Granite Countertops are durable, attractive and expensive. Proper care of your granite will keep your granite looking great for years. There is a lot of advice on what to do floating around the internet. Here is the list of things and items you definitely want to use and do.

Follow your maintenance schedule. The people that install your granite will provide you with a maintenance schedule. Be sure to follow it, after all, they are professionals and know a thing or two about granite.

Daily maintenance

Hot water and a sponge is usually sufficient to wipe up any spills and debris. If you throw a party, at the end of the day, clean the granite with a stone cleaner to properly clean, protect and disinfect.

Weekly

Wipe down the entire granite surface with a stone cleaner.

Quarterly

Polishes and specially designed granite color enhancers can be used periodically to help keep a quality shine on your granite.

Yearly

Annual re-sealing is a good idea although the frequency depends on the type of stone (porous or dense) and the quality of the sealant. Be sure to follow the recommendations from the people that installed your granite as some stones shouldn't be sealed.

As for cleaning, one recommended all purpose cleaning product is Simple Green. It does not contain damaging chemicals and has a neutral pH. Simple Green is better then soap but only with granite, quartz and solid surfaces.

Of course good daily habits are necessary.

Do clean up spills immediately

Coffee, wine, tomato sauces, soda and juices contain stain or etch granite. Cooking oils can also penetrate granite leaving a "wet spot" look.

Do clean the granite with a sponge or soft cloth

Abrasive cloths will wear down the sealer.

Do use coasters

Coasters under your drinks will prevent rings from forming.

Do protect the granite from hot pots and pans

Granite is durable and can take the abuse of hot pots right from the oven. However excessive heat will help break down the sealer on the granite. Also placing hot pots onto the granite will heat up that area. If you remove the pot, the heat remains and could burn a Childs hand as easily as if they were touching the top of the stove.

Do use cutting boards

Granite is tough and wont be damaged by knives. However knives will be damaged by the hardness of granite. Cutting on any stone product will dull / damage a knife edge quickly.