Smart Care for High-Maintenance Surfaces

Problem:
Though hard and durable, it can become stained, by oil in particular.

Try this:
Clean granite with warm water or diluted dish soap, and dry immediately to prevent watermarks. If oil seeps in, try a nontoxic degreaser, like diluted Simple Green ($7 for 22 ounces; simplegreen.com), or a poultice made of the cleanser and cornstarch. Coat annually with a water-based sealer.

Skip that:
As with marble, acidic cleaners can eat away at granite, so don't use them.