How to Shine Granite Counters
Nothing delivers beauty, elegance and class quite like granite countertops. With a gorgeous shine and superior durability, granite counters can improve the look and value of any home. However, as with all natural materials, granite requires special care when cleaning to prevent staining the porous surface of the stone. Fortunately, you don't have to hire a professional to properly clean and shine granite tops, you’ll just need the proper materials and a few minutes of your time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Stone cleaner
- Granite polish
- Soft, cotton cloths
- Water
- Granite sealer if necessary
Instructions
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1
Clean the countertops thoroughly using a stone cleaner that’s specially designed for granite countertops. Mist the cleaner on the counters, let it stand for about a minute and then wipe it up with a soft, cotton cloth.
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2
Spray granite polish on the counter and spread it evenly over the stone.
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3
Let the polish dry for 3 to 4 minutes.
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4
Buff the granite countertop with a clean, soft, cotton cloth until the counter is streak-free and yields a glossy shine.
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5
Test the granite’s finish by pouring a small amount of water onto the countertop. If the water beads up, much as it does on a newly waxed car, you have nothing more to do. If the water seeps into the stone, you’ll need to seal the granite surface to prevent costly damage to the countertop.
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Apply granite sealer. Your granite countertops are prone to a lot of abuse and you should apply a granite sealer at least once per year to prevent dulling and staining of the stone. Work in small sections, apply the sealer and gently wipe it across the surface. Let it stand for five minutes and then apply a second, thinner coat.
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Wait two hours and perform the water test again. Add another coat of sealer if the water doesn’t bead on the surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean up spills immediately to prevent liquid from seeping into the fine pores of the granite.
Never use other household cleaners on your countertops. Abrasive cleaners can cause severe scarring of the granite surface. Always use a cleaner that’s specially designed for stone.
Never use steel wool or anything other than a soft cloth to clean your granite counters.
Never cut anything directly on the granite counter—use a cutting board.
