Granite countertops stand up well to heavy use. ... However, granite is porous. Food and liquids left to sit too long can stain the granite and change its color , especially if the countertops haven’t been properly sealed.
How do you restore darkened granite?
- Apply a small amount of baby oil to a clean white rag.
- Rub it over the lighter spot (or a portion thereof). ...
- If the oil darkens the counter and you like the look, use Stone Color Enhancer to make it permanent.
- First, make sure the area is clean and free from debris or residue.
Does granite darken over time?
Over time (usually in excess of one year), improper cleaning (such as not completely removing food and beverage spills or residue contained in smoke from cooking) attacks the granite’s color and clarity. As a result, the granite’s surface becomes much darker in color compared than when it was new .
How do you brighten a granite countertop?
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. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine. Even if you know how to clean countertops correctly, your granite will need to be resealed periodically.
Should granite get darker when wet?
If you just had granite countertops installed, or you’ve moved into a new home with existing countertops, you might notice that your granite changes color when it gets wet . All stones are different, and some are more likely to darken upon contact with liquids than others.
Why is my granite discoloration?
Over time (usually in excess of one year), improper cleaning (such as not completely removing food and beverage spills or residue contained in smoke from cooking) attacks the granite’s color and clarity. As a result, the granite’s surface becomes much darker in color compared than when it was new .
Why is my granite turning dark?
When water or another liquid is left on top of the granite, small amounts of it seep into the stone through its many pores. When the surface spill of water is wiped away , the stone appears darker where the water was standing.
Can you ruin granite countertops?
Can granite be damaged? Even though granite is one of the most durable naturally occurring materials and is almost indestructible, granite countertops can be damaged . The good thing is that most forms of damage are the result of mistakes that can be avoided.
Does water ruin granite?
So can water ruin granite? No , but it can discolor it so you want to be cautious with especially hard water on your granite countertops.
What do you do if you don’t like granite countertops?
If you don’t know, honing just means that the shine is removed, revealing a matte surface. We can use the honing technique on many different surfaces, the most popular being marble and quartz. Honing your granite is a great way to bring it up to date without actually having to replace your very costly countertops.
Can I use Clorox wipes on granite?
You should avoid using acid-based cleaners — lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach-based — on granite. ... That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite’s seal.
Is rubbing alcohol safe for granite countertops?
A well-sealed granite countertop is relatively impervious to bacteria. Hot water and dish soap should be adequate for daily sanitizing. However, if a disinfectant is desired, reach for a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol .
Can you use Windex on granite?
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. Windex can strip the sealer off of your granite countertops, leaving the granite susceptible to staining and other damage.
What happens if you don’t seal granite?
When granite and other types of natural stone are properly sealed, they repel liquids and prevent them from permeating into the stone. ... Without sealing, water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, some small, some large, giving your stone a perpetually dirty appearance.
How often should you seal granite?
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.
Does sealer darken granite?
Sealing granite countertops should be done with a completely clean and very dry surface, so you don’t seal in any water or moisture. ... A “color-enhancing” sealer will darken the color , but they wouldn’t be applying a color-enhancing granite sealer in this case.
