Why do my granite countertops always feel dirty?

Low quality granite slabs are not applied with resin in the factory. This means that the durability of your countertops is significantly compromised because the voids in the surface were never filled. The granite countertop grittiness is a sign that your new kitchen surfaces aren't structurally sound.

Why does my granite countertop feel dirty?

ANSWER: Grit on granite countertops is usually due to a low-grade / poor quality slab that cannot be fully polished. All the mineral grains of the granite will continue to flake off. Your options are to replace the countertop or apply a permanent topical coating to bind the granite surface.

How do you keep granite countertops shiny and clean?

Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.

Why do my granite countertops look greasy?

A filmy haze on granite countertops is often the result of allowing sealer to dry on the surface of the stone. Seal stone correctly by applying sealer in three-foot sections. Immediately buff the sealer into the stone until the surface is completely dry. Never simply apply a sealer and allow it to “soak in.”

Why are my granite countertops dull?

If you're lucky, the dullness on your granite countertops is simply the buildup of soap film. Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. It's an easy fix, though. Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back.

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Can granite be repolished?

Most granite surfaces require remedial polishing every five to 15 years, depending on the traffic or use they receive. Your newly polished granite must, of course, then be re-sealed to protect it from stains and other harmful issues. Doctor Granite discusses that process below.

How do you remove haze from granite?

Generally, over time the haze goes away after you wipe down your counters as you clean periodically. But if you want to act now, try using a damp towel followed by a dry towel to remove the haze. If that doesn't work, a mixture of dish soap and water applied with a microfiber cloth should clean it up.

How often should you seal granite?

If the granite surface immediately takes in most of the water and develops a dark mark or ring, you need to seal it once every few months. If it takes a few minutes for your stone countertop to soak up all the water, you only need to seal it once every year or two.

Should you reseal granite countertops?

Granite is one of the strongest materials on Earth, so is it really necessary to seal granite countertops? Absolutely! Granite that has not been properly sealed can store germs and moisture – things you don't want on your food preparation surfaces.

Is it OK to clean granite with Windex?

Windex contains ingredients that can permanently damage the granite. While the most common damage done by Windex is dulling the shine of the countertops, it can also cause pitting. Windex can strip the sealer off of your granite countertops, leaving the granite susceptible to staining and other damage.

Is it OK to use Clorox wipes on granite countertops?

Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.

How do you refresh a granite countertop?

Granite polishing powder: Also called stone polishing compound, powder offers a quick and easy way to put a fresh gleam on granite while removing minor scratches and stains. If using it dry, choose a buff polishing pad to work the polish over the surface of the granite in a steady, circular pattern.

Can you use Lysol wipes on granite countertops?

No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on granite countertops. This is because disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient. This is highly acidic and weakens the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to stains and discoloration.

How do you deep clean a granite countertop?

If you want to disinfect your granite, simply mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray the countertop and allow the solution to sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe down with a wash cloth. This should also restore your granite's brilliant shine.

Can you use pledge on granite countertops?

This everyday spray provides a gentle, streak-free clean to leave your granite and marble surfaces looking great. Use this Pledge spray daily as a quartz cleaner, granite spray cleaner, marble spray, or on any sealed stone surfaces. Product not appropriate for use on floors.

How do you tell if your granite is sealed?

What happens if you don't seal granite?

What Happens If You Don't Seal Granite Countertops? If you don't use a granite sealer on your countertops (or you wait too long before resealing granite countertops), they will: Absorb food, grease, and liquids — causing set-in stains on your countertop. Absorb water — making the countertop always look dirty.

Can you seal granite yourself?

The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.

Can you permanently seal granite?

The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop. Permanent sealers work with a couple of coats, unlike other types of sealers, there is no need to reapply the product ever again.

What cleaners are safe for granite?

How do you shine granite countertops naturally?

Make a mixture of three parts baking soda to one part warm water, and combine until smooth. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean cloth. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the granite for a smooth, shiny surface.

Is vinegar safe to clean granite countertops?

Vinegar on granite is a big no-no. This liquid, along with other acids in the kitchen such as lemon juice, soda pop or ammonia are very acidic and can etch your lovely granite countertops. Etching is a chemical reaction that happens when granite comes in contact with these acidic liquids.

Why does my granite feel rough?

The reason for gritty surfaces on granite kitchen countertops is most likely the fact that they were not correctly or completely finished in the first place. Granite slabs are finished and polished using specialized industrial equipment that produces the best possible finish for a particular slab.