Full Answer
Should you refinish granite countertops?
Should You Repair, Refinish, or Replace Granite Countertops?
- Resealing. You can find out if resealing your granite countertops is a possible solution by testing the surface.
- Repairing. Repairing granite countertops is another option if they have numerous scratches, chips and cracks on the surface making it look less than attractive.
- Refinishing. ...
- Replacing. ...
What is the best way to clean granite countertops?
Ways to Clean Granite
- Performing Everyday Granite Cleaning and Maintenance. ...
- Granite Cleaning and Disinfecting with Rubbing Alcohol. ...
- Removing Tough Stains from a Granite Countertop. ...
- Basic Granite Tile Floor Cleaning with Mild Dish Soap. ...
- Avoiding Common Mistakes with Granite. ...
Can you replace granite countertops without damaging cabinets?
You can remove your granite countertops without causing any damage to your cabinets, however, you have to do this carefully as the granite is heavy and will easily dent or scratch anything it accidentally hits. But if you remove the countertops carefully, you should steer clear of any resulting damage to the nearby structures.
How to resurface granite countertops?
Using a Granite Resurfacing Kit
- Apply a generous amount of scrubbing compound and work it into the stone with an abrasive pad, such as a kitchen scrubber or a fine steel wool pad. ...
- Spray the crystallizer on the granite and work it around with a microfiber cloth.
- Apply the sealer by pouring a generous amount on the countertop and spreading with a scrubbing pad, not a cloth. ...
Is it OK to wax granite countertops?
For granite countertops, use only waxing products that are specifically designed for granite. Do not attempt to use car wax, as it will not properly complete the job. For lighter granite countertops, use a clear wax product. For darker granite countertops, you can use a black wax.
What is the best wax for granite?
Rock Doctor Granite and Quartz Polish is the best polishing agent for granite and other natural stone surfaces. If you are looking for a product that both keeps your granite's glossy finish intact and protects the stone from moisture, look no further than the Rock Doctor Granite and Quartz Polish.
Can I use Turtle Wax on granite countertops?
You can use turtle wax to polish your granite counter tops. Diy countertops, Cheap countertops, Diy butcher block counter.
Should I polish my granite countertops?
Polish regularly In short, yes, it is very important to polish your granite countertops and other natural-stone surfaces. Natural stone is an investment, and you want it to last a long time.
How do I get my dull granite to shine again?
If you're lucky, the dullness on your granite countertops is simply the buildup of soap film. Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. It's an easy fix, though. Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back.
How do you make granite countertops shine?
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.
What should you not put on a granite countertop?
Rock Doctor suggests that you avoid the following on your granite countertops:Ammonia.Bleach.Vinegar.Grout cleaners.Bath tile cleaners.Orange, lemon, or other citrus cleaners.Glass cleaners.Hydrogen peroxide.More items...•
What do you polish granite countertops with?
Granite Polishing Cream: Most granite cream polish is designed specifically for countertops. It contains the type of light abrasives best suited to the rich stone Going Granite uses to manufacture fabricate premium finished granite. One of the top products in this category is MB-20 Stone Granite Polishing Cream.
How do you maintain granite countertops?
When your granite countertop is properly sealed, daily care is a breeze. Just use a soft cloth to dust the surface, or wipe it down with plain water or a mild soap. If your countertop needs extra cleaning, use a specially-formulated stone cleaner with a neutral pH. Never use abrasive cleansers or harsh chemicals.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite?
Luckily, everything you'll need to clean your hard surfaces can already be found in your home: Concentrated dish soap that's tough on stains and grease while staying gentle on stainless steel, granite, and glassware, like Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray. Soft cloth and sponge. Water.
How often should you seal a granite countertop?
Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule. How Often Do You Need To Seal Granite? Granite is a unique and natural material that is extremely durable, resistant to high temperatures, and easy to clean.
How often should you seal and polish 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.
Can I use ceramic wax on granite?
Ceramic coating for granite countertops can make cleaning your home easier. The application forms a protective barrier that prevents grime and other contaminants from sticking to surfaces. The hydrophobic properties in ceramic coating bead up food grime and spills to make it easy to simply wipe them away.
What kind of polish can I use on granite?
MB-20 granite polishing cream is an excellent choice for the entire spectrum of granite hues from light to nearly black. Most countertop pros use MB-20 cream on a hog's hair pad or similar material for buffing.
What's the best way to polish granite?
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.
Is BEESWAX good for granite countertops?
Natural BEESWAX seals concrete, granite and other porous materials used for countertops from water, food stains and bacteria. Also for metal tops such as zinc and copper. Best sealer for wood tops and chopping blocks.
What is the best way to clean granite countertops?
A quick spray and wipe of the main areas of use with a good granite counter cleaner like this Granite & Marble Spray Cleaner are sufficient to clean, disinfect and protect your countertops, and provide a streak-free shine.
Why use a granite cleaner?
Using a specific granite cleaner also serves to condition the stone, protect the sealer, and help maintain its overall luster. Of course, this process is much easier if you reduce the clutter on countertops and maintain an organized kitchen.
Why is my granite chalky?
The problem here is that the dye can cause the granite to have an etching or discoloration issue where acidic foods, drinks, or cleaners create dull, chalky spots on the granite. Actually, in the dye.
Why does granite have a pit?
Pits and chips in granite countertops can occur when small bits of minerals come loose or are knocked out via an impact. Most often this happens around the sink. Some granites never get pits and others may chip or pit easily. So, you may never see a pit in your granite countertop, or you may have many over the years.
Why do you need to reseal granite?
You will likely know anyway that resealing is needed when you start to notice that water around the sink darkens the stone; this is a sign that the granite is beginning to absorb the water.
How to keep stone looking good?
The easiest way to keep your stone looking great is to avoid bad habits that may damage it. Granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, quartz countertops and other solid surfaces like these are similar in many ways, but their differences require varying degrees of maintenance.
Can granite scratch a countertop?
Grit that gets trapped between the pot and the countertop surface may scratch the surface--even granite countertops. Granite is very hard and durable and can take tons of abuse without any significant damage, but it can develop light surface scratches or pitting in high-use areas around the sink and cooktop.
Why do you seal granite countertops?
Sealing and re-sealing your granite countertops protects them against spills and stains, and helps retain their beauty and value for years to come.
How to check if granite is sealed?
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to check: Just do the water test! Sprinkle a few drops of water on your countertop and see what happens. If the water beads up, then your seal is probably doing just fine. However, if the water seeps in and darkens the granite, it’s time to re-seal.
How long does it take for granite to dry?
After letting your granite sealer dry for 30 minutes, you may want to perform the water test again, especially the first few times you re-seal your granite, until you get the hang of it. The water test can help make sure that your granite is properly sealed and that you didn’t miss any spots.
Does granite hold its value?
Because granite is so durable, it can continue to hold its value for years to come, if it’s properly cared for. Fortunately, the care and cleaning of granite countertops is easy when you have the right tools. That’s where Rock Doctor’s line of specially formulated stone care products come in.
Can you use soap and water on granite countertops?
Fortunately, cleaning granite countertops is a relatively straightforward process, so long as you have the proper tools. While some homeowners may use soap and water on their countertops, it is recommended that you use a product specially formulated for cleaning granite countertops and other natural stone surfaces.
Is granite a natural stone?
Granite is an incredibly tough and durable substance, but it is still a natural stone, which means that it is relatively porous and susceptible to staining if it isn’t kept clean and properly sealed and polished.
Is granite a good countertop?
Granite countertops are more than just a beautiful and functional addition to your kitchen—they’re an investment. Granite countertops add value to your home, and beauty and warmth to your kitchen. Because granite is so durable, it can continue to hold its value for years to come, if it’s properly cared for. Fortunately, the care and cleaning of granite countertops is easy when you have the right tools. That’s where Rock Doctor’s line of specially formulated stone care products come in. Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner makes cleaning granite countertops easy, while Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Polish and Granite & Stone Sealer do the same for polishing and sealing. All are free from harmful additives, and all of them are available at your local hardware stores for your convenience.
What Can You Use To Clean Granite Countertops?
There are actually two different things to consider when it comes to cleaning your granite countertops. You need to think about the product you’re using, as well as the tools you are using.
How To Clean Granite Countertops Correctly
There is more to cleaning your granite countertops than simply following the advice found on the side of a commercial cleaning product. It requires that you care for the granite so that it lasts for the long term.
Can You Use Alcohol To Clean Granite Countertops?
Rubbing alcohol is a natural cleaner that we may use in various areas of the home. It both cleans and disinfects, but is it safe for use on your granite countertop?
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Granite Countertops?
Out of all of the different natural cleaning products we hear about, vinegar is at the top of the list. They use it for almost everything but should you be using it on granite countertops?
Can You Use Bleach To Clean Granite Countertops?
We know that bleach is an excellent cleaner when mold and mildew are a problem. We sometimes use it around the home because it is so effective but should we be putting it on our granite countertops?
Can You Use Acetone To Clean Granite Countertops?
Acetone is a product that can remove paint from surfaces. It wears down the paint easily, so can we use it to spot clean our granite countertops?
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Granite Countertops?
Hydrogen peroxide is a cleaner and disinfectant that many of us have around the home. Should you be using it on granite to keep it clean and disinfected?
Importance of Polishing Granite Countertops
Polishing granite surfaces is important because it keeps the countertops in great shape. Polishing also helps them in maintaining a “new” look. The stone gets a glossy shine after polishing which enhances its aesthetic appeal. Polished granite countertops never go out of style.
How to Polish Granite Countertops?
Before you, polish granite countertops, make sure they’re clean. You can use a granite counter cleaner or any other cleaning agent to get rid of any dirt, spots, or marks from your countertop. Once you have a clean surface, you can polish the countertops. For better results, you can use a sealer before polishing granite countertops.
1. Soap and water
First, and if it’s a new wax spill that hasn’t settled yet, try using regular soap and water. Mix a solution of warm clean water with mild soap and soak the spill or drips of wax with a soft clean microfibre cloth and the soap water mix. Rub the area and rinse away any soapy residue with clean water.
2. The ice cube method
Place ice cubes in a bag over the hardened wax for 5 minutes. Remove the ice and use a plastic scraper to chip away the wax. You can repeat this until all the wax is removed from the surface.
3. Commercial cleaner
For discoloration and stains left by hardened wax, you can try a commercial cleaner specifically made for granite. Spritz the spray over the oily residue and use a soft clean microfiber cloth to gently rub the spill in circular motions. The cleaner should pick up the oily residue.
Precautions when cleaning wax off a granite countertop
Precautions you should take when cleaning wax off granite countertops include never using hot water or strong chemicals, removing jewellery before cleaning, and removing any burning candles from the area. It’s best to take these precautions to prevent damage to your granite and for your safety.
How to prevent candle wax from falling on your countertop
You can prevent candle wax from falling onto your countertop by freezing your candles before use, dipping them in a saltwater solution, or using drip-proof candleholders. Freezing candles and dipping them in saltwater prevent them from dripping as much and drip-proof candleholders catch the drips.
How Should You Clean Your Granite Countertops?
So, what is best to clean granite countertops with? Instead of using harsh chemicals and improper cleaners, opt for a trusted granite cleaning brand: Rock Doctor. Rock Doctor makes a variety of granite care products, including a cleaner and sealer.
What is the best product to clean granite countertops?
Rock Doctor makes a variety of granite care products, including a cleaner and sealer. Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Cleaner can help you keep your granite countertops clean without causing any damage to the sealer or stone. This granite cleaner is non-abrasive and leaves behind a light clean, fresh scent.
How to prevent scratches on countertops?
To prevent dust and dirt particles from scratching your countertops, use a microfiber cloth to remove debris from your countertops before applying any cleaning solution. 2. Avoid using soap. While soap isn’t going to damage the sealant or stone, it does leave a filmy residue behind on your countertops.
Can bleach be used on granite countertops?
Bleach, as mentioned above, can cause damage to granite countertops, so this cleaner isn’t recommended for use either. The fragrances used in this cleaner can also cause the sealant on your countertops to wear. 5. Disinfecting Wipes.
Can bleach be used on granite?
Bleach can be extremely harsh on granite sealers. Not only can bleach degrade the sealant on your countertops, but it can also lead to staining because granite is porous.
Can you use cleaners on granite?
These cleaners or any cleaners containing these ingredients can strip the sealer from granite. Once the sealer is gone, the cleaners can seep into your granite and cause damage to the stone. Many of these ingredients can dull the stone.
Does Windex damage 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.
How to polish a countertop?
Apply the polish to your countertop by using the directions provided on the packaging. Then, use a clean, non-abrasive cloth to buff your countertop, using broad, circular motions. Rinse the polish off according to the directions. Making and Using Your Own Polish. Make your own polish with baking soda and warm water.
How to clean a countertop with soap and water?
Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solution to use by combining an all-natural liquid soap and warm water. Put a few squirts of soap in an empty spray bottle, and fill the rest with water. Then, seal and shake the bottle, and use this mixture to clean your countertop by following the directions above.
Can you polish granite countertops?
Granite countertops are expensive, so the last thing you want to see on your countertops are scratches and scuffs. However, you shouldn' t worry. Granite is actually one of the easiest stones to polish. With the aid of a few household tools and some time, you can polish your countertop to be smooth again in no time.
What are the benefits of granite countertops?
1. Working With Raw Meat. One of the biggest benefits of stone countertops like granite is that they keep bacteria away better than materials like tile where the grout would soak up bacteria, dirt, and germs.
What makes granite so hard?
6. Sitting or Standing On the Countertop. Granite is a natural rock, which makes it tough but it also means there are fissures, striations, and veins. These are part of what makes granite a beautiful stone, but these are also points of vulnerability.
How to clean up a spill on granite?
If a spill sits for too long it can etch away at the seal on the granite, opening it up to stains and further damage. Clean up spills with hot soapy water or approved granite cleaner.
Can you use granite as a cutting board?
Yes, granite is a hard stone that can stand up well to sharp objects. But that doesn’t mean you should use your granite countertop as a cutting board. As we mentioned with the raw meat, cleaning up after food prep with harsh cleaners can cause more issues for your stone. Plus, the stone will end up dulling and chipping your knives.
Can you use vinegar on granite countertops?
No, we’re not talking about some crazy science experiment with acid, we’re referring to the acidic nature of some foods. Vinegar, citrus fruits, soft drinks, and products like lotion, nail polish, and perfuse can eat away at the surface and seal on your granite. These items may stain your countertop permanently. Be sure to use cutting boards, coasters, and clean up any spills right away.
Can you put hot pans on granite?
Putting Hot Pans Directly On It. Granite is an igneous rock, so it can handle the heat from hot pots and pans. Briefly placing a hot item on it won’t hurt it. However, it’s the sealants that get weakened by excessive heat. And it’s the sealants that protect your stone from stains.
Does raw meat hurt granite?
Working with raw meat on granite won’t necessarily hurt the stone, but it might hurt you if it ends up on another food item. The issue with granite is that it’s not great to use harsh chemicals to clean and this is what most people tend to do after using raw meat.
