Simple water stains are often the result of condensation from a drinking glass that has been sitting on the countertop for too long. On the other hand, hard water stains are the result of hard water getting into the pores of the stone. Hard water is water that is particularly high in mineral content.
Even if your granite seems extremely smooth to the touch, it is a natural substance, and on a microscopic level it is uneven and full of holes. The porous surface of stone allows water to cling to it and absorb, darkening the appearance.
Prevention: In order to prevent simple water stains and make hard water stains easier to clean up, your granite should always be treated with a high-quality granite sealant. This will prevent the absorption of liquids into the stone surface and help to prevent acidic spills from marring the surface.
While it's not generally wise to use abrasive cleaners on your natural stone countertops, you can safely treat stubborn hard water stains with a paste of baking soda and water. Simply apply it to the affected area and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Oftentimes, water will just dry and evaporate but if it's been left to sit for a long time, it might needs a bit more help. Mild detergent, water and a soft bristled brush is usually enough to remove the spot.
If the granite surface immediately takes in most of the water and develops a dark mark or ring, you need to seal it once every few months. If it takes a few minutes for your stone countertop to soak up all the water, you only need to seal it once every year or two.
Hard water is very “hard” on marble and granite. Both stones are porous and can absorb water. This makes them very susceptible to the mineral deposits in hard water. This mineral build-up leaves a whitish, crusty film and or spots, that stain granite and marble.
The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.
Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back. High mineral content in your water (hard water) can also result in a dulling buildup on your countertops. Most soap film removers will do the job, but you can also find combination soap buildup/mineral deposit removers that can tackle both problems.
Many professionals recommend sealing granite countertops at least once each year. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal the granite even more frequently. This used to be the advice from stone professionals over the years.
Yes, you can overseal granite. If the granite doesn't need sealer it won't absorb it and it will pool and dry on top of the granite. It's possible that you already have too much sealer and that's why you're having a problem cleaning.
What Happens If You Don't Seal Granite Countertops? If you don't use a granite sealer on your countertops (or you wait too long before resealing granite countertops), they will: Absorb food, grease, and liquids — causing set-in stains on your countertop. Absorb water — making the countertop always look dirty.
Sealing granite is a relatively simple process and can be done by a professional or by homeowners. Before sealing, it is important to know the makeup of your stone, so check with your fabricator and/or installation documentation to make sure you select the correct product and sealing process.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Often a microfiber cleaning cloth, even a dry one, is all that is needed for basic cleaning. For times when spills or daily life happen, try to wipe down the granite countertop daily or as needed using only water.
Granite countertops should last you at least 10-15 years if maintained well. While you can take steps daily to prolong the life of your granite; some professional help is needed to restore and refinish in order to ensure your granite surfaces last as long as possible.
Granite is one of the strongest materials on Earth, so is it really necessary to seal granite countertops? Absolutely! Granite that has not been properly sealed can store germs and moisture – things you don't want on your food preparation surfaces.
Try creating a baking soda solution to take care of tough stains on your granite. If the stain is water based, use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. If your stain is oil based, use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste. Spread your paste over the stained area and let sit for several hours.
Ubatuba granite most often does not need sealing because it is typically a very dense, low-absorbency stone that is naturally stain-resistant.
Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house! Also, avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the stone.
As a general rule, you can use your granite again right away after sealing, but only if you have buffed the sealer into the stone without letting it dry on the surface. The surface will need to stay dry for at least 24 hours before polishing the stone, but the countertops can be used two hours after sealing.
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.
Cleaning Granite With Windex
Windex can be used safely on granite just as it can be used on a glass surface. Spray a light mist of Windex onto the granite countertop, and wipe off with a dry cleaning rag.
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.