Granite and quartz countertops are built to last for decades, and keeping them looking new takes surprisingly little effort. Here’s what to do every day, what to avoid, and how to handle the occasional spill or stain.
Everyday Cleaning (Both Granite and Quartz)
For daily cleanup, all you need is:
- Warm water
- A few drops of mild dish soap
- A soft cloth or non-scratch sponge
Wipe, rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots. That’s it. As Kleopatra from our team puts it, “just like you wash your dishes, you wash your counters.” Soap and water is the go-to for granite, quartz, marble and soapstone alike. Watch her 30-second tip.
What to Avoid
- Harsh or acidic cleaners: Vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia and many all-purpose bathroom cleaners can dull granite’s polish and wear down its sealer over time.
- Disinfecting wipes: Skip Lysol and other disinfecting wipes, even ones labeled granite-friendly. Kleopatra warns they can take away the sheen and leave the stone hazy. See her answer.
- Abrasive pads and powders: Steel wool and scouring powders can scratch the finish.
- Direct heat on quartz: Quartz contains resin that can scorch. Always use a trivet under hot pots, pans and slow cookers. Trivets are a good habit on granite too.
- Cutting on it every day: Cutting a pizza on the counter once in a while is fine, but Kleopatra wouldn’t do it all the time. Stone dulls knives and repeated cutting can wear the finish, so use a cutting board for daily prep. Watch her answer.
- Standing or sitting on countertops: Concentrated weight on overhangs or near sink cutouts can crack stone.
Sealing Granite
Granite is natural stone and slightly porous. A penetrating sealer keeps liquids like oil, wine and coffee from soaking in. Quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing.
The water test
Sprinkle a few drops of water on the granite in a high-use area (near the sink or stove) and wait 10 to 15 minutes:
- If the water beads up, your seal is in good shape.
- If it soaks in and darkens the stone, it’s time to reseal.
Many homeowners reseal about once a year, though some dense granites go much longer.
How to reseal
- Clean the countertop and let it dry completely.
- Apply a granite sealer per the manufacturer’s directions.
- Let it penetrate for the time listed, then wipe off the excess.
- Allow it to cure before heavy use.
Handling Spills and Stains
Wipe up spills quickly, especially oil, wine, coffee and acidic foods like tomato sauce or citrus. Water rings on granite usually dry out on their own. For a stain from something acidic like lemonade or juice, a stone poultice is spread over the stain, covered with plastic wrap and left for about 24 hours, and it may take a few rounds (watch Kleopatra explain). On quartz, Kleopatra’s go-tos for tougher marks are a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser (see her quartz tip).
Hard Water Spots
Around sinks and faucets, mineral deposits from hard water can leave a cloudy film. Dry the area after use, and use a cleaner labeled safe for your countertop to remove buildup. Avoid vinegar on granite.
Chips, Cracks and Dull Spots
Even the toughest stone can chip if something heavy is dropped on an edge. The good news is that most chips, cracks and dull areas can be repaired without replacing the countertop. See our countertop repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use disinfecting wipes on granite?
We don’t recommend it. Kleopatra advises against Lysol and disinfecting wipes, even ones labeled granite-friendly, because they can leave the stone hazy. Stick with soap and water.
Does quartz stain?
Quartz is highly stain resistant because it’s non-porous. Wipe up spills promptly and avoid harsh chemicals and high heat.
How long do stone countertops last?
With basic care, granite and quartz countertops can last for decades.
Need repairs or new countertops? Marble and Granite Express serves Wayne, Canton, Livonia, Northville, Farmington and surrounding areas. Contact us or call (734) 772-4431.