Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by David Liu. David Liu is a Residential Cleaning Expert at Anita’s Housekeeping Referral Agency. Since 1994, Anita's has been connecting homeowners, renters, and property managers with experienced cleaning professionals who offer deep cleaning, green cleaning, general housekeeping, maid services, post-construction cleaning, and window cleaning. David holds a BS from Carnegie Mellon and an MBA from INSEAD.
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Granite is a popular choice for many homes, whether it’s a kitchen countertop, a bathroom vanity, or the foyer floor. Not only is it very durable, it’s gorgeous and effortlessly elegant. Enhance the stone’s natural beauty and make it last longer by polishing it regularly and taking the right measures to protect it from everyday wear and tear.
Steps
Select a granite-safe polish. General polishes may damage the surface if they contain ammonia, bleach, or vinegar.[1]- You can buy wet or dry polish. Dry powder (which you mix with water) can be better at removing scratches and is less expensive.[2]
- Don't use any harsh chemicals or products to polish your granite.
Clean the granite with warm water and dish soap. Using a dish cloth, gently wipe the stone to remove dirt or debris. Use a mild pH-neutral dish soap without ammonia or bleach. Harsh chemicals could strip away sealant.[3]- Always clean the granite's surface before you start polishing it.
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Spray granite polish or cleaner over the entire area. Soap is good for cleaning but can leave granite looking dull so a stone-specific polish will restore shine. Never use a gritty or coarse product as this might scratch the surface or eat at the sealant.[4]- Less is more. Only use the recommended amount of polish (read the box as using too much will leave a dull residue.
- A thorough cleaning should be done once a week to make your stone sparkle.[5]
Dry the granite completely. Leaving product or water on the surface can cause streaks or stains.[6] Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away excess liquid.
Buff with a dry microfiber towel. A microfiber cloth contains tiny split fibers that make it more absorbent than cotton, meaning it will soak up leftover residue instead of just smearing it around.[7] Rub in small circles with firm pressure.
Check to see if your granite needs to be resealed. To do this, put a few drops of water on your countertop. If it leaves a watermark or soaks into the stone, you should seal your granite.[8]- You should seal granite after polishing for best results.[9]
Mix rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Pour 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of rubbing alcohol into a 16 oz (450 g) bottle, then add a few drops of dish soap. Fill the rest of the bottle with water.[10] Shake to combine.
Spray the polish on your granite. Make sure you've cleaned any spills or sticky residue off the surface with a damp cloth before spraying or it won't be as effective.[14]
Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. You don't need to rinse with water - simply buff the area with a soft microfiber towel, making sure not to leave excess cleaner on the granite.[15]
Shape the edges with a power sander. Use a 40 or 60 grit sandpaper disc to even out the edges. A finer grit sandpaper (like 120 or 150 grit) will work if the edges just need minor shaping.[16]- Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses to protect yourself when using a power sander.
Wipe the edges with a damp cloth. This will remove any debris or particles left over from the sanding.
Continue sanding with a finer grit sandpaper. Once your edges are shaped, you'll want to use a small 600 grit sandpaper to put on the finishing touches and smooth out the texture.[17]
Apply polishing spray to the granite. Use a microfiber towel to buff into the surface and dry. Granite typically takes at least 12 hours to dry completely.[18]
Seal the edges. This will protect the granite and make it easier to clean.[19] When sealing granite, keep in mind that the edges will often require 2 applications of sealant.[20]
Seal your granite once a year. Unsealed stone is more vulnerable to stains. In areas that get used a lot or are exposed to water frequently (like around a sink), have a professional reseal the granite annually.- Sealant in lower-use areas can last up to 10 years if cared for properly.[21]
Use coasters or placemats for food and drinks. Letting food that has dyes or oils in it sit on granite will often cause stains.[22] Always use a cutting board when cooking, too, instead of placing food directly on the counter.- Heat can also harm granite so don't put hot pots or pans directly on the stone. Use a trivet or hot pad.
- If you have granite floors, lay down some rugs to minimize grit being etched into the stone from being walked on.
Wipe down granite daily. It’s not necessary to use a cleaner on your stone every day but simply wiping it with a dry cloth can remove grime and any spills, avoiding permanent stains or scratches.[23]- Vacuum floors often, as well. Make sure your vacuum isn't dragging on the surface or scratching it.
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
- Never use vinegar or citrus cleaners on granite. The acid in these can erode the sealant or cause discoloration.[24]Thanks
- Granite floors can be cleaned or resealed but should never be polished. This will make them very slippery and increase the chances of falling.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/polish-granite-countertops/
- ↑ https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/polish-granite-countertops/
- ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/homemade-granite-cleaner
- ↑ http://usenaturalstone.org/caring-for-granite/
- ↑ http://usenaturalstone.org/caring-for-granite/
- ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/how-to-clean-granite-countertops/
- ↑ https://www.theartofcleanliness.com/automotive/the-ultimate-guide-to-microfiber/
- ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/how-to-clean-granite-countertops/
- ↑ https://countertopguides.com/guides/polish-granite-restore-factory-shine.html
- ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/homemade-granite-cleaner
- ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/diy-granite-cleaner-recipe/
- ↑ https://rootandrevel.com/diy-natural-granite-cleaner/
- ↑ https://cleanmama.com/diy-cleaners-marble-granite-cleaning-spray/
- ↑ https://www.thisgrandmaisfun.com/diy-granite-cleaner/
- ↑ https://cleanmama.com/diy-cleaners-marble-granite-cleaning-spray/
- ↑ https://homequicks.com/how-to-polish-granite
- ↑ https://homequicks.com/how-to-polish-granite
- ↑ http://stonecare.com/Caring-for-Stone/Sealing
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDrKudzK0WI
- ↑ http://stonecare.com/Caring-for-Stone/Sealing
- ↑ http://usenaturalstone.org/caring-for-granite/
- ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/how-to-clean-granite-countertops/
- ↑ https://www.cmmonline.com/articles/tips-on-how-to-clean-granite-countertops-and-surfaces
- ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/homemade-granite-cleaner
About This Article
To polish granite, look for a product that doesn’t contain ammonia, bleach, or vinegar, since these ingredients can damage the surface of your granite. Alternatively, make your own polish by mixing ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol with a few drops of dish soap and 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Start by cleaning your granite surfaces with dish soap and a clean cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris. Then, spray your granite polish onto the surface to restore its shine. Once you’ve polished your granite, dry it with a paper towel or microfiber cloth, since any leftover moisture can cause streaks or stains. Clean your granite surfaces once a week to keep them sparkling. For more tips, including how to seal cracks in your granite surface, read on!
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