Granite Countertop Care and Cleaning Granite is a natural stone product and has a certain degree of porosity. Therefore, after installation, it must be cleaned and sealed.  You can clean your countertops with only soap and water, but there are companies that specialize in granite countertop cleaning and sealing products. Stone Care International Products or Granite Gold Products makes taking care of your countertops very easy. You can buy individual cleaners and sealers, or get everything you need in our convenient “Care Kits”. The Stone Care International “Care Kits” have everything you need in one package, that includes granite countertop cleaner, sealer and polish along with easy to follow instructions.  Click here for more information about sealing granite countertops. Click here for information on Stone Care International stone care products Click here for information on Granite Gold stone care products   Granite Gold granite Maintenance and Cleaning Tips Countertops and Vanities Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner that is specially formulated to be used on stone on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks that contain acids that may etch or dull your stone’s surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairspray) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.   Floor Surfaces We recommend that you frequently dust mop or sweep interior floors using a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of a neutral cleaner designed for stone. Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner is ideal for this use. Be careful and keep off floor until it is completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.   Bath and Other Wet Areas Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup. Around the sink, spilled water may leave deposits. This is why it is important to use Granite Gold Sealer at least once every 12-18 months as it will protect your stone from permanent damage from these abrasive minerals. Then, simply use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner to clean on a regular basis to keep stone looking new and full of luster. What to Do When a Spill Occurs Accidents and spills are a fact of life, no matter how careful you are they are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or degrading the sealer. Always try to blot the spill and be careful not to spread it around as you wipe up the spill. Use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner as soon as you have removed the spill. And, remember to seal your stone surface at least once every 12-18 months….this will help keep spills from turning into stains.    Etch Marks Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard, urine and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark. General household cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.   Food Spills Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Try not to spread it around with a towel but rather blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Dailey Cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth. Liquid Spills Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth. Mud Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral stone cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner or the Granite Gold Stone and Tile Cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.   Oily Stains If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. A poultice will wick up the stain from deep within the stone.