How to Clean Granite Countertops Without Streaks: Easy DIY Guide

Granite countertops are a timeless choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Their natural stone beauty adds elegance and value, but they also require special care. 

One of the biggest frustrations homeowners face is streaks that appear right after cleaning. If you’ve ever wiped down your granite and noticed dull marks or residue, don’t worry — it’s preventable. 

With the right products and technique, you can keep your granite sparkling without a single streak.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean granite countertops without streaks, what to avoid, and how to keep them shining for years.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Granite Countertops Without Streaks

1. Gather the Right Supplies

You’ll need:

• A soft microfiber cloth (essential for a streak-free finish).
  
• Mild dish soap or a pH-neutral granite cleaner.
  
• A clean spray bottle with warm water.
  
• A second dry microfiber cloth for buffing.
  

Avoid paper towels or rough sponges since they can leave lint or micro-scratches.

2. Clear the Surface

Brush away crumbs, dust, or grit. Even tiny debris can scratch granite if you wipe it into the surface.

3. Apply a Gentle Solution

Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water or use a granite-safe cleaner. Spray lightly over the countertop — less is more.

4. Wipe in Circular Motions

Using your damp microfiber cloth, wipe the surface gently. Circular motions lift dirt evenly and help avoid streak lines.

5. Rinse Away Soap Residue

Spray clean water onto the surface and wipe again with a fresh section of your cloth. Soap residue is one of the top reasons granite looks streaky.

6. Dry Thoroughly

This step is crucial. Use a second dry microfiber cloth to buff the granite until it shines. Any leftover moisture can cause streaks or water marks.

7. Optional: Buff for Extra Shine

For an added polished look, buff the surface lightly in wide circles. This enhances the natural reflective qualities of granite.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Granite Countertops

Granite is durable but requires proper care. Using the wrong products or techniques can damage the stone, dull its finish, or reduce the effectiveness of your sealer. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice
   These can erode the protective sealant and etch the stone, leaving dull spots and streaks. Stick to pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners.
   
2. Harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaner
   Strong chemicals can break down the sealant and damage the granite’s surface, causing discoloration over time.
   
3. Abrasives like steel wool or rough scrub brushes
   These scratch and mar the polished surface. Use soft microfiber cloths or non-abrasive sponges instead.
   
4. Excess water left to pool
   Standing water can seep into seams and cracks, leaving cloudy streaks or even promoting mold growth.
   

💡 Pro Tip: If streaks aren’t your main issue, check out our guide on how to remove stains from granite surfaces, including stubborn oil, wine, or coffee stains.

Extra Care & Maintenance Tips

• Reseal granite countertops every 6–12 months to prevent stains and streaking.
  
• Wipe spills immediately, especially oil, coffee, or wine.
  
• Use coasters and cutting boards to protect the surface from scratches.
  
• Stick to soft, lint-free cloths for every cleaning session.
  

💡 Pro Tip: A freshly sealed surface resists water spots better, making streak-free cleaning easier.

FAQs About Cleaning Granite Countertops

How do I avoid streaks on granite countertops?
Always dry with a clean microfiber cloth after cleaning. Residual moisture is the #1 cause of streaks.

How do you remove streaks from granite countertops?
Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and buff in circles until the streaks disappear. For stubborn streaks, check if soap residue is the culprit.

Why does my granite countertop look streaky?
Common reasons include leftover soap film, using paper towels, or not drying properly. Granite’s reflective surface makes streaks more noticeable.

What is the best cleaner to use on granite countertops?
pH-neutral cleaners designed for natural stone are ideal. Avoid acidic or harsh chemical cleaners.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean granite?
Yes — in small amounts. A few drops diluted in warm water are safe and effective, but rinse thoroughly afterward.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning granite countertops without streaks comes down to two essentials: using the right products and drying thoroughly. By avoiding harsh chemicals and sticking to soft microfiber cloths, you’ll preserve your granite’s natural shine for years. And with regular sealing, your countertops will stay resistant to stains and water marks.

Different stones need different care. For instance, learning how to clean quartz countertops properly ensures you avoid damage from harsh chemicals. Marble is even more sensitive than granite, so if you have both, read our guide on how to clean marble countertops without etching.

If you want a bigger picture approach, check out our step-by-step kitchen cleaning routine that includes daily wipe-downs and deep weekly care. There’s also a difference between daily granite cleaning and deep granite care — the first focuses on streak prevention, while the second tackles buildup and resealing.

By following these methods and linking into broader kitchen care, you’ll build habits that keep every surface spotless, not just your granite.