How to Clean a Granite Countertop
Introduction
With the proper care, your granite or marble countertop will stay new-looking for years. Stone is
one of the easiest surfaces to maintain. And granite, being 7 on the Mohs hardness scale of 1 to
10, is virtually unscratchable. (A stainless steel knife blade is a 6 on the scale.)
1
Step One
Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.
2
Step Two
Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available in hardware
stores or from a stone dealer), or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
3
Step Three
Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution and dry
with a soft, clean cloth.
4
Step Four
Remove a stain on granite, basing the method on the type of stain. Mix a cup of flour, 1-2
tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover with
plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.
5
Step Five
Scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse. If the stain is oil-based (e.g. grease, oil,
milk), use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid - or try ammonia on it.
6
Step Six
Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an
organic stain (e.g. coffee, tea, fruit).
7
Step Seven
Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone. On lightcolored granite, use hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains.
8
Step Eight
Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil
stain. Leave on for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.
9
Step Nine
Paste a mix of molding plaster and water over an oil-based or fat-based stain. Mold it into a
bird's-nest shape and allow to stand for 3 hours. Remove and rinse.
10
Step Ten
Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for recommendations.
Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.
11
Step Eleven
Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.
12
Step Twelve
Call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear
too difficult to treat.
Tips & Warnings
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Ask a professional to remove or repair a scratch in granite.
Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes
and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that could scratch the surface.
Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.
Strong detergents or corrosive liquids can dull the polished marble/granite surface and should
not be used.
Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers, scouring powders, or 'soft' cleansers.
Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together - the result is toxic.
Overall Things You'll Need
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Flour
Wooden utensil
Hydrogen peroxide
Dishwashing liquids
Ammonia
Molding plaster
Water
Acetone
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Soft clean cloths
Bleach
Mild cleaners