Berries, grapes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are particularly likely to damage granite and leaving stains behind. If you want to know the best way to keep your granite countertops looking like new, or youre considering installing granite counters but are daunted by the maintenance, well show you how to keep your work surfaces effortlessly clean. What substances will stain granite countertops? : Its a myth that dark granite is harder than light granite. Always try to use a pH neutral cleaner on granite surfaces to avoid the risk of etching. The best way to keep your granite counters looking their best is to prevent damage from happening. This should not cause concern, however, as small chips are very easy to fix. Gentle dish soap and water is usually enough. Since granite is one of the least porous natural stones, re-sealing is only necessary roughly once per year. Although cooking oil can stain granite, in small amounts its also an effective polish. Step four: Leave the granite to dry to ensure all the water has evaporated. In order to reduce the likelihood of stains, you will need to keep up on cleaning and sealing. This is the result of the distinctive shine of the natural stone fading over time. Always wipe up these types of spills immediately, and use coasters to protect your countertop from drink rings. Maintenance on porous granite is also more intensive, because youll have to seal it more frequently and mop up any spills as soon as they happen. Or it might not be granite, or even igneous rock, at all. Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. Youll need a sample of your granite from the stone yard or store it came from in order to do this. Two of the best areLaticreteStoneTechBulletProofSealerandSuperior Zero Ultimate Stone Sealer. Use cutting boards and silicone mats to protect your granite from accidental damage. Pro Tip: If you let the sealant set for too long and it dries on your granite countertop, add a little bit more sealant to break it down and then buff it away. is also safe to use on granite. From routine care to sealing countertops, keeping natural stone beautiful is easy. If you want to know the best way to keep your granite countertops looking like new, or youre considering installing granite counters but are daunted by the maintenance, well show you how to keep your work surfaces effortlessly clean. Sealing is one of the most important steps for taking care of your granite countertops. Dont worry, it doesnt mean your beautiful granite surface is ruined forever. analysis are our top priorities. Finally, check how susceptible to staining your granite is by reviewing where you placed other test samples. Despite your best efforts, youll probably miss a spill at some point. With the right treatment, and a little daily attention, your granite counters will last a lifetime, and be the easiest thing in your house to clean. You should be able to seal your counters in about an hour, including drying times. How Do You Keep Granite Countertops in Good Shape? Even though water can stain your granite countertops, dont be afraid to use it regularly for cleaning. This will keep your granite in top condition. Instead, soak stains with water or a pH neutral cleaner and use a soft cloth to wipe them away. This means that stains and liquid can work their way down into the pores of the stone and cause damage. To protect against this, you must seal natural stone countertops. How Do You Remove Stains from a Granite Countertop? If you see the water beading, the sealant is still doing its job of keeping liquids out. If you cant get a sample, dont despair. This offer is valid for homes up to 3000sqft. Check out the guide at the bottom of this article for how to seal granite, or follow the manufacturers instructions. Avoid the temptation to use strong cleaners like bleach or ammonia, or DIY cleaners such as white vinegar or lemon juice. Water will only leave stains behind if its allowed to soak into the stone, so be sure to always dry your counter thoroughly. Rather than risk heat damage, use protective pads or trivets under your hot pans to protect your granite. Different types of stains (such as oil stains, hard water stains, etc.) How to tell if granite sealant needs reapplying, Dont place anything hot or organic directly on granite surfaces. The side of the granite that was sealed shouldnt show any water damage, even if the unsealed side does. If your granite looks dull, it has been etched by the acid in the lemon juice. This will prevent the oven cleaner from sitting on the stone for too long and continuing to lighten it beyond what you want. Instead, microfiber cloths are the best tool to use, as they wont scratch and they collect dust and dirt, rather than moving it around. For a final test, you can also add cooking oil, or stain sources such as coffee or cut fruit. Their purpose is to make the granite look glossy and wet, and bring out the natural color of the stone. . To check if your sealant is still working, take a squirt bottle and spray a little water onto your counter. Its that simple. This will depend on what type of granite you have, as some require more frequent sealing than others. First, make sure the area is clean and free from debris or residue. Many natural stone countertops like granite are extremely hard and are not easily broken or scratched. Never use any abrasive pad on granite or other natural stone surfaces. If the oil darkens the counter and you like the look, use Stone Color Enhancer to make it permanent. Create with Stylizer & mosaic design tool or tour inspiration gallery & virtual house. Some types of granite are harder than others, while some stain more easily. All Rights Reserved. When you have finished lightening the countertop, inspect it carefully. For the most detail, use a magnifying glass to examine the surface for any tiny abrasions or dulling, known as etching. Click here to post comments In the area where you put the lemon juice, you might see a change in the shine or surface texture of the granite. If you notice signs of etching, that means your granite worktop will need to be protected from acids such as lemon juice, tomatoes, and red wine. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'countertopspecialty_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',118,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; CountertopSpecialty.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Policy, Terms of To clean granite counters, first wipe away any dust or spills with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Granite polishing involves applying a polisher to the stone surface and buffing in a circular motion. Step six: Rub in the sealant using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If the residue still doesnt lift, dampen a paper towel with the isopropyl alcohol solution and press it over the mark. Its an incredibly versatile, effective, and gentle cleaner for all kinds of surfacesand it can also polish your granite countertops. Keep coffee grounds away from your counter, use coasters under cups to avoid rings, and consider putting a silicone mat beneath your coffeemaker to avoid any accidental spills. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and will damage your granite surfaces. Step seven: Leave the sealant to absorb for about ten minutes, then wipe away any excess using a microfiber cloth. If it is not, you can try repeating the process. Protect your worktop by always putting something underneath any food you set out, especially fresh fruit. Otherwise, find a stone restorer near you to take a look. How Can You Restore a Granite Countertop? Use a fresh, damp microfiber cloth to remove any excess residue. High mineral content in your water (hard water) can also result in a dulling buildup on your countertops. The best way to avoid oily stains is to be vigilant about wiping down your granite counter, especially around cooktops. If you would like a response from us, please leave your question in the comment area at the bottom of this page instead of here. Spray sealant evenly across your granite, taking care to cover all surfaces, including the sides. Mist the granite counter and let it sit for ten minutes before wiping away any excess with a dry microfiber cloth. As a natural alternative to dish soap, look for products with eco-friendly ingredients. Spray the spill and work it out gently with a microfiber cloth. True granite is igneous, meaning its been formed from lava. Instead, make a solution of 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water. Once your counter is clean, its important to dry it completely using a fresh microfiber cloth. Consult with your stone dealer or fabricator to determine the best selection for your particular stone. Granite is a popular choice for kitchen counters, as well as floor and wall tiles. This can result in ugly black marks on your granite, orin worst-case scenarioseven cause the granite to crack. How to remove dried spills from granite counters, Avoid the temptation to use strong cleaners like bleach or ammonia, or DIY cleaners such as. Because the minerals in granite are so variable, you cant tell how strong or porous granite is from the color. There are two types of sealant commonly used on granite countertops. Then polish problem areas with a soft cloth. Granite, and most natural stone in general, is porous. The acid eats into the surface of granite, and the color permeates the stone, leaving. Instead use tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender. Even mild, pH neutral all-purpose cleaners have the potential to dull counters due to soapy buildup. See the latest trends, inspiration, and how to's from the experts. Most stains can be removed using a DIY stain remover called a poultice. Rub the stain gently with a soft cloth, and wipe away any residue. The baby oil will evaporate over time. Dont forget to polish the edges of your counter! Fortunately, you often will not have to replace your countertops. Leave the sealant to absorb for about ten minutes, then wipe away any excess using a microfiber cloth. Any typical oil will work, for example vegetable or olive oil. like plagiarism or maliciously written content. Although water can discolor granite and leave marks behind, washing your granite with water is still the best way to clean it. Rub it over the lighter spot (or a portion thereof). For the most stubborn water marks, you can use fine steel wool (#0000) to gently buff out the mark. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean cloth. Reseal your countertop about every year or, if your granite doesn't see much action, every few years. Use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry your countertop. Remove any residue with a damp cloth and dry the area well. Marble.coms expert writers are committed to delivering content that adheres to high editorial standards. Thats why granite comes in a range of colors and crystal sizes: each granite deposit is as unique as the volcano that created it. The cause of the stain will determine the best way to clean it. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible. Make sure when you are doing this to always use a soft cloth never any harsh cleaning tools such as steel wool. Stop by a stone center to see beautiful natural stone in every type and style. Lastly, wait at least 24 hours before using your countertop. You can also use a color enhancer to mask damage caused by etching.Additionally, color enhancers can improve the look of certain granite finishes, such as leathered or honed granite, which have a matte, dull finish. Our pro tips will guide you through safely cleaning and maintaining your granite. Next add a small amount of (real) lemon juice beside the water, taking care not to mix them together. Rub in the sealant using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Dont experiment on your installed worktop. Because the minerals in granite are so variable, you cant tell how strong or porous granite is from the color. When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. No discoloration where the water was left on the granite means its non-porous and will be less likely to stain. Note: Its always best to follow the instructions of the product youre using, but this guide will teach you the basics of how to seal a granite worktop. If your granite countertops have begun to have a dull appearance, chips or other issues, it does not necessarily mean that you need new countertops. Let the countertop sit for 24 hours before use. This guide will provide you with knowledge of granite restoration, which can help have your countertops looking brand new in no time. Just substitute a few drops in place of dish soap. This will boost your granites natural. Step four: Wipe the granite clean and inspect it for stains and marks. There are many great granite sealers on the market. The best solution for oily stains is to use a paste of baking soda and water. Once you mix the poultice together, apply it to the granite surface at the site of the stain. All rights reserved. Color enhancers are applied like topical sealers, but they dont provide the same protection. Cleaning pros love baking soda. Take care to wipe up any spills as soon as possible, and pay particular attention to your counter in wet areas such as around sinks, or where you chop food. If youve tried everything else and you still have dull granite countertops, you may need to go for the big fix: refinishing. Water will only affect your granite if it remains on the surface long enough to soak in. While hydrogen peroxide is slightly acidic and shouldnt be used regularly on your granite counter, you can use it to sparingly spot-clean stubborn stains. The stone in your granite might contain silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, along with a variety of other minerals. Service. Finally, dry your granite to prevent water marks from forming. However if you get a stain on your granite countertop, you can treat it with a poultice of baking soda and water. When you buy a granite countertop, what youre getting is one of a number of different kinds of rock. Step three: Use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry your countertop. Other than the methods you can do on your own listed above, you can also have a stone restoration professional address your granite countertop issues. For granite counters, thats a bad combination. Instead use tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender. The lemon and water test for granite countertops, Optional: cooking oil, coffee, sliced fruit e.g. Youll generally have to mix the powder with water to form a paste. Remember that the shine on your countertops comes from the finish on the stone itself. For the most detail, use a magnifying glass to examine the surface for any tiny abrasions or dulling, known as etching. Let it sit for five to ten minutes and then wipe clean. Pro Tip: Its a myth that dark granite is harder than light granite. What is the Best Sealer for Granite Countertops? Make sure your dish soap doesnt contain any citrus extracts or essential oils. You should view it at different angles and under different light sources to be sure you see everything. Refinishing should be done by a pro. How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops, How to Properly Clean and Protect Hands from Coronavirus, How to Clean Hair and Dust from a Bathroom Floor. If you havent chosen your granite countertop yet, or you know the store your installed granite came from, you can probably get a sample piece in order to stain test. There are several types of sealers to choose from. If you want to add a scent to your cleaning solution, avoid citrus essential oils. This indicates that the granite has absorbed the liquid, meaning its porous. These products are a bit abrasive so use caution and follow the instructions carefully. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using circular motions. Leave the granite to dry to ensure all the water has evaporated. Give countertops an occasional deep cleaning with a soap scum and mineral buildup remover and treat stains with a polishing compound as needed. Wipe up spills as soon as you can, and avoid placing any stain sources onto the granite. Or it might not be granite, or even igneous rock, at all. Its harder than marble, and its shiny surface and wide range of colors mean its an elegant, timeless addition to any home. These drinks are all acidic, and have strong colors. Although one or two uses of these solutions might not look like theyve done any harm, over time theyll slowly erode the granite surface, leaving it dull, changing its color, and making it more likely to absorb stains in the future. Many granite cleaning products, likethis one, can help retain your stones beauty. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on our site. Avoid putting any makeup on your worktops, or place something underneath to protect the stone surface. You may be surprised to hear that hot pots and pans can damage your granite. Unfortunately, granites good looks and useful properties do come with a premium price tag. Wire cleaners, brushes, and even sponges can scratch and scuff the surface. Acidic or alkali cleaners can both damage the surface of your granite, making it look dull and dark. Never use abrasive or acidic cleansersthat pretty much eliminates most household cleaners. Use fresh water to ensure you remove all of the remaining peroxide and protect your granite worktop from further damage. Headquartered in Tampa Bay, is a popular choice for kitchen counters, as well as floor and wall tiles. powered by Disqus. Oven cleaner (sodium hydroxide-based), such as Easy Off. These products can damage natural stone. Accurate sourcing and objective Dont leave damp sponges or cloths on your granite, and remember not to put your wet gloves or umbrella on the kitchen counter when you come home. Other than countertops, consider using granite for backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and even outdoor living areas. Grease stains or mild etching from acids in foods over time can make your countertops less shiny. You may need to re-seal it. Most water marks will disappear once theyve completely evaporated, but if your granite is very porous, or the spill was large, you might end up with a dark, discoloured area. Food stains can look very bad, but they can still be cleaned out of granite countertops. strawberries, blueberries. Apply Stone Color Enhancer BEFORE you apply sealer. If youve taken a wrong turn in caring for your countertops how do you get back that beautiful surface that you fell in love with? You should view it at different angles and under different light sources to be sure you see everything. Dull countertops may just need a reseal to get back to looking their best. Sealants protect your granite from absorbing stains, giving you time to clean up before any damage occurs. Work the stain out with a soft cloth using circular motions, and clean the area well with fresh water to remove any residue. Just like fruit juice, fruit itself is usually acidic and brightly colored. Its an easy fix, though. As for the process itself, re-sealing your granite countertop is not difficult or time consuming. Allow the test granite to sit for at least an hour. Water can stain granite if its allowed to soak in. In short, yes. Metamorphic Dolomites are sometimes sold as granite, as are sedimentary breccias and gabbros. Thats it! Small etches can be polished out using polishing powder (usually tin oxide), but no amount of polishing will undo the damage done by deep etching. Pro Tip: Make sure your dish soap doesnt contain any citrus extracts or essential oils. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the granite for a smooth, shiny surface. The lemon and water test is a great, simple way of finding out how your granite countertop will react to different stains and cleaning solutions. Knowing what will stain your particular work surface, and what cleaners you can and cant use on it, is a good first step to maintaining it properly. Granite countertops can occasionally be impacted by chipping. will require different ingredients for the poultice or methods for removal. These drinks are all acidic, and have strong colors. If youre lucky, the dullness on your granite countertops is simply the buildup of soap film. to dish soap, look for products with eco-friendly ingredients. , your granite counters will last a lifetime, and be the easiest thing in your house to clean. If you let the sealant set for too long and it dries on your granite countertop, add a little bit more sealant to break it down and then buff it away. Use coasters, trivets, hot pads, and cutting boards to protect your granite countertop. Try rubbing your fingers over the spot if you dont see anything, just to be sure. This is a paste that youmix togetherand apply to the stain. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. Most soap film removers will do the job, but you can also find combination soap buildup/mineral deposit removers that can tackle both problems. Rinse away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry thoroughly. How Do You Fix Chips in a Granite Countertop? You can also contact the natural stone experts at our Stone Centers. The stone in your granite might contain silica, mica, feldspar, or quartz, along with a variety of other minerals. The following will highlight four ways you can restore your granite countertop to its original beautiful appearance: Despite granite countertops being stain resistant, no stone countertops are totallystain-proof. Some types of granite etch very easily, while others hardly react to even strong acids. After this, you can remove the plastic wrap and the stain should be gone. You got granite countertops because they were virtually indestructible, but now you find yourself with a dull surface that's nothing like the beautiful countertop you started out with. Where the water (and oil, if used) was placed on the granite, check for darkening of the stone. Never wet steel wool when youre using it on granite, as it will damage the surface. Although granite worktop owners should try to protect their natural stone surfaces, granite is generally very resistant to stains. Its harder than. Clean your granite surface thoroughly with warm, soapy water (or granite cleaner). Coffee is acidic enough to damage the surface of your granite countertop, leaving it dull and etched, and at risk of absorbing stains. You can use a color enhancer on your granite worktop in tandem with a sealant, but it shouldnt be considered a replacement to properly sealing the stone. Pros recommend that you reseal every year or two depending on the amount of use. We have a zero-tolerance policy for unethical practices Apply the paste to the stain, work it in gently using a soft cloth, and leave for up to an hour. This will boost your granites natural antibacterial properties. Make sure to never use common household cleaning products, such as bleach, Windex and others on your granite countertops. All of these are too abrasive for use on natural stone without risking damage. Mix two or three tablespoons of water with enough baking soda to make a thick paste, and apply thinly to the stain. Next add a small amount of (real) lemon juice beside the water, taking care not to mix them together. For most day-to-day cleaning, you dont need to use a lot of complicated or specialized chemicals on your granite counter. All of these are too abrasive for use on natural stone without risking damage. Dull granite countertops can be fixed in many ways. The acid eats into the surface of granite, and the color permeates the stone, leaving etching and stains behind. Larger homes will receive a discounted rate. The appeal of granite countertops is their high shine finish, and youll want to keep them looking sparkling clean. Step one: Use decorators tape to divide your test granite in half, and seal one half using the brand of sealant you plan to use on your countertop. Unsealed granite is much more likely to be stained or damaged by everyday use. Check out the guide at the bottom of this article for how to seal granite, or follow the manufacturers instructions. If your granite countertop is stained, in most instances it can still be fixed. After you have applied your sealant, wait 15 minutes for it to set in. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'countertopspecialty_com-box-3','ezslot_3',105,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-box-3-0')}; Return to Granite Counter Top Questions & Answers. To remove water spots, use warm, soapy water to gently wash the stain. If the finish is damaged, no amount of cleaning, buffing, and polishing can get it back. Sometimes granite looks dull as a result of etching. If you do happen to encounter stains on your granite countertop, you can fix the issue relatively easily. Yours was probably sealed when it was installed. You must be logged in before you can vote. Because this is the case, you will want to take great care of the surfaces so they can look as nice as the day they were first installed years down the road. Whenever you get porous granite countertops wet, you run the risk of them becoming discolored. Then use warm water with a small amount of dish soap to wash granite surfaces down. All stone countertops need to be sealed to protect them from daily wear and tear. cleaner on granite surfaces to avoid the risk of etching. If the test does not go well, use the method above for Darkening the Granite instead. The countertops often complete any remodel. Always wipe up these types of spills immediately, and use coasters to protect your countertop from drink rings. Granite even has antibacterial and heat resistant properties too. To disinfect your granite countertop, use a mixture of one part isopropyl alcohol and three parts water.