How to Prep Your Countertops for Holiday Hosting Season

Between family dinners, baking marathons, and cozy get-togethers, your countertops are about to become the busiest surfaces in your home. Before you roll out the pie dough or set up the charcuterie board, give your stone a little love so it shines (and stays protected) all season long.


Here’s how to get your countertops holiday-ready — clean, sealed, and protected with just a few simple steps.

 For Natural Stone Countertops

(Granite, Marble, Quartzite & More)

Natural stone brings unmatched beauty to your kitchen — and with a little care, it’ll keep that timeless glow for years to come. Every Johnson Granite natural stone countertop comes with a 15-year sealer already applied, but in high-traffic areas (like near your sink or stove), that protection can wear down over time.





Here’s how to check and refresh it before the holidays:

💧 Step 1: Test Your Sealer

Try the simple water test:

  • Drop a small amount of water onto your countertop.
  • Leave it for 45 minutes to an hour.
  • When you return, take a look —
  • If the water is still beaded on top, your sealer is still doing great.
  • If the water has soaked in and left a small dark spot, it’s time for a touch-up.

🧽 Step 2: Clean Before You Seal

Start with warm, soapy water and a microfiber towel, wiping with the veining of your material. Once clean, follow up with a damp cloth to make sure there’s no soap residue left behind.

Pay attention to the edges, which can lose protection faster from frequent contact.

Designer/Contractor: Ideal Cabinets, Greg Papenfus

Designer: Ideal Cabinets, Greg Papenfus

✨ Step 3: Reseal and Restore with Our 3-in-1

Once your surface is clean, grab your bottle of Johnson Granite 3-in-1 Cleaner & Sealer — it’s designed to clean, protect, and restore your natural stone.

Here’s how to use it:

  • Shake well before applying.
  • Spray evenly over your countertops — no need to oversaturate.
  • Let it sit for about 45 minutes to soak into the stone.
  • Wipe with a damp cloth, following the material’s natural flow.
  • Buff dry with a soft towel for that just-installed shine.

You’ll instantly see and feel the difference — your countertops will look refreshed, smooth, and protected. We recommend resealing once or twice a year to maintain that long-lasting protection.

 For quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have surged in popularity for modern kitchens and bathrooms — and for good reason. Their non-porous surface makes them resistant to scratches, stains, and bacteria, requiring minimal maintenance to stay beautiful. While quartz doesn’t require sealing, a little care goes a long way to keeping it looking like new.

🧼 How to Clean Quartz

  • Wipe with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove any leftover residue.
  • Never use bleach, ammonia, paint removers, nail polish remover, or abrasive products like Comet®, Soft Scrub®, S.O.S.® pads, or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
  • Always use hot pads or trivets under hot cookware such as pans, griddles, slow cookers, or air fryers.
  • Use a cutting board when chopping or slicing.
  • Wipe away spills promptly before they dry.
Designer/Contractor: Ideal Cabinets, Greg Papenfus

Designer: Jenn Fussell

Bring the Sealing Magic Home

Our 3-in-1 Cleaner & Sealer is available for only $20 (plus shipping) on our website (Click Here) or at any of our Johnson Granite locations: Mount Airy, Winston-Salem, and Roanoke.


Clean. Protect. Restore.


It’s everything your countertops need before the holiday hustle begins.