Granite Countertops Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Kitchen Surfaces Beautiful

August 26, 2025

Tips for Granite Countertop Maintenance and Care

Granite countertops are an enduring favorite in many kitchens and bathrooms. Known for their beauty, durability, and ability to add a touch of luxury to any space, granite is one of the most popular materials for countertops. However, like any natural stone, granite requires care and maintenance to ensure it stays looking its best for years to come.

Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to maintaining and caring for your granite countertops so you can enjoy their beauty and functionality for the foreseeable future.

1. Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Granite is a porous material, which means it can absorb liquids like water, oil, and wine. This can lead to stains, discoloration, or even bacteria buildup if it is not properly sealed. Most granite countertops come pre-sealed when installed, but over time, the sealant can wear off.

How to seal your granite countertops:
  1. Clean the surface thoroughly using mild dish soap and warm water. Then, let it dry completely.
  2. Apply a granite-specific sealant to the countertop in thin layers.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally, you should wait around 24 hours before using the countertop after applying the sealer.
To check if your granite is still sealed, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water absorbs into the stone, it's time to reapply the sealant.

We recommend sealing granite countertops every 12-18 months, depending on the type of sealant used, the amount of use the countertop gets, and its finish (leather, polished, honed). Sealing granite is something that homeowners can do themselves or hire a professional to do too (such as MGL Granite).

2. Cleaning Granite Countertops

Daily cleaning of your granite countertops is essential for keeping them looking pristine. Fortunately, it is very easy and straightforward to clean your countertops.

How to clean granite countertops:
  1. Use a gentle dish soap and warm water solution to wipe down the surface with a soft cloth or sponge.
  2. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the granite or strip its sealant.
  3. For tough stains or spills, mix a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
  4. For a streak-free shine, dry the countertop with a microfiber cloth after cleaning.
3. Preventing Scratches and Damage

Granite is incredibly durable, but it’s not impervious to damage. To prevent scratches and other harm, follow these simple precautions:

Tips to prevent damage:
  • Always use cutting boards when chopping, slicing, or preparing food. Avoid cutting directly on the granite surface, as it can dull your knives and cause scratches.
  • Use trivets or hot pads under pots, pans, or baking dishes to prevent heat damage. While granite can withstand high temperatures, sudden temperature changes (like placing a hot pan directly on the surface) can cause cracks or discoloration.
  • Be cautious with acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, or wine and wipe up any spills as soon as possible. While granite is generally resistant to acids, prolonged exposure can eventually cause damage to the stone or its sealant.
4. Dealing with Stains

Granite is relatively stain-resistant, but it’s still a good idea to address any spills promptly to avoid long-term damage. Certain substances like oil, wine, and coffee can leave stains on the surface if not cleaned quickly.

How to tackle stains:
  • For oil stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for several hours, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
  • For other stains, you can use a specialized granite cleaner or poultice designed for stone surfaces. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your countertop.
5. Polishing Granite Countertops

To restore your granite countertops’ luster, occasional polishing is needed. Polishing helps maintain the stone’s natural shine while also helping to create a protective layer. You can do this yourself by utilizing a granite-specific polish and buffing the surface or you can also hire someone to do the service (such as MGL Granite).

How to polish granite countertops:
  1. Use a granite-specific polish or a solution designed for stone surfaces.
  2. Apply the polish using a soft cloth and work it into the surface in circular motions.
  3. Buff the surface with a clean microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
6. Regular Inspections

Lastly, it's a good idea to regularly inspect your granite countertops for signs of wear. Look for cracks, chips, or signs that the sealant has worn away. If you notice any issues, take action right away to prevent further damage. For serious cracks or chips, you may need professional repair services to restore the countertop.


Granite countertops are a long-term investment that can add both beauty and functionality to your home. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your granite looking as stunning as the day it was installed. Remember to clean it regularly, seal it as needed, and use the proper precautions to prevent scratches, stains, and heat damage. By following these simple care guidelines, your granite countertops will continue to shine for years to come, maintaining their appeal and enhancing the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Granite Countertops Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Kitchen Surfaces Beautiful
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September 18, 2025
If you’re shopping for new countertops or starting a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you’ve probably come across a few different types of companies: stone wholesalers, fabricators, and kitchen & bath companies. But what exactly does each one do—and who should you go to for what? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you better understand the roles these businesses play in your project: 1. Stone/Slab Wholesalers What They Do: Stone wholesalers import and distribute slabs of natural and engineered stone (like granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, etc.). They typically sell only to fabricators, not directly to the public. Who They Work With: Fabricators (like us at MGL Granite) Designers and contractors (through fabricators) What to Know: If you’ve ever visited a slab yard, it was probably through a fabricator. You can typically browse and choose your slab(s) from the wholesaler, but the wholesaler won’t cut, polish, or install it—that part comes next. 2. Fabricators (That’s Us!) What We Do: Fabricators like MGL Granite cut, polish, and install stone slabs to fit your custom countertop dimensions. We’re the ones who turn a raw slab into a beautiful, finished countertop that fits perfectly in your home. Services Typically Include: Field measurements (on-site measurements) Custom cutting and edging Seaming and polishing Delivery and installation Supply and installing support brackets Optional sealing and aftercare services What to Know: Fabricators are your go-to for anything related to stone surfaces—whether you need a kitchen countertop, a bathroom vanity, a fireplace surround, or a custom stone feature. We source slabs through wholesalers or showrooms, and then fabricate them to suit your space and style. 3. Kitchen & Bath Companies What They Do: Kitchen and bath companies usually offer full-service remodeling, including layout design, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Many of them also coordinate countertops as part of the process, but they don’t fabricate the stone themselves. Who They Work With: Homeowners doing full remodels Subcontractors like plumbers, electricians—and countertop fabricators Designers What to Know: If you’re doing a full kitchen or bath remodel and want one company to manage everything, a kitchen & bath company might be the right choice. But keep in mind, they’ll likely hire a fabricator (like us) behind the scenes to handle the actual countertop work. Why This Matters to You Understanding who does what can save you time, money, and stress. If you're focused on choosing the perfect countertop and want to work directly with the experts who will cut and install it, a fabricator is your best bet. At MGL Granite, we walk you through the entire process—from selecting the right stone to installation—making your project as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you’re working with a designer or remodeler already, just ask who they use for fabrication. And if you want to work directly with a trusted local fabricator, we’d love to help! Have Questions? Ready to Start Your Project? Contact MGL Granite today—we’re here to help you understand your options and bring your vision to life, one project at a time.
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