Do you wish to restore the luster that your granite countertop had when you newly installed it? Then read on. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why your granite countertop has lost its shine and some simple steps to follow to restore that shine.
Again, this article will look at how to retain that luster on your granite countertops and further emphasize the need to maintain the shine on your granite countertops.
Reasons Why Granite Countertops Lose Their Shine
Before we get to fixing the problem, these are the possible reasons why your granite countertop is not as shiny as it used to be.
1. Irregular Cleaning
If your granite countertops are fairly new but not as shiny as they used to be, the issue may just be that you are not cleaning them regularly. Cleaning and caring for your granite countertop could just be as easy as wiping the dust off it with a damp microfiber cloth. The thin layer of dust or dirt could be why your granite countertop looks dull.
2. Aging
Though granite countertops are very durable, it does not make them immune to age. If you have used your granite countertops for a long time, that could be the reason why they have lost their shine.
With each use, your granite countertops become susceptible to wear and tear, making them not as brand new as they used to be and that includes losing their luster too.
3. Non-maintenance
Apart from not cleaning your granite countertop regularly, not maintaining them can also cause them to lose their shine. Certain instructions need to be adhered to in maintaining your granite countertops.
Among these, is making sure not to cut ingredients directly on your countertop and not placing hot utensils and cooking equipment on it. Doing these will damage your countertop eventually and let it lose its shine.
4. Frequent Use
Let’s say you clean and maintain your granite countertops regularly, then the other reason why they may have lost their shine is due to frequent use. Granite countertops are one of the best countertops for busy kitchens. But nonetheless, if your countertop experience high traffic or usage every single day, it will eventually become dull with time.
5. Cleaning Materials
Some cleaning materials are not appropriate for granite countertops. These include harsh abrasive materials and acidic cleaning solutions, both homemade and commercial ones. Avoid these harsh chemicals and abrasives so you do not risk losing the shine on your granite countertops.
6. Improper Sealing
Granite countertops are meant to be sealed regularly as they are porous by nature. If for some reason, this sealing is not properly done, or not done at all, your granite countertops will lose their shine.
7. Sunlight
If your granite countertops are exposed to direct sunlight, they can cause them to lose their shine. If intense and direct sunlight continues to hit the surface of your granite countertops, they will begin to fade, thereby losing their shine.
Simple Steps To Make Granite Countertop Shine Again
Now that we know what could have caused your granite countertops to lose their shine, let us discuss simple ways to restore that shine.
1. Clean Your Granite Countertop
If the problem is as basic as a film of dust or dirt on your granite countertop:
- Wipe the countertop with a damp microfiber cloth to make it shine again. You can also use a soft sponge with a mild pH-neutral cleaner such as a mild dish soap to clean your granite countertops to restore the luster.
- Then dry the surface with a dry microfiber cloth.
2. Polish Your Granite Countertop
If cleaning your granite countertops does not make them shine again, then you may have to polish them. While there are store-bought granite polishes you can get to do the job, you can also make use of some common products you can find at home.
With the granite polish, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However generally, you will have to do the following:
- First, spray the polish unto the granite surface.
- Allow the polish to sit on the surface according to the time stipulated on the packaging.
- Then, using a clean dry cloth or buffing pad, buff the polish in, in circular motions. This removes excess polish and restores the shine.
- Repeat these steps if necessary to achieve the desired shine on your granite countertops.
Some products you can use to alternatively polish your granite countertops are isopropyl alcohol, oil, and baking soda.
- With isopropyl alcohol, mix it with water. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and apply it on the granite countertop in circular motions. Allow to sit for about five minutes and wipe with a dry cloth.
- Using oil (e.g., olive oil), apply a tiny bit of it onto the granite countertop and buff it, in circular motions using a dry cloth.
- With baking soda, mix with water to form a paste. Then, apply the mixture thinly unto the granite surface. Leave for a few minutes and wipe off with a damp cloth, followed by a dry one.
3. Reseal Your Granite Countertop
If your granite countertop has lost its shine, it just may be time for a reseal. Depending on how frequently you use your granite countertop, it may need to be resealed every year or two. There are several granite sealants on the market, which can be used to do the job with the help of a professional.
How to Retain The Shine Of Granite Countertops
Once you succeed in getting the shine back on your granite countertops, you need to put measures in place to keep that shine.
1. Clean Regularly
Knowing that irregular cleaning can cause the shine on your granite countertops to be lost, to retain the shine, have a cleaning culture. Clean your granite countertop daily with the right cleaning products. Also, clean spills and stains immediately from your granite countertops.
2. Keep Knives And Heat Away
Knives and heat can be destructive to granite countertops. So, chop your ingredients on cutting boards and not directly on your granite countertops. Also, do not place hot utensils and cooking equipment directly on your granite countertops.
Instead, make use of heat-resistant countertop protectors such as racks, trivets, hot pans, and napkins to protect your countertop from the heat, which can cause it to lose its shine.
3. Protect Your Countertop From The Sun
Be sure your granite countertops are not exposed to direct sunlight. You can close the windows or blinds when you realize the sun is hitting your countertop directly.
Importance Of Maintaining The Shine Of Granite Countertops
1. Visual Appeal
Maintaining the shine of your granite countertops is simply beautiful. Shiny granite countertops are appealing to the eye and attractive. Shiny granite countertops always add to the aesthetic of your kitchen.
2. Stain Resistance
Maintaining the shine of granite countertops helps to make them more stain resistant. Granite countertops are porous so in the absence of their shine, it easily absorbs spills, leading to stains. Thus, it is important to maintain the shine of your granite countertops so they can be able to resist stains.
3. Longevity
Maintaining the shine of your granite countertops ensures a longer lifespan. Though granite countertops are known to be durable, making the effort to retain their luster helps to increase their life span so they last longer.
4. Health
Maintaining the shine of your granite countertops can prevent some health issues in your home. When granite countertops lose their shine, they become more porous and can absorb spills easily. When this happens, bacteria can grow and thrive on your countertops. Using the area can lead to food contamination and health issues.
Conclusion
Granite countertops lose their shine with time. When that happens, you will clean the surfaces with pH-neutral cleaners in some cases or polish them in other cases. After restoring the luster, you can maintain the shine by cleaning the surfaces regularly and protecting them from heat and sharp objects. Enjoy using your granite countertop.
