How to Make Granite Smooth Again

Granite is a popular choice for kitchen counters, every bit well as flooring and wall tiles. It'southward harder than marble , and its shiny surface and broad range of colors hateful information technology's an elegant, timeless addition to any home. Granite fifty-fifty has antibacterial and heat resistant properties likewise. Unfortunately, granite'southward skillful looks and useful backdrop do come with a premium price tag. If you desire to know the best way to keep your granite countertops looking like new, or you're considering installing granite counters but are daunted by the maintenance, nosotros'll bear witness you lot how to keep your piece of work surfaces effortlessly clean.

What is granite?

When yous buy a granite countertop, what you're getting is ane of a number of different kinds of stone. True granite is igneous, significant it'due south been formed from lava. What's in your granite will depend on where information technology was formed, how long it took to absurd, and more. That's why granite comes in a range of colors and crystal sizes: each granite deposit is as unique as the volcano that created information technology.

The rock in your granite might contain silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, along with a multifariousness of other minerals. Or it might not be granite, or even igneous stone, at all. Metamorphic Dolomites are sometimes sold as granite, equally 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 practise have an result on how you clean your granite countertop. Some types of granite are harder than others, while some stain more easily. Knowing what will stain your item work surface, and what cleaners you lot tin can and can't use on it, is a good first step to maintaining it properly.

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

If you 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 club to stain exam. If you 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 test for granite countertops

You'll Need:

A sample of your granite counter
Water
Real lemon juice
Optional: cooking oil, java, sliced fruit east.g. strawberries, blueberries
Decorator'southward record
Granite sealant
Optional: magnifying glass

The lemon and water test is a dandy, unproblematic way of finding out how your granite countertop will react to different stains and cleaning solutions. You'll need a sample of your granite from the stone yard or shop it came from in order to do this. Don't experiment on your installed worktop.

Step one: Use decorator's tape to divide your exam granite in half, and seal one half using the brand of sealant yous plan to apply on your countertop. Check out the guide at the bottom of this article for how to seal granite, or follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Footstep two: Once your sealant has set, put your granite on a level surface and add a small corporeality of h2o 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, you tin can as well add cooking oil, or stain sources such as java or cut fruit.

Step iii: Allow the exam granite to sit down for at least an hour.

Stride 4: Wipe the granite clean and audit it for stains and marks. You should view it at different angles and under different lite sources to be sure you run into everything. For the most detail, use a magnifying glass to examine the surface for whatsoever tiny abrasions or dulling, known equally etching.

What y'all're looking for:

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

The side of the granite that was sealed shouldn't evidence any water damage, even if the unsealed side does. If the granite darkens despite existence sealed, it's highly porous and you'll need a specialized sealant to protect your piece of work surfaces. Maintenance on porous granite is also more intensive, considering you'll have to seal it more ofttimes and mop up any spills as soon as they happen.

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

In the area where you put the lemon juice, you might encounter a modify in the smoothen or surface texture of the granite. Effort rubbing your fingers over the spot if you don't encounter annihilation, just to exist sure. If your granite looks dull, information technology has been etched by the acid in the lemon juice.

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

The primary purpose of sealant is to make granite less absorbent, not to stop chemical damage. Therefore a sealant won't completely protect your granite from etching, merely it should reduce the event.

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

How to clean a granite countertop

For near mean solar day-to-twenty-four hours cleaning, you lot don't need to use a lot of complicated or specialized chemicals on your granite counter. Wipe up spills as shortly as you can, and avoid placing any stain sources onto the granite.

Although water can discolor granite and leave marks backside, washing your granite with water is however the best way to clean information technology. The cardinal is to use only as much water as necessary (don't alluvion the stone) and brand sure to wipe and dry your granite countertops every bit soon equally you're done cleaning. Water will but touch your granite if it remains on the surface long enough to soak in.

E'er endeavour to use a pH neutral cleaner on granite surfaces to avert the risk of etching. Gentle dish lather and water is usually enough. Acidic or alkali cleaners tin both damage the surface of your granite, making it look dull and nighttime.

What non to use to clean granite counters

Lemon juice
Vinegar
Citric acid
Ammonia
Bleach
Windex
Lysol

What y'all should utilise to clean granite countertops

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

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

To clean granite counters, first wipe away any dust or spills with a clean, damp microfiber textile. Then use warm h2o with a small amount of dish lather to launder granite surfaces down. Wring out the cloth and wipe again with make clean water to remove any soap balance, as over fourth dimension it can leave a film behind, particularly on nighttime granite.

Pro Tip: Make sure your dish lather doesn't comprise whatsoever citrus extracts or essential oils. Fifty-fifty though they're only used in very small amounts, they can even so harm granite worktops.

Never use any abrasive pad on granite or other natural rock surfaces. Wire cleaners, brushes, and even sponges can scratch and scuff the surface. Instead, microfiber cloths are the best tool to use, as they won't scratch and they collect dust and dirt, rather than moving it effectually.

If your granite countertop has a sticky stain, avoid the temptation to scrub it away. Instead, soak stains with h2o or a pH neutral cleaner and use a soft cloth to wipe them abroad. If you have a larger stain such equally dried food to remove, you tin can carefully apply a plastic scraper to dislodge the residue.

Once your counter is clean, it'south important to dry it completely using a fresh microfiber cloth. If y'all leave water on granite countertops you lot risk discoloring the stone.

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

How to remove stale spills from granite counters

Despite your best 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 stiff cleaners like bleach or ammonia, or DIY cleaners such as white vinegar or lemon juice. All of these are too abrasive for utilize on natural rock without risking harm. Although 1 or two uses of these solutions might not look like they've washed any harm, over time they'll slowly erode the granite surface, leaving it wearisome, irresolute its color, and making information technology more likely to absorb stains in the time to come.

Instead, make a solution of 50/fifty isopropyl booze and water. Spray the spill and work it out gently with a microfiber cloth. If the rest nevertheless doesn't lift, dampen a paper towel with the isopropyl alcohol solution and printing information technology over the mark. Let information technology sit for five to ten minutes and and then wipe make clean.

If all else fails, make a paste of baking soda and water and utilise it to the spill. Apply a microfiber fabric to gently rub the residue, then wipe make clean using warm, soapy h2o. This method is particularly effective at removing oily marks from granite.

Be sure to wash the counter with fresh water and dry thoroughly once the balance has been removed. This will continue your granite in top status.

How to remove stains from granite counters

If your granite countertop is stained, in most instances it can still be stock-still. The crusade of the stain will determine the best mode to clean it.

Water marks

Most water marks will disappear once they've completely evaporated, only if your granite is very porous, or the spill was large, yous might end upward with a dark, discoloured area. To remove water spots, use warm, soapy h2o to gently launder the stain. Rinse away any lather residue with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry thoroughly.

If the stain is still there once the worktop is dry, try using a paste of blistering soda and a small amount of water. For the well-nigh stubborn water marks, yous tin can employ fine steel wool (#0000) to gently buff out the marker. Never wet steel wool when you're using it on granite, every bit it will impairment the surface.

Oil-based stains

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

Organic stains

Food stains can look very bad, only they can still be cleaned out of granite countertops. Fruit, coffee, soy sauce, and more than tin all stain granite, but they can be 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
Hard water	Cooking oil	Strawberries
Mineral deposits	Pizza grease	Tomato juice
Soap scum	Lipstick	Coffee

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

DIY and natural granite cleaners

Unfortunately, almost common DIY cleaners aren't suitable for use on natural stone. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and will damage your granite surfaces. Notwithstanding if you get a stain on your granite countertop, you can care for it with a poultice of baking soda and water. Mix ii or 3 tablespoons of water with enough blistering soda to make a thick paste, and apply thinly to the stain. Work the stain out with a soft cloth using circular motions, and make clean the surface area well with fresh water to remove any residual. Finally, dry your granite to prevent water marks from forming.

To disinfect your granite countertop, employ a mixture of one part isopropyl booze and three parts water. Add a few drops of dish soap, and put the solution into a spray canteen. Mist the granite counter and allow it sit for x minutes before wiping away any excess with a dry microfiber cloth. This will heave your granite's natural antibacterial properties .

Pro Tip: If you want to add a aroma to your cleaning solution, avert citrus essential oils. Instead utilise tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender.

Equally a natural alternative to dish soap, look for products with eco-friendly ingredients. Castile soap is also condom to employ on granite. Merely substitute a few drops in place of dish soap.

How to polish granite until it shines

The appeal of granite countertops is their high polish cease, and yous'll want to proceed them looking sparkling clean. There are a number of ways to shine granite counters. You can buy a specialist granite smoothen for employ on your worktops, or give i of these solutions a endeavor.

Baking soda

Cleaning pros love blistering soda. It's an incredibly versatile, constructive, and gentle cleaner for all kinds of surfaces—and information technology can also polish your granite countertops. Brand a mixture of three parts baking soda to i office warm h2o, and combine until polish. Utilise a sparse layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean fabric. Wipe away whatsoever residue with a damp cloth and dry out the granite for a smooth, shiny surface.

Cooking oil

Although cooking oil tin stain granite, in modest amounts it's also an constructive smoothen. Any typical oil will piece of work, for example vegetable or olive oil. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean material, and vitrify the granite using circular motions. Don't forget to polish the edges of your counter! Oil will give your granite a dainty shine, and as well help it repel water.

Sometimes granite looks dull as a result of etching. This is what happens when the granite surface is eroded. Small etches can exist polished out using polishing powder (commonly tin oxide), but no corporeality of polishing will undo the impairment done by deep etching. Instead, telephone call a professional person who can refinish the stone and restore your granite to its sometime glory.

What substances will stain granite countertops?

Although granite worktop owners should effort to protect their natural stone surfaces, granite is generally very resistant to stains. While the exact stain resistance of your granite will depend on its porosity and color, you can avoid it becoming stained by taking a few simple precautions.

H2o

H2o tin stain granite if it'south allowed to soak in. Have care to wipe up any spills as shortly as possible, and pay detail attention to your counter in wet areas such as around sinks, or where yous chop food. Don't exit damp sponges or cloths on your granite, and think not to put your wet gloves or umbrella on the kitchen counter when you come home.

Even though water tin can stain your granite countertops, don't be agape to use it regularly for cleaning. Water will only leave stains behind if it's immune to soak into the rock, so be sure to always dry your counter thoroughly.

Oils

Oils can discolor granite surfaces, and the stains they leave behind tin can be harder to remove than h2o marks. The best style to avert oily stains is to exist vigilant virtually wiping downwards your granite counter, especially around cooktops. Some foods also contain oils that tin can soak into your granite, so try to avoid putting anything organic straight on top of your countertop. Apply cutting boards and silicone mats to protect your granite from adventitious impairment.

Fruit juice, ruby-red vino, and soda

These drinks are all acidic, and have strong colors. For granite counters, that's a bad combination. The acid eats into the surface of granite, and the color permeates the stone, leaving etching and stains behind. Always wipe up these types of spills immediately, and use coasters to protect your countertop from drink rings.

Bleach/ammonia

Any substance that isn't pH neutral can damage granite, and that includes the nigh mutual household cleaners. Unless you've tested a sample piece of your granite worktop, avoid using any potent solution as they can crusade carving and discoloration.

Heat

You may exist surprised to hear that hot pots and pans can damage your granite. Later on all, its natural heat resistance is one reason why granite is so pop. Granite can yet exist damaged by heat because the sealants and finishes used on its surface are not oestrus resistant to the same degree. This tin can upshot in ugly blackness marks on your granite, or—in worst-instance scenarios—fifty-fifty crusade the granite to crack. Rather than take chances rut damage, use protective pads or trivets under your hot pans to protect your granite.

Fresh fruit

Just like fruit juice, fruit itself is commonly acidic and brightly colored. Berries, grapes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are particularly probable to impairment granite and leaving stains behind. Protect your worktop by always putting something underneath any food you lot set out, especially fresh fruit.

Java

Java is acidic plenty to harm the surface of your granite countertop, leaving it ho-hum and etched, and at risk of arresting stains. Keep coffee grounds abroad from your counter, employ coasters under cups to avoid rings, and consider putting a silicone mat below your coffeemaker to avoid any accidental spills.

Makeup

You might not think about the damage that makeup can do to your granite counters, just makeup products comprise oils and dyes that can discolor natural stone. Avoid putting whatsoever makeup on your worktops, or place something underneath to protect the stone surface.

Should granite countertops be sealed?

In short, aye. 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 by everyday apply.

There are two types of sealant commonly used on granite countertops. Topical sealers coat the granite with a protective layer, while impregnating sealers soak into the stone and fill up up the pores that can absorb liquids and stains. Impregnating sealers tend to terminal longer than topical, just both kinds will need to be reapplied every year or 2 as they break downwardly.

Colour enhancers

Color enhancers are applied like topical sealers, merely they don't provide the aforementioned protection. Their purpose is to brand the granite look glossy and "wet," and bring out the natural colour of the rock. You can as well use a color enhancer to mask damage caused by etching.Additionally, color enhancers can ameliorate the look of sure granite finishes, such as leathered or honed granite, which have a matte, dull stop.

Y'all can use a colour enhancer on your granite worktop in tandem with a sealant, but it shouldn't be considered a replacement to properly sealing the stone.

How to seal a granite counter

You'll Demand:

Dish soap or granite cleaning solution

Warm water

Microfiber cloths

Granite sealant

Note: Information technology'south always best to follow the instructions of the product you're using, but this guide will teach you the basics of how to seal a granite worktop. You should be able to seal your counters in well-nigh an hr, including drying times.

Pace 1: Clean your granite surface thoroughly with warm, soapy water (or granite cleaner).

Stride two: Utilise a fresh, damp microfiber textile to remove any excess residue.

Step iii: Use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry out your countertop.

Stride four: Get out the granite to dry to ensure all the h2o has evaporated. This will take around 10 or 15 minutes.

Stride five: Spray sealant evenly beyond your granite, taking care to embrace all surfaces, including the sides.

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

Footstep seven: Leave the sealant to absorb for most ten minutes, and so wipe away whatsoever excess using a microfiber textile.

Pro Tip: If y'all allow the sealant gear up for likewise long and it dries on your granite countertop, add a little bit more sealant to pause it down and then buff information technology away.

How to tell if granite sealant needs reapplying

Nearly granite sealants will last almost a year, but the verbal time you lot need to reapply your sealant volition depend on how you lot use your kitchen and what your granite comes into contact with on a daily footing. To bank 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 notwithstanding doing its job of keeping liquids out. If the h2o doesn't bead, it's time to reseal. It's that elementary.

How to maintain granite countertops

The best way to keep your granite counters looking their best is to prevent impairment from happening. In that location are five central steps to protecting your granite:

Don't place annihilation hot or organic direct on granite surfaces
Guard against annoying dust and grit
Clean up spills immediately
Avert harsh chemicals and cleaners
Seal your granite regularly

Prevention really is better than cure, so be mindful of how you lot employ your granite surfaces, and what you place on them. Wiping your granite downwardly daily with a damp cloth and buffing away excess moisture volition as well help y'all keep your granite gleaming, and give yous a run a risk to find whatsoever spills before they become stains.

With the right handling, and a niggling daily attention , your granite counters will terminal a lifetime, and be the easiest affair in your house to clean. But follow our pro cleaning tips and relish your beautiful granite countertops.

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