How to Care for Granite

Dust granite with a soft-bristled broom, an untreated dust mop, or a soft cloth. Dirt and debris can scratch the finish of granite surfaces, so remove dust promptly. Wipe granite with a cloth dampened with water only, or purchase a stone cleaner from a hardware store or stone installer.

Most granite is treated with a sealant to prevent stains. Nonetheless, clean spills quickly to prevent them from seeping under the sealant and staining the stone. If stains occur, remove them using a poultice. Poultices are sold at hardware stores, though you can also make your own.

Maintain the stain-resistant surface on your granite by reapplying sealants yearly or whenever water dropped on the surface absorbs into the stone within 1–3 minutes. Choose a penetrating sealant in high-use areas or if you don’t want a shiny look. A topical sealant offers less protection and adds shine to the surface.

Granite is hard and doesn’t scratch or chip easily. If the finish looks dull or has fine scratches, reseal the granite or use a stone polish. Major scratches require professional repair.