How to clean Granite
Cleaning granite comes down to one rule: pH-neutral cleaners and soft tools. Granite is an igneous stone made of interlocking quartz, feldspar, and mica crystals. It is one of the hardest natural stones used in interiors and tolerates heat, scratches, and daily abuse with minimal fuss.
What you'll need
- • pH-neutral stone cleaner (or a few drops of dish soap in warm water as a backup)
- • Two soft microfiber cloths
- • Warm distilled water
- • Soft bristled brush for textured surfaces
Step-by-step
- 1Dust or sweep loose debris off the surface — grit acts like sandpaper under a cloth.
- 2Spray the stone cleaner directly on the surface (not the cloth) and let it dwell 15–30 seconds.
- 3Wipe with a damp microfiber in light overlapping passes — never scrub.
- 4Rinse with a clean cloth and warm distilled water to remove cleaner residue.
- 5Buff dry with the second microfiber to prevent water spots.
- 6Use a granite-safe cleaner and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.
Do not use
- Bleach — Strips sealer and can discolor the surface.
- Abrasive scrub pads or scouring powder — Scratches the finish.
- All-purpose sprays not labeled stone-safe — Most contain solvents or acids that damage natural stone.
When to call a pro
Contact a pro for chips, deep cracks, or full re-polishing.
Identify your stone & get a quote