I just installed granite countertops yesterday and haven't had it sealed yet. The guy is coming back this week to finish the job and said it was "factory sealed" so it doesn't need to be sealed again. I already have a dark stain from the dishwasher soap that won't wipe off. I insisted that he seals it but I don't really trust him to use the best sealant and thought I would do it myself. It's a lighter color and I noticed lots of blemishes which I know I have to clean off before I seal. SO, I was wondering if you guys could recommend the best granite cleanser and sealant from experience? I've never had granite before so I need your help. Thanks!

By Sandysmom on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 10:28 pm:

Hi Joyce, I don't have grantite countertops, but i found something on the net for you. Also, I would get a 2nd opinion about the sealant and the stain. If it was factory sealed, I don't think it should have stained. Don't settle for less with this, granite is expensive.

granite cleaner

By Conni on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 10:12 am:

I saw your post, but I dont have granite so I am no help!! I hope you get cleaned up and sealed correctly! I bet it is beautiful.

By Andi on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 10:51 am:

We have Granite in the kids bathroom. It is a tan color and my husband sealed and installed it himself. If the kids make a mess and get water everywhere when washing there hands it makes a dark spot on the Granite. When it dries the spot goes away. Even if you wipe it the spot stays there until it air dries. Soap does the same thing as water. It should be fine. Give it a couple hours before you freak out.

Hope that helps.

By Kym on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 07:10 pm:

We are getting an estimate for granite tomorrow, did it dry and go away like Andi thought? If not I can ask the installer what he reccommends.

By Eve on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 09:05 am:

I'm really, really surprised. We had our counters for a few years now and they don't make spots when wet and also stains don't soak in at all. We spill coffee, juice, oil, you name it. I would call the place you got it and ask if that's normal. The only thing they did tell us when we bought them was that you would have to leave something (like oil) on it for a really long time for it to soak in and that since granite is porous, it should soak into the stone and you won't see it after a while. HTH We actually need to reseal ours too. DH bought something--I'll let you know how it works.

By Tklinreston on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 03:25 pm:

Hi guys. I'm sorry I took so long to respond. Things have been so hectic around here. The installer of my granite was no help and so, after hours of research, I decided to purchase a stone care kit from Stonecare International (SCI). Home Depot & Expo carries this line. The set includes: cleaner, sealer and polish. I followed directions very carefully and sealed it twice. It took a few days to complete. The difference is not even comparable. Prior to the sealing process any drop of moisture soaked right in & darkened immediately upon contact. Like, Andi, it did eventually dry up and the original color of the granite returned. After the sealing, however, the water would just bead up and stay that way even after 25 minutes. There was no darkening because the water remained above the surface and did not soak in. I chose to do it twice to ensure every spot was completely sealed because my granite called Ivory Chiffon is lighter in color. Now I'm told I only need to do it once a year. I hope this was helpful Kym.

By Conni on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 03:55 pm:

I am glad to hear you were able to solve the problem. I was in looking at some tumbled marble for my fireplace and couldnt help looking at the granite (dreaming of having new countertops lol). While I was looking the lady showed me the quartz. Apparently it isnt porous(sp?) and doesnt have to be sealed. I may end up getting that one of these yrs !! I am not interested in sealing my countertops once a yr. Too lazy. LOL

By Juli4 on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 05:17 pm:

We are going with Quartz countertops. They are expensive, but we chose countertops over cabinets and are painting our cabinets. It will be worth it though.

By Conni on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 10:54 pm:

Juli4, one of the open houses we went in had the quartz counter tops. It looked very nice! You will have to post pics of yours when you get it done so I can see! Let me know how you like it.

By Kaye on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 11:46 pm:

ONe of the new things I have seen is called "Casear stone". It is mostly granite with some plastic infused, has all the properties of granite, but non porous. Check it out, looks really cool!