Why does granite turn dark?

Over time (usually in excess of one year), improper cleaning (such as not completely removing food and beverage spills or residue contained in smoke from cooking) attacks the granite's color and clarity. As a result, the granite's surface becomes much darker in color compared than when it was new.

How do you restore darkened granite?

What causes granite to change color?

Why Does It Happen? Even if your granite seems extremely smooth to the touch, it is a natural substance, and on a microscopic level it is uneven and full of holes. The porous surface of stone allows water to cling to it and absorb, darkening the appearance.

How do you remove discoloration from granite?

Mix a poultice paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains), or baking soda and peroxide (for others), until it's as thick as peanut butter. Spread the mixture over the spot, cover it with plastic wrap that you've poked a few holes in, and secure it with masking tape. Let the poultice paste stand for 24 hours.

How do you brighten up granite?

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 Remove Stains from Granite | Stone Care International

Can baking soda damage granite?

How to Remove Tough Stains from Granite Surfaces. Baking soda is a really wonderful ingredient that is extremely useful for removing stains from granite without damaging the surface with harsh and abrasive chemicals. To make a baking soda paste for cleaning oil-based stains, mix baking soda and water.

Why does my granite look cloudy?

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.”

Can you ruin granite countertops?

Can granite be damaged? Even though granite is one of the most durable naturally occurring materials and is almost indestructible, granite countertops can be damaged. The good thing is that most forms of damage are the result of mistakes that can be avoided.

Why is my granite staining?

They are caused by the absorption of materials into the pores of the stone causing it to have a different color from the rest of the countertop. They can either come from spills or prolonged exposure to chemicals. The good news is, once the staining agent is removed, the stain on the granite countertop is gone too.

Can heat discolored granite?

Granite's Heat Resistance

An extreme heat source over an extended period could damage granite surface. The damage that might occur would involve a slight softening of the granite, which could lead to discoloration or gouges in an extreme scenario.

Does water make granite darker?

When the surface spill of water is wiped away, the stone appears darker where the water was standing. What you are seeing is the water trapped inside the granite, filling up these holes. The water saturated stone will look darker until the water evaporates and leaves the stone behind.

Does sealer darken granite?

Second, a typical impregnating granite sealer like these recommended marble & granite sealers should not darken or change the color at all. A "color-enhancing" sealer will darken the color, but they wouldn't be applying a color-enhancing granite sealer in this case.

Can water discolor granite?

So can water ruin granite? No, but it can discolor it so you want to be cautious with especially hard water on your granite countertops.

Can granite countertops be repolished?

Once you've re-polished on your granite surfaces, they need to be re-sealed. This will maintain the sheen while protecting porous stone from stains. Going Granite recommends a penetrating sealer because they offer the best protection for granite and most other stone surfaces.

Can you use vinegar on granite?

Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house! Also, avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the stone.

What should you not put on a granite countertop?

What causes dark spots on granite countertops?

Water Stains Granite isn't resistant to water staining, and it's not completely stain-proof. If your granite counters are routinely exposed to water, dark spots may appear if the surfaces aren't frequently sealed.

How do you fix a discolored countertop?

Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let sit for five minutes, then rinse off with a soft cloth. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so don't scrub. Repeat if necessary.

How often does granite need to be sealed?

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.

Is it OK to use Windex on granite countertops?

Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant.

What will ruin granite?

All acidic foods are dangerous for granite countertops, including citrus juice, wine, vinegar, and beauty products like nail polish remover. Acids can etch the surface, degrading its seal and exposing the vulnerable stone underneath to more stains.

Is quartz better than granite?

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.

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.

How do you keep granite countertops shiny and clean?

A great way to keep your granite looking shiny and new is to keep up on cleaning. While wiping the surface with mild dish soap, warm water and a paper towel can be effective for a quick cleanup, you will need to use a granite cleaner such as this one to get a deeper, more effective clean.

How do you know when granite needs to be sealed?