Granite Countertops How to Make It Shine Again

Granite is a popular option for kitchen counters, equally well as floor and wall tiles. It'due south harder than marble , and its shiny surface and broad range of colors mean it'south an elegant, timeless addition to any dwelling. Granite even has antibacterial and heat resistant properties too. Unfortunately, granite's good looks and useful properties do come up with a premium price tag. If yous want to know the all-time way to keep your granite countertops looking like new, or you lot're considering installing granite counters but are daunted past the maintenance, we'll show y'all how to keep your piece of work surfaces effortlessly clean.

What is granite?

When you purchase a granite countertop, what y'all're getting is one of a number of dissimilar kinds of stone. True granite is igneous, pregnant it's been formed from lava. What'southward in your granite will depend on where information technology was formed, how long information technology took to cool, and more than. That's why granite comes in a range of colors and crystal sizes: each granite deposit is every bit unique as the volcano that created it.

The rock in your granite might contain silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, along with a diversity of other minerals. Or information technology might not be granite, or even igneous stone, at all. Metamorphic Dolomites are sometimes sold as granite, as are sedimentary breccias and gabbros.

For virtually people, the chemical makeup of their granite is less important than how information technology looks, but these variations do have an effect on how you make clean your granite countertop. Some types of granite are harder than others, while some stain more easily. Knowing what volition stain your particular work surface, and what cleaners you lot can and can't use on it, is a good kickoff step to maintaining information technology properly.

Pro Tip : Information technology's a myth that night granite is harder than light granite. Because the minerals in granite are so variable, yous can't tell how strong or porous granite is from the color.

If you lot haven't chosen your granite countertop yet, or you know the shop your installed granite came from, y'all can probably get a sample piece in order to stain test. If yous can't get a sample, don't despair. Our pro tips will guide you through safely cleaning and maintaining your granite.

The lemon and water examination for granite countertops

Yous'll Need:

A sample of your granite counter
Water
Real lemon juice
Optional: cooking oil, coffee, sliced fruit e.one thousand. strawberries, blueberries
Decorator'south tape
Granite sealant
Optional: magnifying glass

The lemon and h2o test is a great, uncomplicated fashion of finding out how your granite countertop will react to dissimilar stains and cleaning solutions. Yous'll need a sample of your granite from the stone m or store information technology came from in social club to do this. Don't experiment on your installed worktop.

Step ane: Utilize decorator'south tape to dissever your test granite in half, and seal i half using the make of sealant you plan to use on your countertop. Bank check out the guide at the bottom of this article for how to seal granite, or follow the manufacturer'south instructions.

Footstep two: Once your sealant has set, put your granite on a level surface and add a minor corporeality of water on each side. Next add a small corporeality of (real) lemon juice abreast the water, taking care not to mix them together. For a final test, yous can also add cooking oil, or stain sources such as coffee or cutting fruit.

Step three: Permit the test granite to sit for at least an hour.

Step 4: Wipe the granite clean and inspect it for stains and marks. You should view it at different angles and under different light sources to be sure you see everything. For the well-nigh item, use a magnifying drinking glass to examine the surface for any tiny abrasions or dulling, known every bit etching.

What you're looking for:

Where the water (and oil, if used) was placed on the granite, check for darkening of the stone. This indicates that the granite has captivated the liquid, meaning it's porous. Whenever y'all get porous granite countertops wet, you lot run the risk of them condign discolored.

The side of the granite that was sealed shouldn't show any h2o impairment, even if the unsealed side does. If the granite darkens despite being sealed, it's highly porous and you'll need a specialized sealant to protect your work surfaces. Maintenance on porous granite is also more than intensive, because you lot'll have to seal it more than frequently and mop up any spills equally presently as they happen.

No discoloration where the water was left on the granite means it'southward non-porous and volition be less likely to stain.

In the expanse where you put the lemon juice, you might run across a change in the shine or surface texture of the granite. Try rubbing your fingers over the spot if you don't see anything, merely to be sure. If your granite looks dull, it has been etched past the acid in the lemon juice.

Some types of granite etch very easily, while others hardly react to even strong acids. If you notice signs of etching, that ways your granite worktop will need to be protected from acids such equally lemon juice, tomatoes, and red wine.

The primary purpose of sealant is to make granite less absorbent, non to terminate chemical damage. Therefore a sealant won't completely protect your granite from etching, only it should reduce the effect.

Finally, check how susceptible to staining your granite is past reviewing where you placed other test samples. Lighter granites tend to stain more easily, simply if your light granite is non-porous then staining will be less of a business concern.

How to clean a granite countertop

For almost day-to-day cleaning, you don't demand to use a lot of complicated or specialized chemicals on your granite counter. Wipe upwards spills as soon every bit y'all can, and avoid placing any stain sources onto the granite.

Although water can discolor granite and get out marks backside, washing your granite with water is however the best way to clean it. The key is to use merely equally much h2o as necessary (don't flood the stone) and make sure to wipe and dry your granite countertops every bit shortly as you're done cleaning. H2o volition only affect your granite if it remains on the surface long enough to soak in.

Ever attempt to utilise a pH neutral cleaner on granite surfaces to avoid the chance of etching. Gentle dish soap and h2o is usually enough. Acidic or alkali cleaners tin both impairment the surface of your granite, making it look dull and night.

What not to employ to clean granite counters

Lemon juice
Vinegar
Citric acid
Ammonia
Bleach
Windex
Lysol

What you lot should use to clean granite countertops

Dish soap (e.1000. Ivory, Dawn)
Castile soap
Warm water
Baking soda
Isopropyl alcohol

Can I use these to make clean my granite countertop?
Yes	NO
Dish soap (due east.g. Ivory, Dawn)	Lemon juice
Water	Vinegar
Baking soda	Citric acid
Isopropyl booze	Ammonia
	Bleach
	Windex
	Lysol

To clean granite counters, first wipe away any dust or spills with a clean, damp microfiber fabric. Then use warm water with a minor corporeality of dish soap to wash granite surfaces downwards. Wring out the cloth and wipe again with make clean h2o to remove any soap residual, as over time it can leave a flick behind, especially on dark granite.

Pro Tip: Make sure your dish soap doesn't incorporate any citrus extracts or essential oils. Even though they're merely used in very small amounts, they can all the same damage granite worktops.

Never use any annoying pad on granite or other natural rock surfaces. Wire cleaners, brushes, and fifty-fifty sponges can scratch and scuff the surface. Instead, microfiber cloths are the best tool to use, equally they won't scratch and they collect dust and clay, rather than moving it around.

If your granite countertop has a gummy stain, avert the temptation to scrub information technology away. Instead, soak stains with water or a pH neutral cleaner and use a soft textile to wipe them away. If you have a larger stain such equally stale food to remove, you tin can carefully use a plastic scraper to dislodge the residue.

Once your counter is clean, information technology's important to dry out it completely using a fresh microfiber textile. If y'all leave water on granite countertops you take chances discoloring the stone.

That's it! Keeping your granite counters make clean really isn't too hard, and doesn't require any expensive, specialist cleaners.

How to remove dried spills from granite counters

Despite your all-time efforts, you'll probably miss a spill at some point. Don't worry, it doesn't mean your beautiful granite surface is ruined forever.

Avoid the temptation to use strong cleaners similar bleach or ammonia, or DIY cleaners such as white vinegar or lemon juice. All of these are too abrasive for use on natural rock without risking damage. Although one or two uses of these solutions might non look like they've done any harm, over fourth dimension they'll slowly erode the granite surface, leaving it dull, irresolute its color, and making it more probable to absorb stains in the hereafter.

Instead, make a solution of fifty/l isopropyl alcohol and water. Spray the spill and work information technology out gently with a microfiber material. If the residue notwithstanding doesn't lift, dampen a newspaper towel with the isopropyl alcohol solution and printing it over the mark. Let it sit for five to ten minutes and then wipe clean.

If all else fails, make a paste of baking soda and h2o and apply it to the spill. Use a microfiber textile to gently rub the rest, then wipe make clean using warm, soapy water. This method is particularly constructive at removing oily marks from granite.

Exist sure to launder the counter with fresh water and dry thoroughly one time the residue has been removed. This will keep your granite in acme condition.

How to remove stains from granite counters

If your granite countertop is stained, in most instances it tin notwithstanding exist stock-still. The cause of the stain volition determine the best mode to clean it.

H2o marks

Virtually water marks will disappear in one case they've completely evaporated, but if your granite is very porous, or the spill was large, yous might finish up with a dark, discoloured area. To remove water spots, use warm, soapy h2o to gently wash the stain. Rinse abroad whatsoever lather residue with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry out thoroughly.

If the stain is still in that location in one case the worktop is dry, effort using a paste of baking soda and a pocket-sized amount of water. For the most stubborn h2o marks, you can use fine steel wool (#0000) to gently buff out the mark. Never wet steel wool when you lot're using information technology on granite, as it will impairment the surface.

Oil-based stains

The all-time solution for oily stains is to use a paste of blistering soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, work it in gently using a soft textile, and go out for up to an hour. Remove any residue with a damp cloth and dry the area well. You may need to repeat this several times to remove large or deep stains.

Organic stains

Food stains can look very bad, but they tin can still be cleaned out of granite countertops. Fruit, java, soy sauce, and more can all stain granite, but they can exist removed with hydrogen peroxide if they don't respond to other cleaning methods.

What kind of stain is in my granite countertop?
WATER	OIL	ORGANIC
Difficult water	Cooking oil	Strawberries
Mineral deposits	Pizza grease	Tomato juice
Lather scum	Lipstick	Coffee

While hydrogen peroxide is slightly acidic and shouldn't be used regularly on your granite counter, you can use it to sparingly spot-clean stubborn stains. Make a paste from hydrogen peroxide and talcum powder and use it to the stained area. Rub the stain gently with a soft cloth, and wipe abroad any residue. Use fresh h2o to ensure you remove all of the remaining peroxide and protect your granite worktop from further damage.

DIY and natural granite cleaners

Unfortunately, well-nigh common DIY cleaners aren't suitable for use on natural stone. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and will damage your granite surfaces. Yet if you get a stain on your granite countertop, y'all can treat it with a poultice of baking soda and water. Mix two or three tablespoons of water with enough baking soda to brand a thick paste, and apply thinly to the stain. Work the stain out with a soft cloth using circular motions, and clean the area well with fresh water to remove whatever rest. Finally, dry your granite to prevent water marks from forming.

To disinfect your granite countertop, utilise a mixture of one office isopropyl alcohol and three parts water. Add a few drops of dish lather, and put the solution into a spray bottle. Mist the granite counter and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping away any excess with a dry microfiber cloth. This will boost your granite'southward natural antibacterial properties .

Pro Tip: If you want to add together a olfactory property to your cleaning solution, avoid citrus essential oils. Instead use tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender.

As a natural culling to dish lather, look for products with eco-friendly ingredients. Castile soap is too condom to use on granite. Simply substitute a few drops in place of dish lather.

How to polish granite until information technology shines

The appeal of granite countertops is their high shine finish, and y'all'll want to keep them looking sparkling make clean. There are a number of ways to smoothen granite counters. Y'all can buy a specialist granite polish for use on your worktops, or give 1 of these solutions a try.

Blistering soda

Cleaning pros love baking soda. It'southward an incredibly versatile, effective, and gentle cleaner for all kinds of surfaces—and it tin can also polish your granite countertops. Make a mixture of three parts baking soda to i part warm h2o, and combine until smooth. Use a sparse layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean cloth. Wipe away whatever remainder with a damp cloth and dry out the granite for a smooth, shiny surface.

Cooking oil

Although cooking oil can stain granite, in minor amounts information technology's also an effective smooth. Any typical oil will work, for instance vegetable or olive oil. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using circular motions. Don't forget to polish the edges of your counter! Oil will give your granite a prissy shine, and also help information technology repel water.

Sometimes granite looks dull as a event of etching. This is what happens when the granite surface is eroded. Small etches can be polished out using polishing powder (normally tin can oxide), but no amount of polishing volition undo the damage done by deep etching. Instead, telephone call a professional who can refinish the stone and restore your granite to its former celebrity.

What substances will stain granite countertops?

Although granite worktop owners should try to protect their natural stone surfaces, granite is by and large very resistant to stains. While the verbal stain resistance of your granite will depend on its porosity and colour, you lot can avoid it condign stained by taking a few simple precautions.

Water

Water can stain granite if information technology's allowed to soak in. Accept intendance to wipe up any spills equally shortly as possible, and pay particular attention to your counter in wet areas such as around sinks, or where you lot chop nutrient. Don't get out clammy sponges or cloths on your granite, and remember not to put your moisture gloves or umbrella on the kitchen counter when you come abode.

Even though water can stain your granite countertops, don't be afraid to apply information technology regularly for cleaning. H2o will only exit stains behind if it's allowed to soak into the rock, so be sure to e'er dry your counter thoroughly.

Oils

Oils can discolor granite surfaces, and the stains they leave behind can be harder to remove than water marks. The best way to avoid oily stains is to be vigilant near wiping downwardly your granite counter, especially around cooktops. Some foods also contain oils that can soak into your granite, so try to avert putting anything organic directly on elevation of your countertop. Use cutting boards and silicone mats to protect your granite from accidental damage.

Fruit juice, red wine, and soda

These drinks are all acidic, and accept potent colors. For granite counters, that'due south a bad combination. The acid eats into the surface of granite, and the colour permeates the rock, leaving etching and stains behind. Always wipe up these types of spills immediately, and utilize coasters to protect your countertop from beverage rings.

Bleach/ammonia

Whatsoever substance that isn't pH neutral can damage granite, and that includes the near common household cleaners. Unless you've tested a sample piece of your granite worktop, avoid using any strong solution as they can cause etching and discoloration.

Heat

You may be surprised to hear that hot pots and pans tin can damage your granite. After all, its natural rut resistance is one reason why granite is so pop. Granite tin can nevertheless exist damaged by rut because the sealants and finishes used on its surface are not estrus resistant to the same degree. This can effect in ugly black marks on your granite, or—in worst-case scenarios—even cause the granite to crevice. Rather than risk heat damage, use protective pads or trivets under your hot pans to protect your granite.

Fresh fruit

Just like fruit juice, fruit itself is usually acidic and brightly colored. Berries, grapes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are specially likely to harm granite and leaving stains behind. Protect your worktop past always putting something underneath any food you lot set out, especially fresh fruit.

Coffee

Coffee is acidic plenty to damage the surface of your granite countertop, leaving it boring and etched, and at chance of arresting stains. Keep java grounds away from your counter, apply coasters nether cups to avert rings, and consider putting a silicone mat beneath your coffeemaker to avoid any accidental spills.

Makeup

You might not recall about the impairment that makeup can do to your granite counters, but makeup products contain oils and dyes that can discolor natural stone. Avoid putting any makeup on your worktops, or place something underneath to protect the stone surface.

Should granite countertops be sealed?

In short, yeah. Sealants protect your granite from absorbing stains, giving you time to clean up before any damage occurs. Unsealed granite is much more than likely to be stained or damaged past everyday apply.

There are two types of sealant normally used on granite countertops. Topical sealers coat the granite with a protective layer, while impregnating sealers soak into the stone and fill upwards the pores that can absorb liquids and stains. Impregnating sealers tend to concluding longer than topical, only both kinds volition demand to be reapplied every year or two as they break downwards.

Colour enhancers

Color enhancers are applied like topical sealers, but they don't provide the same protection. Their purpose is to make the granite look glossy and "moisture," and bring out the natural color of the stone. You tin also use a color enhancer to mask damage caused by etching.Additionally, color enhancers tin can ameliorate the look of sure granite finishes, such every bit leathered or honed granite, which have a matte, slow finish.

You tin use a color enhancer on your granite worktop in tandem with a sealant, but it shouldn't be considered a replacement to properly sealing the rock.

How to seal a granite counter

You'll Need:

Dish soap or granite cleaning solution

Warm water

Microfiber cloths

Granite sealant

Note: Information technology's always best to follow the instructions of the production you're using, only this guide volition teach you the basics of how to seal a granite worktop. You lot should be able to seal your counters in about an hour, including drying times.

Step one: Make clean your granite surface thoroughly with warm, soapy water (or granite cleaner).

Step two: Use a fresh, clammy microfiber textile to remove any excess balance.

Step three: Utilize a dry out cloth to thoroughly dry out your countertop.

Footstep four: Leave the granite to dry out to ensure all the water has evaporated. This will take around ten or 15 minutes.

Footstep five: Spray sealant evenly across your granite, taking care to encompass all surfaces, including the sides.

Pace six: Rub in the sealant using a make clean, dry microfiber material.

Step 7: Leave the sealant to blot for almost 10 minutes, then wipe away any excess using a microfiber material.

Pro Tip: If you allow the sealant prepare for too long and it dries on your granite countertop, add a little bit more sealant to break information technology down and and so buff it away.

How to tell if granite sealant needs reapplying

Near granite sealants will last most a twelvemonth, but the exact time you lot need to reapply your sealant volition depend on how you use your kitchen and what your granite comes into contact with on a daily ground. To check if your sealant is still working, take a squirt bottle and spray a little water onto your counter. If you see the water beading, the sealant is still doing its chore of keeping liquids out. If the h2o doesn't dewdrop, information technology'southward fourth dimension to reseal. It's that simple.

How to maintain granite countertops

The best way to keep your granite counters looking their best is to prevent harm from happening. There are 5 key steps to protecting your granite:

Don't place anything hot or organic directly on granite surfaces
Guard against annoying dust and grit
Clean upward spills immediately
Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners
Seal your granite regularly

Prevention really is ameliorate than cure, so be mindful of how you use your granite surfaces, and what you place on them. Wiping your granite downward daily with a clammy cloth and buffing abroad excess wet volition also help you keep your granite gleaming, and give you a take a chance to observe whatsoever spills before they become stains.

With the right treatment, and a little daily attention , your granite counters will last a lifetime, and be the easiest matter in your house to clean. Just follow our pro cleaning tips and enjoy your beautiful granite countertops.

Granite Countertops How to Make It Shine Again

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