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.
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.
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.
Some Imperfections Require Repairing
Fissures occur in granite naturally, so calling them "imperfections" could be viewed as a misnomer. Yet, whether you view them as imperfections or not, they often get "repaired" by strengthening the stone with a "filler".
Though using a granite sealer can help you maintain the original finish to your stone, it won't necessarily restore the shine to the countertops. A stone restoration professional can fix this issue for you.
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.
If stubborn stains persist after following the above techniques, try using baking soda to remove any remaining marks, says Sokolowski. Mix baking soda and water until a paste forms. Gently spread the paste over the stain. Let the paste sit overnight.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner that is specifically designed for granite countertops to avoid damaging the surface. Wipe down the countertops with a soft cloth, and make sure to remove any debris or stains. Polish the Countertops: Once the countertops are clean, you can polish them to restore their shine.
Make a mixture of three parts baking soda to one part warm water, and combine until smooth. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your granite surface, and gently buff with a clean cloth. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the granite for a smooth, shiny surface.
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.
Hydrogen peroxide can be effective for removing certain types of stains on granite countertops, but it should be used with caution. It is important to test on a small, inconspicuous area first and to avoid using it too frequently, as it can potentially damage the sealant on the granite over time.
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.
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.
Another excellent compound is Tenax Granite Polishing Powder. Tenax is a leader in the stone-care industry and this polish is highly rated by users. We also use this compound in our workshop and factory and on job sites to produce a fresh glow on granite flooring, countertops and, in particular, wall panels.
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.
The cost of granite polishing averages $3 to $5 per sq. ft.
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.
Water and baking soda poultice for granite help remove oil-related stains, while combined water and hydrogen peroxide are great for others. For your mix you want the consistency of a thick paste. It should also have a puffy appearance. Next, apply the paste to the stained area of granite.
Your local hardware stores (and probably grocery stores) sell polish for granite. It depends on the level of work is needed to bring it back. But in the most severe cases, a polish and a buffing tool will bring it back. If it's a minor dulling, just a polish and some soft cloths will do the trick.
Poultice Treatments
For more stubborn stains, a poultice made from baking soda and water can be applied. Spread the paste over the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and leave it for 24-48 hours before cleaning it off. This can help draw out the stain from the granite.
Fizzy soft drinks such as cola are also acidic and contain strong colourings. Oils: spilt cooking oil from pots and pans can leave permanent stains which are difficult to remove. Some foods also contain oils, so remember to use chopping boards or mats for food preparation.
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.
Here's how to get stains out of granite: Water spots can be lightly dry buffed with a very fine steel wool (0000 grit). Oil-based stains such as milk can come clean with a gentle liquid household cleaner and soft cloth. Organic stains like juice can be removed with 12% hydrogen peroxide.