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When cleaning your patio, you’ll need to ensure the chemicals you use aren’t harsh enough to destroy the seal or stones. You can clean the stones with a mixture of white vinegar and water or soapy water and a scrub brush. Just be sure not to use wire brushes, as these can scratch the surface. 

Unsealed granite is more susceptible to staining and other damage. Regularly sealing your granite countertops decreases the chances you’ll need to repair damaged countertops in the future. It also keeps it looking shiny rather than becoming dull over time. You can check whether your granite needs resealing by putting a few drops of water on the counter and waiting 15 minutes to see whether the water permeates the surface.

Seal grout annually, clean spills promptly, and use mild cleaners to prevent buildup.

You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.