1. Use warm water and a fresh, soft cloth. To avoid unsightly water spots, dry counters thoroughly.Use distilled water as opposed to tap water to ensure there is no mineral or chlorine build up.2. Establish a daily cleaning routine for your granite countertops and tiles.3. Clean granite tiles as soon as food or drink is spilled. Use a damp cloth, paper towel, or other non-abrasive surface to blot the affected area.Abrasive sponges or scrubbers can leave faint but permanent scratch marks on your granite, and food and drink left on too long will stain.Be particularly wary of leaving red wine, coffee, soda, or grease stains for too long. All of these can dull the surface of your granite tiles over time.4. Use soap and water for any spill that isn't thoroughly removed just with water.5. Clean stubborn stains with a baking soda and water paste.A light stain can be covered with the paste overnight and then removed. Tougher stains can be covered for several days before removing.Oil-based stains can be treated with a base of water or rubbing alcohol. Water-based stains can utilize acetone or hydrogen peroxide.6. Apply hydrogen peroxide on lightly colored granite and use acetone on darker colored granite for a deeper clean.7. Polish granite to achieve the greatest shine.Keep granite clean with store-bought stone polishers. Read the label to ensure the product is specific to granite and safe to use on its surface.For a natural granite polish, mix one-quarter cup baking soda with 3 cups water. Apply, wipe thoroughly, and polish with a chamois.For another at-home polish, combine 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 3 cups water, and several drops of pH-neutral soap. As with any polish, apply, wipe off, and polish with a soft cloth or chamois.Carefully consider whether your granite tiles need a sealant. Some darker granite and types of black granite won't require it.8. Apply a sealer on granite as an extra layer of protection against stains.
