Prevention is the best first step in maintaining your counter. Always use coasters for liquids. Use trivets or hot mats for hot plates or pans. Use a cutting board. If you are going to put used dishes on the counter, make sure they have been rinsed off first. Avoid putting foods directly on the counter. Stains occur when a liquid cannot leave the granite without the help of chemicals. So, take care the oils from food are not likely to be absorbed into the counter. ? That pizza box could even be a problem if there is oil seeping through it.

When you do have spills, wipe them up immediately. Granite is most prone to stains from liquids containing oil or acid. So be as thorough as you can with cleaning up spills from those kinds of liquids.

Always use a soft rag or regular (non-abrasive) sponge. Most of the time all you'll need is hot water. You can also use dishwashing liquid but be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent a soapy build up.

Weekly, you can use a stone cleaner. Never use scouring pads or cleansers that have abrasives or bleach. Also, avoid ?all purpose? cleaners with disinfectants unless they state they are made especially for granite. Also, avoid products with lemon, orange, vinegar, or citrus since the acid can dull the finish. With the popularity of granite it should not be difficult to find a stone cleaner especially designed for granite cleansing.

If you do have a stain, don't despair; most can be eliminated easily.

For regular kitchen stains: Mix one cup of flour with two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and apply the paste to the stain. Cover it with plastic wrap and leave overnight. The next day, gently scrape off the paste, using a wooden spoon or other (non-sharp) wooden utensil. Then rinse thoroughly.

For stains from oil, grease, or milk: Follow the same steps but substitute hydrogen peroxide for the dishwashing liquid.

For stains from coffee, tea, fruit, or fruit juice: rub gently with a mixture of 12% hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.

For marker stains: acetone or lacquer thinner will work well on dark granite and hydrogen peroxide will work for light granite.

Eventually, your countertop will need to be resealed. The sealant is what protects granite from stains and discoloration. Like all rocks, it is naturally porous and needs the sealer to prevent it from absorbing liquids. No matter how gently you handle your counter, sooner or later the sealant will begin to wear off. This could be anytime between one and five years, depending on the type of granite and its usage. Your installation company will be able to give you details about your particular product and recommendations about when to schedule resealing.

In the unlikely event you do end up with a chip or scratch to your counter, do not make this a DIY project. Contact your installation company for repairs or for a referral for a source for repairs.

With very little effort, you will be able to maintain your countertop's like new condition for its lifetime.