We see this all the time. Gorgeous granite countertops that just aren’t as glossy as they used to be. Remember that day when they were first installed? Magical. That mirror-like finish, those pretty natural variations… there was a reason you spent a few minutes staring.

Fast-forward a few years. Life happens. Coffee spills, dinner making, homework at the breakfast bar. Suddenly, that beautiful granite isn’t as shiny as it used to be. Perhaps you’ve been hesitant to clean it, fearing damage to the finish. Or maybe you’ve been cleaning it, and it still doesn’t look the way it did when it was new.

We get it, which is exactly why we’re going to walk you through everything we’ve learned about keeping granite countertops looking absolutely stunning.

• Clean with pH-neutral cleaner or mild dish soap
• Wipe up spills right away to prevent stains
• Disinfect with a water + alcohol spray
• Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or vinegar
• Check your sealant yearly to keep granite protected

You probably already have most of what you need sitting in your cleaning cabinet right now. We’re not talking about anything fancy.

What we always keep on hand:

• pH-neutral stone cleaner (or, honestly, just mild dish soap works great)
• Microfiber cloths
• A soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge
• Isopropyl alcohol (look for 70% – effectiveness drops after 50%)
• Warm water
• Paper towels or clean cotton cloths

For those stubborn stains:

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Acetone or mineral spirits
• Plastic wrap and tape

Investing in the right supplies now will save you from the sinking feeling that comes with realizing you’ve been using the wrong cleaner for months.

We’ve cleaned so many granite countertops over the years that we’ve lost count. This is the process we’ve developed that works every time, no exceptions.

The importance of this step can’t be overestimated. We assure you that once you get into the groove of things, it’s extremely disheartening to have to run around looking for a clean rag when you’re in the middle of cleaning. Gather everything together beforehand.

Yes, everything. You can’t clean the granite if you can’t get at it. When you’re done, you’re going to be amazed at how clean your granite looks when it’s not covered with all the clutter. Don’t make extra work for yourself trying to move it with a wet rag. Simply just sweep it into the trash or garbage disposal.

Avoid applying too much product to the rag or using too little water. We recommend using a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner or a few drops of dish detergent in a bowl of warm water. Your rag should be damp, not soaking wet. Work in sections rather than attempting to wipe down your entire counter at once. It will help you to avoid streaking and will feel less daunting, too.

We’ve found the best way to disinfect granite is to combine equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray, wait for 30 seconds (don’t rinse too quickly), then wipe clean.

Time to channel your inner mad scientist. Grab a clean, dry microfiber cloth and buff the entire surface with a circular motion. This is when your granite goes from “clean” to “wow, did we just get new countertops?”

Granite is a rock. It’s hard. It’s solid. But it’s not bulletproof, and we have seen far too many homeowners learn this the hard way. Granite does have teeny tiny pores that absorb liquids if the sealant is failing.

The best thing you can do? Clean up those spills as soon as they happen. We mean that glass of red wine, that lemon you squeezed, those water spots from your kids’ cups… It takes 2 seconds and can save you from so much pain down the road.

Life happens. Even when we do our best to prevent them, stains will occur. Luckily, for the most part, it can be fixed.

Glass Rings. Water Rings. Drink Rings. They are all just as frustrating and pesky, but can be remedied. Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Then apply the paste to the stain and cover with plastic wrap for 24 hours. Baking soda is a natural mineral absorber and will pull these stubborn water marks out of the stone.

Cooking oil, butter, and salad dressing spills create dark, permanent-looking stains. To clean these stubborn stains, combine baking soda with acetone (or mineral spirits, if available) and apply a thick paste. Cover with plastic and let it set. This one will take 24 hours, but it will be worth the wait. 

Coffee, wine, spaghetti sauce, soy sauce, and all those other foods that turn your granite pink or brown make you want to hide your countertops from guests. Apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for 24 hours, and clean it off.

Cleaning granite every day and going through our full process once a week works perfectly for most households.

But if you have kids who like to use the kitchen island as their own personal canvas, or if you like to cook gourmet meals every night of the week, you’ll likely want to do more.

One of the beauties of cleaning granite regularly? It’s easy to maintain. The more often you clean granite, the quicker and easier each subsequent cleaning will be. 

We’re all about easy hacks that save time in the long run, and these tips will give you so much more time in between full cleanings.

Use coasters and trivets. While it’s tempting to skip these, rings from water and food, especially with warm glasses and mugs, are the most common reason for a buildup of grime. Hot pans and mugs are fine on granite but may damage the sealant, so it’s always a good idea to put trivets underneath.

Most important tip of all? Clean as you go. Make your coffee and clean the granite once you’re done. Get ready to cook and clean in between steps. It will seem like more work at first, but you’ll be amazed at how much easier everything becomes.

What We Never, Ever Use on Granite

• Bleach or anything with ammonia
• Vinegar (we know it’s trendy for cleaning, but granite hates it)
• Those generic “all-purpose” cleaners
• Steel wool or abrasive scrubbers
• Wax-based cleaners

When in doubt, stick with products that specifically say they’re safe for natural stone. Your granite will thank you.

We’re big believers in systems that actually work in real life, not just on paper.

Quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Focus on the disaster zones, the areas with the most traffic. Dry your countertop thoroughly to prevent water spots from forming.

Follow our 5-step routine above for your granite countertops. While you’re at it, inspect for any signs of new damage. The sooner you identify the problem, the less of a headache you will have down the road.

Even if your granite looks great, let a pro take a peek to spot trouble before it becomes a costly issue.

What we want you to remember: caring for granite doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. It just takes the proper routine and a little elbow grease, and your counters will continue to look great for years to come.

At Juany Cleaning Service, we know what granite can look like with proper care, maintenance, and a professional cleaning. We also know what granite can look like when it’s not taken care of. We’re here to help you prevent the latter from happening and keep your granite looking like the investment that it should be.

Ready to fall in love with your granite countertops all over again? Let us help you establish a routine that will work with your busy lifestyle.