How to Maintain Your Kitchen’s Granite Countertops (Without Damaging the Finish)

Granite countertops are a staple in high-end kitchens for a reason: they’re durable, elegant, and naturally unique. But while granite is tough, it’s not invincible. The wrong cleaners—or worse, no cleaning routine at all—can dull its shine, degrade the sealant, and leave your expensive investment looking tired.

If you’ve ever wondered why your granite counters look blotchy or feel sticky no matter how often you wipe them, you're not alone. We asked pros (and learned from some mistakes ourselves) to break down how to properly clean, seal, and protect granite countertops—especially in busy Florida kitchens where cooking, humidity, and sunlight can take their toll.

Here’s exactly what to do.

Daily Granite Care: Keep It Simple

When it comes to cleaning granite, less is more. Skip the bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and even your favorite citrus-scented spray—they’re all too harsh and can break down the stone’s protective seal over time.

Instead, use a pH-balanced cleaner specifically designed for natural stone, or a DIY mix of warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Spray it on and wipe with a soft microfiber cloth.

Pro Tip: Avoid abrasive scrubbers. They can scratch both the granite and its sealant.

How Often Should You Seal Granite Countertops?

This is where most homeowners in Florida miss the mark. Even the highest-quality granite needs to be sealed regularly—especially in kitchens with heavy use.

How to test if your granite needs sealing:
Drip a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, your seal is fine. If it soaks in and darkens the stone, it’s time to reseal.

Frequency: Reseal every 12–18 months, or more often in sunny, humid climates like Florida where sealant can break down faster.

Use a high-quality penetrating stone sealer and apply it according to the product’s instructions. Most take just 15–30 minutes to apply and wipe off.

What to Avoid on Granite (Seriously, Just Don’t)

Granite is tough—but it’s still porous. One spill of the wrong thing and you could have a permanent reminder on your countertop. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Acidic liquids: lemon juice, vinegar, wine

• Oil-based stains: cooking oil, butter, lotions

• Harsh chemicals: bleach, ammonia, glass cleaner

• Heat shock: hot pans straight from the stove can cause thermal cracks (yes, really)

Use trivets and coasters. Always. No exceptions.

Best Granite Cleaners (That Won’t Ruin Your Counters)

If you're not into DIY mixes, here are three pro-approved granite-safe cleaners you can buy today:

• Granite Gold Daily Cleaner – pH-balanced and streak-free

• Method Daily Granite Cleaner – plant-based and gentle on stone

• Weiman Granite Cleaner & Polish – adds shine without buildup

Just remember to skip anything with “multi-surface” or “all-purpose” on the label unless it clearly says “safe for granite.”

Quick Weekly & Monthly Maintenance Checklist

To keep your granite countertops looking showroom-worthy:

✅ Daily: Wipe spills immediately, clean with mild soap or granite cleaner
✅ Weekly: Polish with a granite-safe shine enhancer (optional but effective)
✅ Monthly: Inspect high-use areas near sinks and stoves for seal wear
✅ Yearly: Reseal granite if needed (don’t wait until it’s too late)

Final Thoughts: Granite Deserves a Little Love

Granite countertops may be one of the hardest-working surfaces in your kitchen—but they still need care. With the right routine, you can keep your granite looking brand new for decades.

Want help choosing granite for your remodel—or need professional advice on care and maintenance? Visit Timeless Kitchen Outlet in Orlando, where our stone experts can guide you every step of the way.

📍 Timeless Kitchen Outlet, 2591 N Forsyth Rd Suite A & B, Orlando, FL 32807
📞 Call (321) 284-2580 for expert help or a free design consultation.