Additionally, applying a stone polish to granite will create a glossy finish. Rock Doctor's Granite and Quartz Polish are ideal for creating the glossy look that most homeowners want from their granite countertops. When applied frequently, a granite polish will help keep granite countertops glossy.
To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine. Even if you know how to clean countertops correctly, your granite will need to be resealed periodically.
Cooking oil. Although cooking oil can stain granite, in small amounts it's also an effective polish. Any typical oil will work, for example vegetable or olive oil. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using circular motions.
Polish: Apply a tiny amount of mineral or olive oil to a clean cloth or paper towel. Apply in the direction of the grain. Buff away the excess with the dry side of the cloth. This will help prevent fingerprints and make your countertops shine!
Over time substances can build up on the stone's surface. 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.
Use a pH-neutral granite cleaning solution and work it slowly and methodically across the countertop. Using anything too basic or acidic will weaken the sealant, so avoid solutions like bleach or vinegar. Some soap and water will suffice, along with a soft sponge. Also, avoid using abrasive pads for scrubbing.
Pledge is known for its lemon scent, and this lemon scent is what causes big problems for granite countertops. The citric acid in this cleaner can damage the sealer on your countertops, which opens the stone up for damage.
We do not recommend using vinegar when cleaning granite surfaces. While it is certainly a naturally strong stone and can withstand high temps, the acid in vinegar causes etching, which makes the surface dull and damaged. Over time, it will lose its sheen and natural beauty as the sealant wears away.
The best cleanser for granite countertops is a gentle dish soap such as Dawn or Ivory. Be sure to check the label on your dish soap for any harmful ingredients, especially citrus or essential oils.
Clorox wipes contain cleaning agents, including alcohol and bleach, that are effective at disinfecting surfaces. However, these ingredients are harsh on granite because they can strip away its protective sealant over time.
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.
Don't use WD-40 on natural stone
Because WD-40 is good for lots of cleaning tasks, you might be tempted to try it on stone tile or countertops. But natural stone is porous, and you shouldn't use WD-40 to clean it—WD-40 can soak into the surface of the stone and stain it.
One way to get rid of the cloudy residue is to use a baking soda paste. Another option is to use a commercial granite polish and a buffing pad to remove the haze. However, if you fear that you may cause more damage by trying to fix the problem yourself, one final option is to call out the experts.
Tenax Ager is the product to use when you are trying to achieve the "wet" effect. You can get that wet look indoors or outdoors since Ager can be used in both environments. This oil based color and grain enhancer is also a sealer that protects the stone form staining and from graffiti.
One of the top products in this category is MB-20 Stone Granite Polishing Cream. It is ideal for putting a bright factory shine on new countertops or restoring the gleam to countertops that have been in place for a number of years. We also use this product at Going Granite.
Granite Countertop Maintenance Tips:
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.
You can use a commercial polishing compound or make your own using baking soda and water. Apply your polish with a solid cloth using rub down your countertop using circular motions. Once you have applied the polish, start wiping away any excess with a clean cloth.
An occasional application of furniture polish can keep fingerprints off dark colored granite and will give the countertops a nice feel. 6. High and low temperatures will not harm your granite in any way. You can take a pan off the stove or a dish out of the oven and set it right on your countertop without damage.
The cost of granite polishing averages $3 to $5 per sq. ft.
While all granite sealers are designed to help protect surfaces, many also provide a nice shiny finish. A standard sealer will help generate a shiny finish that reflects more light than an unsealed surface. An enhancing sealer will create a shiny, wet look.
When it comes to polishing granite, it is essential to use products that are specifically designed for use on natural stone. Car polish, for example, may contain chemicals that can harm the surface of the granite over time. It is best to use a polishing product that is pH-neutral and safe for use on granite.