Granite slabs can become rough for several reasons, ranging from a low-quality stone selection to improper sealing or a lot of wear and tear. But that roughness doesn't have to stick around.
Any typical oil will work, for example vegetable or olive oil. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft, clean cloth, and buff the granite using circular motions. Don't forget to polish the edges of your counter! Oil will give your granite a nice shine, and also help it repel water.
Poor quality granite slabs may have rough patches and simply not feel smooth as glass. These surfaces cannot be polished to create the desired glassy smooth texture. Some granites form pits due to the fact that granite itself is made up of grains which have the potential of popping out.
Maybe your granite does have some slight etching that's making it appear dull. Grease stains or mild etching from acids in foods over time can make your countertops less shiny. You might need a polishing powder. Buy a polishing powder designed for natural stone countertops.
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.
The only solution we have found to have a long-term, positive effect for our customers is to apply a clear acrylic resin to the edges of the countertops. This clear acrylic resin is thin enough to fill in the voids of the granite and smooth out some of the rough spots.
Vinegar is made up of acids that can severely harm your granite. Even if it is diluted, vinegar may still leave acids on your granite countertops. This can cause your natural stone countertops to etch. You can tell that your granite countertops have begun to etch by seeing a small ring or some sign of a watermark.
Don't use harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing tools: Stick with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth. 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!
Additionally, applying a stone polish to granite will create a glossy finish. Rock Doctor's Granite and Quartz Polish are ideal for creating the glossy look that most homeowners want from their granite countertops. When applied frequently, a granite polish will help keep granite countertops glossy.
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.
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.
Gritty or sandy granite is usually just a slab that was not well-formed geologically and the grains are constantly coming loose. Finishing / polishing the slab does not magically hold the grains in place. It just smoothes the surface. The only potential solution to this is to apply a permanent topical coating.
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.
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.
Resealing granite prevents permanent damage to the stone and restores the original, factory shine. There are many sealers to choose from, but your granite countertops retailer should recommend the best product for your exact variety of stone.
Bar Keeper's Friend is a reliable choice for cleaning around the kitchen and home. The granite cleaner and polish kit comes with a spray formula and a microfiber cloth so you can get the best shine. It is safe for granite, quartz, silestone, and soapstone, and won't scratch delicate surfaces, even with daily use.
A water and isopropyl alcohol solution is an excellent choice for shining and disinfecting even the dirtiest surfaces. An effective solution contains equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol. Simply mix the ingredients together and spray them onto the granite surface.
Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
Scrub the Surface
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. 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.
Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and warm water in a bowl until there is a thick paste. Though commonly used as a wound disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on your granite tops. A solution of hydrogen peroxide removes stains without bleaching or discoloring your countertops.
Acids – Do not use cleaners with vinegar, lemon juice or ammonia on your countertops. These cleaners contain acids that will diminish the seal on your granite.