Quick Answer
To deep clean granite countertops: Use warm water with a few drops of dish soap—never vinegar or acidic cleaners. Wipe with a soft cloth, rinse with clean water, and dry immediately to prevent water spots. For stains, use a baking soda paste left overnight. Reseal every 1-2 years to maintain protection.
Granite countertops are a hallmark of San Diego's beautiful homes, from Rancho Santa Fe estates to renovated North Park bungalows. This natural stone adds elegance and value—but it requires specific care to maintain its beauty.
The biggest mistake homeowners make? Using the wrong cleaning products. Those convenient all-purpose sprays, vinegar solutions, and disinfecting wipes can slowly but surely damage granite's surface and sealant. The good news is that proper granite care is simple once you know the rules.
This guide covers daily maintenance, deep cleaning techniques, stain removal, and how to deal with San Diego's notoriously hard water—your granite's biggest local enemy.
Products to NEVER Use on Granite
- • Vinegar or lemon juice – Acidic products etch stone
- • Windex or ammonia-based cleaners – Degrades sealant
- • Bleach or Clorox wipes – Too harsh, causes discoloration
- • Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool – Scratches surface
- • Generic bathroom/kitchen cleaners – Often too acidic
Why Granite Needs Special Care
It's Porous (Despite Feeling Solid)
Granite has microscopic pores that can absorb liquids, oils, and stains. The sealant fills these pores, but harsh chemicals break down that protection over time.
The Finish Can Dull
Acids (like vinegar and citrus) cause etching—microscopic damage that makes polished granite look cloudy or dull. This damage is permanent without professional repolishing.
Hard Water Compounds the Problem
San Diego's hard water leaves mineral deposits that build up on granite over time. If left unchecked, these can become difficult to remove and dull the stone's appearance.
What You'll Need
Safe Cleaning Products
- Warm water
- pH-neutral dish soap (Dawn, Seventh Generation)
- Baking soda (for stains)
- Granite-specific cleaner (optional)
- Granite polish/sealer enhancer
Tools
- Soft microfiber cloths
- Spray bottle
- Plastic scraper (for stuck-on debris)
- Plastic wrap (for poultice treatment)
💡 San Diego Tip: Find granite-safe products at specialty stores like Arizona Tile (multiple locations) or online. Brands like Granite Gold and Stone Care International are widely recommended.
Step-by-Step Granite Deep Cleaning
Clear and Prep the Surface
Remove everything from your countertops—small appliances, canisters, decorative items. This gives you access to the entire surface including corners and edges where grime hides.
Remove Loose Debris
Wipe away crumbs and loose debris with a dry microfiber cloth. For stuck-on food, gently scrape with a plastic scraper—never use metal or abrasive tools on granite.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral granite cleaner. Never use vinegar, lemon, or bleach-based cleaners.
Clean in Sections
Spray one section at a time and wipe with a soft cloth using circular motions. Work in manageable sections to prevent the cleaner from drying on the surface.
Address Stains with Baking Soda
For oil-based stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours. The baking soda draws out the oil.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Wipe the entire surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Immediately dry with a separate microfiber cloth to prevent water spots—especially important with San Diego's hard water.
Polish and Protect
Once dry, apply a granite polish or sealer enhancer to restore shine and add protection. Buff with a soft cloth until the surface gleams.
Tackling San Diego Hard Water Stains
San Diego has some of the hardest water in the country—up to 300+ parts per million of dissolved minerals. These minerals leave white, chalky deposits on granite that can be stubborn to remove. Here's what works:
Hard Water Stain Removal
- 1.Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply to the hard water stain and cover with plastic wrap. Leave for 24 hours, then wipe clean.
- 2.Stone-Safe Mineral Deposits Remover: Products like Granite Gold Water Mark Remover are specifically formulated for granite without damaging the sealant.
- 3.Prevention: Wipe down counters immediately after water exposure. Use coasters and trivets. Consider a whole-house water softener for persistent issues.
When to Reseal Your Granite
Sealant protects granite from stains and moisture absorption, but it wears down over time. Here's how to know if yours needs refreshing:
The Water Drop Test
Drip a small amount of water on your countertop and watch what happens:
- Beads up and sits on surface: Sealant is working—no action needed
- Absorbs slowly (5-10 minutes): Consider resealing soon
- Absorbs quickly (darkens immediately): Reseal as soon as possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cleaner for granite countertops?
The best cleaner for daily granite care is a simple solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral granite-specific cleaner. Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaners—they etch and dull the stone over time.
Can you use Windex or Clorox wipes on granite?
No. Windex contains ammonia and Clorox wipes are acidic—both can damage granite's sealant and dull the surface over time. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone.
How often should you seal granite countertops?
Most granite countertops should be resealed every 1-2 years, but frequency depends on usage and the stone's porosity. To test: drip water on the surface. If it beads up, the seal is good. If it absorbs within a few minutes, it's time to reseal.
How do you remove hard water stains from granite in San Diego?
San Diego's notoriously hard water leaves white mineral deposits on granite. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap overnight, then wipe clean. For stubborn stains, use a poultice designed for natural stone.
Need Professional Deep Cleaning?
Metla House Cleaning uses stone-safe products and techniques to deep clean your kitchen without damaging granite, marble, or other natural stone surfaces.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.