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.
This soft, malleable material can trap dirt within its layers and, as it accumulates, can give the surface a yellow hue. This issue is commonly reported when someone believes their granite counters need repolishing. Wear on surfaces is typically caused by grinding sand or dirt underfoot.
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.
The appearance of discoloration, dullness, and staining can be disheartening for those who've invested in granite and quartz countertops. Fortunately, the majority of discoloration, dullness, or staining issues are related to water and typically affect only the surface of the stone.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
Fancy cleaners aren't necessary for cleaning granite counters on a daily basis. You really only need three things: Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a microfiber cloth. Tip: Make sure your dishwashing liquid doesn't contain citrus extracts, as they're too acidic for granite countertops.
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.
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.
Your granite countertop is sealed when installed, and it is recommended that it be resealed one year after installation or sooner if you start to notice water stains that evaporate slowly in a given area. You might also consider sealing granite if you are selling your home.
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.
There are several different reasons for cloudy-looking granite, but the most common is simply because they're not completely clean. Grease from food prep or cooking splatters can get smeared across your countertops, making it look hazy.
Here are all the types of surfaces you can clean with Dawn® Powerwash: Stainless steel appliances, pots, handles, and fixtures. Light and dark granite countertops and backsplashes. Quartz countertops and backsplashes.
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.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
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.
Fissures and Pits. Any granite that you purchase, no matter its source or its grade may have natural fissures or pits in its surface. Some of these are harmless; cosmetic cracks or small indentations in the stone. But others could actually weaken the structure and integrity of the countertop.
Glass cleaners, bleach, ammonia and acids such as lemon or vinegar can strip the countertop sealant. This will leave granite more receptive to stains. The best way to clean granite counters is to choose a countertop cleaner formulated for granite. Or you can make your own cleaner from mild dish soap.
If left unsealed, granite countertops can become vulnerable to stains and damage over time. Granite, being a porous material, naturally absorbs liquids. Without proper sealing, liquids spilled in the kitchen, such as wine, oil, coffee, or food can seep into the pores, leaving behind stubborn stains.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
You can hire a professional to seal your countertop on a regular basis. Doing so will cost you up to $2 per square foot. However, for about a quarter of that price, you can do it yourself — and it's not a difficult project at all. If you've never sealed your countertops before, it can be a bit intimidating.
Granite surfaces feature tiny pores that can absorb liquids, staining the surface. Thankfully, granite is one of the least porous natural stones. When properly sealed, it won't stain at all. But over time, the seal on your granite counter will start to deteriorate, leaving it open to stains.
As with many organic substances, you can remove most food stains from granite countertops with hydrogen peroxide (30-40%). For an extra cleaning boost, mix the hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to create a paste, as you would for stains from coffee, juice, and such. Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
You will need to make a baking soda poultice (mix a small amount of water with the baking soda until it forms a paste) and a soft bristle brush to do the job. Apply the baking soda paste to the stained areas then scrub it away.
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.
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 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.