and take the leap into getting your home adorned with the best. 

We offer everything from natural stone countertops to ceramic, mosaic, and subway tiles to spruce up the rest of your kitchen. You can visit us in-store, and one of our friendly, expert staff members will help you find granite that meets your expectations. If you decide not to go with granite, we have many different countertop materials on offer.