How To Keep Your Granite Countertops Clean And Shiny

 

When it comes to home surfaces, there are few materials that can rival the beauty of granite and its distinctive shine. Whether its granite countertops, a granite backsplash or any other surface, this natural stone looks magnificent in any home. Many homeowners wonder how granite gets its wonderful shine. This guide will give you the answer to that question, in addition to letting you know how you can help your granite regain that shine if it has become dull.

How Does Granite Shine?

After it is initially polished at a fabrication facility, granite is able to produce a natural shine. This is largely due to the high quartz content present in the stone. The amount of shine you will see from your granite will largely depend on the finish of the stone. If you have a polished finish, you will receive an incredible shine from your granite.

What Else Can Make Your Granite Shine?

There are some steps you can take toward making sure your granite retains its shine or restoring its shine if the stone has begun to dull. These methods are explained in more detail below.

Retaining the Shine

A great way to keep your granite looking shiny and new is to keep up on cleaning. While wiping the surface with mild dish soap, warm water and a paper towel can be effective for a quick cleanup, you will need to use a granite cleaner such as this one to get a deeper, more effective clean.

Never use any common household cleaning products on your granite. This includes cleaners like bleach, Windex, Clorox and vinegar, among many others. Using products such as these can damage your stone, or at the very least, cause it to dull – exactly what you do not want to happen.

Enhancing the Shine

You can further enhance the shine of your granite by polishing it. There are several granite polish products you can find on the market. One of the best is Laticrete StoneTech Polish. Different products work differently. Always read the instructions that come with your specific product.

When you are polishing the countertops, make sure to never use any rough cleaning tools that may scratch the stone. It is recommended that you use a soft cloth (specifically a microfiber cloth) when you are buffing your granite. Always buff in a circular motion and make sure to reach the whole surface.

How Do You Clean Granite Surfaces?

To clean your granite, use granite cleaners like the one mentioned above. As with polishing, never use any abrasive tools to clean your granite surfaces.

What Are Other Ways You Can Keep Your Granite in Great Shape?

By taking some small but important steps, you can not only retain your granite's shine, but keep it as good as new in general. One of these simple yet important steps is sealing. Sealing is key to protecting your granite from hazards such as stains or liquid damage.

How Do You Seal Granite Surfaces?

To seal your granite, you must first select a sealant product. This step will not be difficult, as there are many granite sealers you can find on the market. Some of the best include Laticrete StoneTech BulletProof Sealer and Superior Zero Ultimate Stone Sealer.

Depending on which sealer you choose, you will either need to spread it on the surface using a brush or spray it on if it comes in a spray bottle. Your sealant will come with specific instructions for use, so make sure to follow those guidelines.

Before you can begin sealing the surface, you will need to make sure it is clean first. If it is a countertop, clear off everything that is on the surface and clean it using a granite cleaner. After this, you can begin applying the sealer to your granite. Once it is applied, wait 15 minutes. If you see that all the sealer has absorbed during this time, you will need to apply another coat. When this time is up, wipe off any excess sealer. Finally, you must let your granite countertop or other surface sit without being used for at least 24 hours.

Exercising Caution with Granite

Just because granite countertops and other surfaces are among the toughest material you can have in your home, you still should make an effort to be as cautious as possible with the stone. For example, although granite kitchen countertops are so strong they can damage a knife, it is still in your best interest to use cutting boards when preparing food. Similarly, you should not leave any stains sitting on the surface. By cleaning them up right away, you will prevent a larger issue from occurring.

Why Choose Granite Surfaces for the Home?

There are many reasons why granite is an ideal choice for any home. The natural stone is incredibly beautiful, durable, is easy to care for and will offer you many types to choose from. With all these benefits, it is no wonder why granite is one of the top choices among homeowners. The stone can be used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, backsplashes and many other surfaces, such as fireplace surrounds and outdoor kitchen countertops.

Source: How To Keep Your Granite Countertops Clean And Shiny (https://smithxylismand1967.blogspot.com/2021/11/how-to-keep-your-granite-countertops.html)