How Do I Get My Granite Countertops To Shine?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

How do I clean a cloudy granite countertop?

Homemade Cleaner with Liquid Dish Detergent

The minerals in hard water can leave streaks or build-up on the slick stone surface, which means the granite looks cloudy.

Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap to 1 gallon of warm water and mix until suds form

. This can be used daily without harming the granite countertop.

How do you bring the shine back to granite?

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.

How do you fix dull granite?

  1. Use Polishing Powder. If your granite countertop’s dullness is due to light, surface etching, granite-polishing powder may be able to remove it. …
  2. Treat with Acetone. …
  3. Reseal. …
  4. Refinish.

Why is my granite not shiny?

Experts also note that

the dullness of your granite may simply be from soap buildup

. If you believe that may be the case, try a soap film remover or a combination soap film and mineral buildup remover. If that step doesn’t restore the shine, you need to give the surfaces a good polish.

Why does my granite countertop look cloudy?

Film on granite countertops that is often described as “cloudy” is usually

due to lapses in maintenance or improper technique with your cleaning materials or application

.

Can Clorox wipes be used 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.

Can I use car polish on granite?

Re: Bizzare Question: can you use auto polish on Granite Worktops.

Yes you can

…it would probably remove the water spots, not nearly aggressive enough to repair any defects in the granite.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite?

Dish soap won’t permanently damage your granite, but repeated use of soapy water will cause build-up (yes, even if you rinse) and dull your countertop’s shine. So,

regularly using dish soap for cleaning granite countertops is not recommended

.

What is the best homemade cleaner for granite?

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.

Can granite be restored?

Restoration and refinishing granite countertops will remove

stains

, scratches, and etch marks and restore the lustre of dulling granite countertops. … Polishing is a process where a high-quality granite polishing compound and buffing pad brings the granite countertop restoration to a beautiful finish.

How do you polish old granite countertops?

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.

How often should you polish granite countertops?

Most granite surfaces require polishing

every five to 15 years

, depending on the traffic or use they receive. Of course, polished granite must then be sealed to protect it from stains and other harmful issues, and that process is covered below.

Does granite sealer make it shine?


A sealer will not polish granite or make it shine

.

Standard impregnating sealers absorb into the stone and do not affect the color or surface finish, so you can rule out applying a granite sealer. Granite and marble polishing (or polishing any stone to a shine) is done on big machines using intense friction.

Are all granite countertops shiny?

Just FYI… granite countertops can have other types of finishes as well.

Not all are a shiny “polished” finish

. You can have a non-reflective matte finish called a “honed” finish or various other types such as: leathered, flamed, hammered, brushed, etc.

How do you remove haze from granite?

Generally, over time the haze goes away after you wipe down your counters as you clean periodically. But if you want to act now, try

using a damp towel followed by a dry towel

to remove the haze. If that doesn’t work, a mixture of dish soap and water applied with a microfiber cloth should clean it up.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.