What is best to seal granite countertops?

Author: Antonia Hammes I  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

For floors or very large countertops, we recommend using the Stone Care International Granite & Stone Sealer Pour Bottle or a pump sprayer for applying the sealer. Certain colors will require additional applications. Color enhanced stones such as resinated granite should be sealed with the same procedure.

Is Dawn dish soap safe on granite?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use to clean granite countertops. Not only is it safe to use on your cooking and food prep surfaces, but it is also a great degreaser and can remove stubborn grease stains. Be sure to mix it with water so the concentration isn't as strong, as you don't need to use more than a few drops.

How to make granite smooth and shiny?

To polish a granite tabletop, clean it first with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Use a granite-specific stone polish or a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol (1:1), apply to the surface, and buff with a clean, dry cloth in circular motions to restore shine.

Is it okay to use Clorox wipes on granite?

Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.

How do I keep my granite countertops clean and shiny?

Cooking oil

Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using circular motions. Don't forget to polish the edges of your counter! Oil will give your granite a nice shine, and also help it repel water. Sometimes granite looks dull as a result of etching.

How to Seal Granite Countertops and Other Natural Stone

Is it OK to use Windex on granite countertops?

Windex contains ingredients that can permanently damage the granite. While the most common damage done by Windex is dulling the shine of the countertops, it can also cause pitting.

What is the best granite sealer?

Top 6 Granite Sealers
  • Best Multipurpose Sealer: Weiman Disinfectant Granite Daily Clean and Shine.
  • Best Penetrating Sealer: Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold.
  • Best for Small Surfaces: TriNova Granite Sealer and Protector.
  • Best Instructions: Granite Gold Water-Based Sealer.

What home remedy will make granite shine?

In a spray bottle, create a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. One cup alcohol and one cup water should do it. Spray the entire counter down with the water/alcohol mixture and wait five minutes.

What is the best daily cleaner for granite countertops?

Stone Care International Granite and Stone Daily Cleaner Spray. Ideal for daily use, Stone Care International's Daily Cleaner Spray is gentle yet effective on granite, marble, quartz, and more. Users appreciate its ability to clean without causing any lasting harm to their countertops.

How to make old granite look new?

Use a pH-neutral granite cleaning solution and work it slowly and methodically across the countertop. Using anything too basic or acidic will weaken the sealant, so avoid solutions like bleach or vinegar. Some soap and water will suffice, along with a soft sponge. Also, avoid using abrasive pads for scrubbing.

Why was Dawn Powerwash discontinued?

Preferences vary, and on the whole, demand wasn't enough for us to continue making it.

Can Murphy's Oil soap be used on granite?

Daily granite countertop care is as easy as cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid. If needed you can use a synthetic scrubbing pad to clean your granite counter. With the proper maintenance, granite countertops stay new-looking for a long time.

What happens if you don't seal granite every year?

If left unsealed, granite countertops can become vulnerable to stains and damage over time. Granite, being a porous material, naturally absorbs liquids. Without proper sealing, liquids spilled in the kitchen, such as wine, oil, coffee, or food can seep into the pores, leaving behind stubborn stains.

How much does it cost to have granite sealed?

Countertops need to be resealed every year, depending on how much you use them. If you'd prefer to leave the task to the pros, expect to pay between $170 to $350. When local granite countertop pros do the job, the seal can last longer.

Is granite or quartz more expensive?

While granite is usually cheaper, some high-end options can be pricier than quartz. Your choice often depends on your style and lifestyle. Think about the long-term costs when deciding. Granite can last over 30 years with the right care, and quartz is just as durable but easier to maintain.

How to restore dull granite countertops?

After scraping away the residue and cleaning the stone with water, you can use a polishing powder to restore the shine. These polishing products are safe for most stone. You will need to reseal the stone after completing this process. Another option for small areas is Stone Scrub or Acetone to remove residue.

What does baking soda do to granite?

Baking soda is known as a stain remover. It can help to remove liquid stains such as tea, wine or coffee. It also helps to remove the unpleasant smells. It is quite affective on solid surfaces in general but it is not advised to use baking soda directly on natural stone surfaces.

What makes granite sparkle?

Granite is a composite of magma and different kinds of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, amphiboles, and mica. The mineral mica is found in a lot of granite, and it is one of the things that gives granite a shimmery shine in certain places.

What do professionals use to seal granite countertops?

For best results, choose an impregnating stone sealer. These products are absorbed into the stone's pores, preventing the granite from absorbing liquids. They do not change the color of the granite and will be invisible when dry.

Can you put too much sealer on granite?

You don't want to apply sealant too often. If you do, sealant will pool on the surface instead of absorbing into the stone. This will create a dull surface coating that makes your countertop less attractive.

How do you deep clean and seal granite countertops?

Here's general instructions on sealing granite:
  1. After cleaning granite countertops, gently wipe them down with alcohol or acetone.
  2. Use a sealer made especially for granite.
  3. Apply the sealer and let it set according to the manufacturer's directions.
  4. Wipe down with a clean, dry cloth.

How do you reseal granite countertops?

Buy the granite gold stuff from the store and follow the instructions on the bottle. Clean it good, dry it, apply sealer, wipe it off, wipe with dry cloth, wait 20 minutes and do it again. Repeat 3-4 times.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for granite?

Hydrogen peroxide and carefully used bleach are safe for cleaning granite countertops. However, acetone and nail polish remover should be avoided, as they can damage the sealant on granite surfaces. How do you preserve granites luster?

Can you use Clorox wipes on granite?

Clorox wipes contain cleaning agents, including alcohol and bleach, that are effective at disinfecting surfaces. However, these ingredients are harsh on granite because they can strip away its protective sealant over time.

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