Sometimes, a thorough cleaning can help lighten darkened granite. Use a granite-specific cleaner to gently cleanse the surface, removing any surface stains or residues.
Step one: Clean your granite surface thoroughly with warm, soapy water (or granite cleaner). Step two: Use a fresh, damp microfiber cloth to remove any excess residue. Step three: Use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry your countertop. Step four: Leave the granite to dry to ensure all the water has evaporated.
Understanding Granite Discoloration
While granite is known for its toughness, it is not wholly impervious to the effects of exposure to light, chemicals, and heat. Sunlight Exposure: Constant exposure to sunlight can cause the granite's color to fade or darken, depending on the types of minerals in the granite.
Make a paste made of baking soda and warm water. Allow the paste to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub into the countertop stain very gently. Baking soda is abrasive, and hard or prolonged scrubbing may damage some materials. Rinse with warm water and a reusable cleaning cloth.
Mix vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the rust-stained surface and let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub the area with a sponge or steel wool to remove the rust. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water and dry it completely.
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.
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.
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.
However, if the granite is unsealed, the liquid may penetrate the stone's pores. Nevertheless, even when this occurs, the stain is not necessarily permanent. A topical paste can be applied to draw out the moisture and effectively remove the stain in most cases.
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.
Some of the cheapest ways to change granite countertops without replacing them include painting, honing, or changing the finish, covering them with tile or laminate, and using countertop contact paper.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
In a spray bottle, create a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. One cup alcohol and one cup water should do it. Spray the entire counter down with the water/alcohol mixture and wait five minutes.
Soap and Liquid Cleaner Residues: The most common reason to remove granite's original shine and reflective surface are leftovers from soap foam or liquid cleaners. Even if a thin film of soap foam or liquid surface cleaner is left unwashed on granite, it can lead to dullness and take away granite's natural look.
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.
Yes, common household substances like hydrogen peroxide and diluted bleach can effectively clean granite countertops without causing damage, when used properly.
Bleach: While bleach is a great disinfectant, it can dull the finish of your granite and in some cases even change its color.
With normal use and care, granite surfaces are not likely to lose their colour over time. Granite's colour stays the same and doesn't change much from being in the sun or from normal use. Granite doesn't fade quickly because the minerals in it are naturally immune to UV light.
After scraping away the residue and cleaning the stone with water, you can use a polishing powder to restore the shine. These polishing products are safe for most stone. You will need to reseal the stone after completing this process. Another option for small areas is Stone Scrub or Acetone to remove residue.
Follow these tips to remove stains from your granite countertops. Make a paste of baking soda and water. With a soft sponge, apply the baking soda paste on the stain and work it into the stone. With a soft cloth, scrub the counter gently and rinse thoroughly.