Step1 Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.
Step2 Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of
neutral cleaner, stone soap (available in hardware stores or from a
stone dealer), or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
Step3 Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the
granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution and dry with a
soft, clean cloth.
Step4 Remove a stain on granite, basing the
method on the type of stain. Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of
dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the
stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.
Step5 Scrape away the mixture with a wooden
utensil and rinse. If the stain is oil-based (e.g. grease, oil, milk),
use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid - or
try ammonia on it.
Step6 Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen
peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an organic stain
(e.g. coffee, tea, fruit).
Step7 Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove
ink or marker stains from darker stone. On light-colored granite, use
hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains.
Step8 Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a
paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for
30 minutes, then remove and rinse.
Step9 Paste a mix of molding plaster and water
over an oil-based or fat-based stain. Mold it into a bird's-nest shape
and allow to stand for 3 hours. Remove and rinse.
Step10 Reseal the countertop every year or two
years. Check with the installer for recommendations. Use a non-toxic
sealer on food preparation areas.
Step11 Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.
Step12 Call your professional stone supplier,
installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too
difficult to treat.
