You may have noticed other companies recommend that you professionally polish your granite at least every 5-15 years. This is a pretty broad range and much longer than the weekly granite polish we recommend. But there are many factors that determine how often granite should be professionally polished.
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.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
If you clean and polish your granite countertops and they remain dull and scratched, you may need to apply a fresh layer of sealantOpens a new window. The original finish usually lasts around 3-5 years, with some hanging on for ten years.
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.
Granite polishing powder: Also called stone polishing compound, powder offers a quick and easy way to put a fresh gleam on granite while removing minor scratches and stains. If using it dry, choose a buff polishing pad to work the polish over the surface of the granite in a steady, circular pattern.
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.
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.
The polish will dry to a dull finish, which you can then buff with a clean cloth to achieve your desired shine. Polishing your granite countertops helps to protect them from stains and spills, but the most important thing you can do to protect your natural stone surfaces is to make sure that they are properly sealed.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
A simple water test will help you determine if sealer is needed. Pour about a quarter cup of water on a few areas of the counter. See how long it takes for the water to absorb. If the water absorbs into the stone in less than five minutes, the stone does need to be sealed.
Wood has its grain, and stone has its pores. Fortunately, it's easy to seal a granite countertop. It takes just a few minutes and requires little more than a granite sealer and a clean pad.
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.
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.
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.
Your best bet is to use a stone-specific cleaner. There are a number of good makers of stone cleaners. Another option is to simply use a high quality microfiber cloth (and yes, the quality does matter) with plain, everyday water. And, whatever you do DON'T use a vinegar solution.
While a cloudy film on your granite countertops can be alarming and annoying, it's a very common occurrence in natural stone countertops. A cloudy film is mostly caused by a build-up of substances on the top layer of porous stone but can also be caused by poor sealing methods and by using the wrong cleaners.
Is a Rough Granite Countertop Surface Normal? If grit is present on your granite countertop, it is likely due to poor quality granite – an issue which cannot be solved readily without countertop replacement. In some instances, grout particles may flake off from newly grouted backsplash, although this is less common.
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.
Buff the granite with cooking oil to provide shine and stain resistance. Apply cooking oil to a clean cloth, then make circular motions across the surface of the countertop. Use gentle pressure as you buff the surface.
A mild dish soap is the handiest cleaner you have that is safe for granite. Alternatively, consider a commercial cleaner that's specifically formulated for granite. Many natural cleaning products are also safe for use on this surface, but read the label for confirmation before using them.
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.
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.