Look for a specialty granite cleaner, and follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning those countertops. Granite cleaners often require you to spray, let sit, wipe off, and buff dry, so it may take a little more time than you're used to, but you might be surprised at the difference it can make.
Film on granite countertops that is often described as "cloudy" is usually due to lapses in maintenance or improper technique with your cleaning materials or application.
You can identify hard water stains by their appearance. They appear as chalky white residue or light-colored spots on your granite surface.
The haze you see is from sealer residue on the surface of the stone. You did not do a good enough job of buffing (removing) the sealer after application and the excess sealer remained on the surface. Most likely your granite had no benefit from the enhancer anyway.
Mix a cleaning solution of 1 cup of cool water and 1 cup of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the granite and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Allow to air dry.
Do Not Use On Granite or Marble. If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
All you need to do is apply a little baking soda to the stain, wait for three to five minutes and wipe it off with your soft cloth and water. If the stain remains, reapply the baking soda on the stain, cover it with plastic paper and leave it for 12 hours. Chances are high the stains will get off when you rewash it.
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.
First, try Soft Scrub Oxi. This is a very mild cleaner that can avoid concern of damaging the surface; however, it may not be strong enough to remove the stain. Barkeeper's Friend has been shown to be very effective in combating cloudy blotches. For a less abrasive cleaner, try Bar Keeper's Friend soft cream.
Yes, common household substances like hydrogen peroxide and diluted bleach can effectively clean granite countertops without causing damage, when used properly.
Getting Rid of the Residue
If you want to attempt to remove product residue or hard water build up yourself, spray the stone with a pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner and allow ample dwell time to soften the residue. Then using gentle pressure and a white Scotch Brite pad or a Dobie pad, clean the stone.
The Chemistry of Sodium Bicarbonate
At such pH levels, baking soda can be described as being caustic, which means it isn't safe to use on natural stone.
Granite: Granite is considered one of the most durable countertops out there, but it is still susceptible to lemon juice damage because it has the mineral calcite. Lemon juice corrodes the calcite in the granite, leaving a white, splotchy stain where the lemon juice was.
Let its non-bleach cleaning ingredients do the work. For difficult stains, apply Bar Keepers Friend liquid or make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend powder and let it remain on the surface but for no longer than one minute (don't let it dry, or risk discoloration!) Rub gently as needed, rinse thoroughly.
Clean both the granite and the sink with soap and water and then with acetone. Apply that sealer every where but use sparingly. A little on a rag wipe on leave for 30 seconds then wipe off. That will bring the color back to the stone and the sink.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use to clean granite countertops. Not only is it safe to use on your cooking and food prep surfaces, but it is also a great degreaser and can remove stubborn grease stains. Be sure to mix it with water so the concentration isn't as strong, as you don't need to use more than a few drops.
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.
This may come as a surprise to many, but warm water and mild dish soap will thoroughly clean your granite countertops. It's simple, and maybe the most obvious choice, but it's extremely effective. When cleaning your countertops, harsh and abrasive cleaners such as acidic cleaners, vinegar, and bleach should be avoided.
Corrosive and acidic products damage natural stone countertops like marble and granite. Why? Because that harsh acidity eats away at your stone's polish and eventually damages the stone's outer layer, leaving a white milky residue behind after so many uses.
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.
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.
The best thing for that is to spray it with Windex and sprinkle bar keepers friend on it. Use a green scotch-brite scouring pad and plenty of elbow grease. CLR brand also makes a spray on scale remover that's MEANT FOR STONE. If a product does not outright say "safe for stone/granite" then its not safe for it.