Stone Care

Step 1

For Stone Care: Clean up spills quickly, before they penetrate the surface.

Step 2

For Stone Care:Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of stone (which can be found at your local hardware store), or mild dishwashing liquid with warm water.

Step 3

Use soft, clean cloth to clean the granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution; then, dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an organic stain (e.g. coffee, tea, and fruit).

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for stone care recommendations. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.

Step 11

Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.

Step 12