Granite care: sealing, cleaning and fixing chips

Granite is one of the toughest countertops you can own. A little routine care keeps it looking the way it did on install day.

Does it need sealing?

It depends on the granite. Some dense, dark granites barely absorb anything, while lighter and more open stones do. Try the water test: put a few drops of water on the counter for about 15 minutes. If it darkens the stone, it is time to seal.

How to seal

Clean and dry the top, apply a quality stone impregnating sealer per the label, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess before it dries. Most homes reseal every year or two, but the water test is the real guide.

Everyday cleaning

Warm water with a drop of dish soap, or a pH-neutral stone cleaner, is all you need. Repeated use of vinegar, bleach and harsh cleaners can wear down the sealer over time. See our countertop cleaning guide.

Heat, chips and pits

Granite handles heat well, but trivets protect the sealer and avoid thermal shock near seams. Small chips on edges can be filled with color-matched epoxy by a fabricator, and natural pits are normal in many granites.

Choosing granite

See popular granite colors, granite at our shop and granite vs quartz.

Common questions

How often should granite be sealed?

Many homes reseal every year or two, but the water test tells you: if water darkens the stone within about 15 minutes, reseal.

Can I use vinegar on granite?

Occasional use will not hurt the stone, but repeated acidic or harsh cleaners wear down the sealer. Use mild soap or a stone cleaner.

Can a chipped granite countertop be fixed?

Yes. Small chips are usually filled with color-matched epoxy and polished by a fabricator.