In order to reach the desired finishing, granite slabs are run through a series of progressively finer diamond polishing pads in a slab polishing machine. With each new layer of polishing, the finer the pads, the glossier the surface finish.
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.
Scrub the Surface
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.
Buy a polishing powder designed for natural stone countertops. You'll generally have to mix the powder with water to form a paste. Then “polish” problem areas with a soft cloth. Some products require you to leave the paste on overnight (mostly for stain removal).
If your granite dullness is light, a granite-polishing powder can be enough to fix it, since it can remove shallow scratches, stains, and other residues that can be the cause for granite to look faded and dull.
Mix one part water and one part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray it on the countertop and let the disinfectant sit for five minutes. Rinse with a damp cloth and buff the granite with a dry microfiber cloth to restore the shine.
Rock Doctor Granite and Quartz Polish is the best polishing agent for granite and other natural stone surfaces. If you are looking for a product that both keeps your granite's glossy finish intact and protects the stone from moisture, look no further than the Rock Doctor Granite and Quartz Polish.
Resealing granite prevents permanent damage to the stone and restores the original, factory shine. There are many sealers to choose from, but your granite countertops retailer should recommend the best product for your exact variety of stone.
Don't use harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing tools: Stick with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth. 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!
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
For example, hard water deposits, food debris, calcium deposits, grease and soap residue can build up on the surface over the course of years, and you probably won't notice. This build up causes the stone to deflect light rather than reflect it, which makes the countertop appear less shiny.
As good as a cleaner for windows and other glass surfaces, Windex has some elements on its compositions that can permanently damage granite when used for a long time. For that reason, you should never use Windex on granite.
Granite is a composite of magma and different kinds of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, amphiboles, and mica. The mineral mica is found in a lot of granite, and it is one of the things that gives granite a shimmery shine in certain places.
Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.
Over time, various factors like improper cleaning, hard water deposits, and lack of regolar polishing can contribute to the doll appearance of granite countertops. It's essential to identify these signs early on to take the necessary steps to restore your granite's lustrous shine.
Daily granite countertop care is as easy as cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid. If needed you can use a synthetic scrubbing pad to clean your granite counter. With the proper maintenance, granite countertops stay new-looking for a long time.
Polishing granite edges won't be difficult to do on your own. It's a common granite-related DIY project that needs minimal mechanical skills. With the right equipment and preparation, your granite edges will be polished in little to no time.
For regular granite cleaning, the best cleaner is nothing more sophisticated than mild dish soap diluted with water. (You can also make a homemade granite cleaner made with a base of rubbing alcohol.) Wet a sponge with water from the tap and squirt dish soap into its center. Bear in mind that granite scratches easily.
If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone. DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges. Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided.
Bar Keeper's Friend is a reliable choice for cleaning around the kitchen and home. The granite cleaner and polish kit comes with a spray formula and a microfiber cloth so you can get the best shine. It is safe for granite, quartz, silestone, and soapstone, and won't scratch delicate surfaces, even with daily use.
Granite is Heat Resistant
Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.